PREFACE TO THE 
EDITION 
EIGHTH 
In thi.s work it lias been the Author's wish to adopt in all 
cases those names which have the claim of priority, unless 
good cause should be shown for a contrary proceeding ; and 
with this object he has carefully examined nearly all the 
best European Floras, comparing our plants with the descrip- 
tions contained in them, and in most cases with foreign 
specimens of undoubted authenticity. In the adoption of 
genera and species an endeavour has been made, by the 
examination of the plants themselves, to determine which 
are to be regarded as truly distinct — thus, it is hoped, taking 
Nature as a guide. Still, let it not be supposed that any claim 
is made to peculiar accuracy, or that the Author considers 
himself qualified to dictate to any student of botany ; for he is 
Avell aware that there are many points upon which persons 
who have carefully studied the subject form different con- 
clusions from those to which he has been led. 
The progress of our knowledge has caused changes in 
the nomenclature in successive editions of this book and 
in the Author's views of the value of forms-^as species or 
varieties. The inconvenience of these alterations to all, 
especially to statistical botanists, is fully adriiitted ; but the 
Author does not know of any mode by which it can be avoided 
if each edition is to be brought up as comi)letely as is in his 
power to the contemporary knowledge of our plants. No 
alterations have beeii admitted until careful study has 
iii 
