EXPLANATORY REMARKS. 



IN the following Catalogue, I have chosen the Linnrean Sexual mode of arrange-' 

 ment, in preference to the alphabetical, or any other; because it appears the most 

 convenient for those who have a knowledge of that system ; and for those who have 

 not, an Index will obviate every difficulty* 



That we ought to adopt the Linnaan names-only, must appear evident to every 

 one on the slightest reflection; particularly here in India, where the number of well 

 established, or applicable English names bears so very small a proportion to Ilia 

 whole. Many of the former are become, by long use, perfectly familiar to our ears; 

 such as Geranium, Narcissus, Convolvulus, Ranunculus, &c,.-&c, and no doubt prac* 

 tice will in time make the whole equally so* 



All the nations of Europe know well the advantages tliey derive from the general 

 knowledge of the same figures, or characters in Arithmetic, Chemistry, &c. &c. 

 Botanists, particularly those who are not masters of the science, must derive equal 

 advantages from a general knowledge of one universal nomenclature; I will there- 

 fore endeavour to contribute my mite, to render a more general communication of 

 Botanic knowledge less difficult, by omitting, in this Catalogue, the usual column 

 for English names, and consign the few used, to that appropriated for the Asiatic 

 names ; such as the Sanskrit, Hindooslani, Bungali, Tamul, Telinga, &c. &e. pro- 

 vincial, or vernacular names, whenever they can.be ascertained with any tolerable 

 degree of certainty. I say with any tolerable degree of certainty ; for the natives- 

 of India, even the more learned, particularly in Bengal, do not always agree, except 

 when the plant is particularly conspicuous for some peculiar quality, use, or habit. 



With the view of compressing this catalogue into as small a size as, could conve- 

 niently be done; and at the same time conveying as much information as can well be 

 expected from a catalogue; more abbreviations, or characters, have been employed 

 than are usual in Botanical publications. 



