DEDICATION. 
mence my employment as a collector, and still enjoying^ though in 
the afternoon of life, a reasonable share of health and vigour, I am 
now ready to proceed to any part of the globe, to which your Majesty s 
commands shall direct me. Many are the portions of it that have 
not yet beeji fully explored by Botanists — all of them are equal to 
my choice -To extend the science of Botany, to enrich the Royal 
Gardens at Kew, and to obey your Majesty's gracious commands, 
are the only objects of ambition that actuate the breast of 
Tour Majesty's 
most humble, 
most dutiful, 
and most grateful Servant, 
FRANCIS MASSON. 
