The general sequence of orders will be based on that adopted by Professors Engler and Prantl in their 

 "Naturliche Pflanzenfamilien," now approaching completion, and the work will be divided into seventeen 

 volumes, as indicated by the enclosed scheme, and issued in parts averaging about 100 pages each. About 

 five of these parts will constitute each volume. 



No illustration is contemplated, but copious references to published plates and figures will be made a 

 feature. In addition to the technical characterizations, chapters dealing with the economic, palseontologic 

 and horticultural aspects of each order will be appended. Especial attention will be given to the verification 

 of original descriptions, to the examination of type specimens, to the citation of type localities and to geo- 

 graphical distribution. 



No attempt will be made to treat the groups consecutively, but the sequence of orders being tentatively 

 established in advance, and the number of genera and species being approximately known, it is possible to 

 print parts of all the volumes, or of as many of them as is desired at about the same time. It is hoped that 

 five or six parts can be issued annually, beginning in 1895. Several parts are already in preparation. 



Each monographer will be responsible for his own matter, the only restrictions placed on contributors 

 being that they conform to a general style, and to principles of nomenclature and citation, and that descrip- 

 tions be extended only to an average limit of a certain number of words, this number to be hereafter deter- 

 mined. The treatment of these matters will be indicated by sample sheets which will be submitted at an 

 early date. It is expected that an approximately uniform consideration of species can be secured. 



The editors believe that by prosecuting the work in the manner above indicated, it will be possible to 

 produce a complete Systematic Botany of the country within fifteen years. They fully realize the imprac- 

 ticability of such a task being accomplished by a few students only, and earnestly desire the aid and support 

 of all American Botanists. They request your cooperation, ask that you send a reply to this letter to the 

 undersigned, and will welcome any suggestions that you may be pleased to make. 



For the Board of Editors, 



