PREFACE. 
In this work it has been the Author's wish to adojit 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 de- 
scriptions contained in them, and in very many cases with 
foreign specimens of undoubted authenticity. In the adop- 
tion of genera and species an endeavour has been made, by 
the examination of the plants themselves, to determine which 
are to be considered as truly distinct, — thus, it is hoped, 
taking Nature as a guide, and not depending upon the au- 
thority of any name, however distinguished. StiU, let it not 
be supposed that any claim is made to peculiar accuracy, 
nor that the Author considers himself qualified to dictate 
to any student of botany, for he is well aware that there are 
many points upon which persons who have carefully studied 
the subject may form different conclusions from those to 
which he has been led. 
An attempt has recently been made greatly to reduce the 
number of our native species. The results obtained seem 
to be so totally opposed to the teaching of the plants them- 
selves, and the evidence adduced in their favour is so seldom 
more than a statement of opinion, that they cannot safely be 
adopted ; nor does the plan of the present work admit of a 
discussion of the many questions raised by them. Also, it 
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