PREFACE. 
Vll 
considered advisable to introduce detailed descriptions of 
the Orders ; but in the preparation of the short distinctive 
characters the author has availed himself of that work, of 
Dr. Aniott’s elaborate treatise contained in the Encyclop. 
Britan, (ed. 7. vol. v. pp. 30-141), of Endlicher's Genera 
Plantarum and Koch's Synopsis Flor<B Germanicee. To 
the latter work, which may be considered as the model of 
the present publication, he has pleasure in acknowledging 
himself to be peculiarly indebted. 
To Prof. Balfour, W. Borrer, Esq., E. Forster, Esq., 
Prof. Heuslow, the Rev. W. A. Leighton, and his other 
botanical friends and correspondents too numerous to record 
here, he takes this opportunity of returning most sincere 
thanks for the great assistance that they have rendered to 
him by the communication of valuable suggestions, observa- 
tions, and specimens. 
To the present edition a condensed Synopsis of the 
Natural Orders is added, and the whole work has been 
carefully revised, so as, if possible, to keep pace with the 
rapidly advancing knowledge of British plants. 
The portability of the volume being one of its most valu- 
able qualities, it has been found impossible to accord to the 
wishes of some yoimg botanists by prefixing to it a short 
Introduction to Botany, or a Glossary of botanical terms ; 
since sufficient space could not have been afforded to them 
to admit of their possessing that fullness and detail wfithout 
which they would be w'orse than useless. Students are 
recommended to make themselves well acquainted with the 
contents of some good introductory work, such as Bindley s 
Introduction, Henfrey' s Outlines, A. Gray’s Botanical Text- 
Book, or especially the Botanique of M. A. de Jussieu. A 
good Glossary is expected from the pen of Dr. Lindley. 
It is hoped that those who use this book will favour the 
author with information of any (even the slightest) addi- 
