vi 
PREFACE. 
tendency of many collectors to consider native any plant 
found growing upon a spot where it is not cultivated ; and 
the peculiar scepticism of some of our botanists concerning 
the claims of many local or thinly scattered species to be 
admitted as indigenous, even when their distribution upon the 
European continent is not unfavourable to the belief that 
they may inhabit Britain. It has been recommended that the 
descriptions of these excluded species should be placed in an 
Appendix or even omitted ; but as some of them are not 
unlikely to be observed by collectors, it is more convenient 
that they should be arranged with their allies. Those who 
desire to obtain a complete knowledge of the distribution of 
our plants should consult Watson's Cyhele Britannica, and 
Moore k, More's Cybele Hibey'nica. 
Full characters of the Natural Orders are to be found in 
most of the best " Introductions to Botany " ; and it has 
therefore not been considered advisable to give them in 
detail in the present volume. In his definitions, the Author 
has endeavoured to point out the characteristic marks, more 
especially as far as British plants are concerned. 
In using this book the student will find it convenient to 
pay attention to the italicised' \iAvt^, of the generic and specific 
characters, and, if they are found to agree with the plant 
under examination, then to compare it with the other parts 
of those characters, and also with those of allied genera and 
species. 
It is most desirable that the students of our native flora 
should not confine their attention to books published in this 
countiy. Owing to such an unavoidable I'estriction we fell 
far behind our continental brethren during the earlier part 
of the present century. A few modern works may be named 
which will assist them in their studies. Koch's Synopsis 
Floral Germanicon, ed. 2, and (ireni(>r and Oodron's Flore de 
France are strongly recommended — also, although in a rather 
