PREFACE vii 



All photographs, unless marked otherwise, are by the 

 author and unpublished. The list of the other contributors 

 will be found in the index. 



We take this opportunity of extending our thanks to 

 all who have assisted in the production of the book. 

 The authorities at Kew and at Dahlem (Berlin), our friend 

 the late Dr H. Bolus, his niece Mrs Frank Bolus 

 and the Rev. Dr F. C. Kolbe have given us valuable 

 help and advice; Dr J. Medley Wood of Durban, 

 Miss Alice Pegler of Kentani and Mr J. L. Drege of 

 Port Elizabeth have contributed rare plants that were not 

 otherwise obtainable ; Professor L. Diels of the University 

 of Marburg has helped in the construction of the keys for 

 a large number of families, and Mr Spencer Moore of the 

 British Museum has superintended the printing and 

 binding. 



We hope that by the combined efforts of all, the 

 book has been made not only instructive but also at- 

 tractive, and that it may be the means of spreading 

 knowledge and a love of nature among the generation 

 which is growing up in South Africa, thus creating a 

 deeper interest in the country whose welfare is dear to all 

 of us. 



R. MARLOTH. 



Cape Town, 

 July 1 9 1 3 



