TO 
THE KING. 
Sire, 
Compelled to leave the Gape of Good Hope, lest I should lose, 
in an expected invasion, the Golledion of living Plants that I had 
made, during ten years residence there, I returned to England ; 
and was indulged, on my return, with your Majesty's gracious 
permission to remain a year at home. Unwilling to waste so much 
time in idleness, I resolved to render this vacation somewhat pro- 
fitable to the science of Botany, by publishing observations made 
on that subject, in the interior deserts of Africa, 
Twenty four years I have enjoyed the honour of being, by your 
Majesty s command, attached to the Royal Gardens at Kew, as a 
collector of exotic plants. I have had the satisfaction of seeing 
several hundreds of those. Collected by me in various climates, flou- 
rishing there, more beautifully, in some instances, than in their 
native soils. And I have observed, with the exultation I hope of 
honest pride, my name frequently repeated in the Hortus Kewensis, 
published by my deceased patron and friend William Aiton. 
Let these circumstances. Gracious Sire, plead some excuse for 
the ambition that induced me to solicit the honour of laying my little 
work at your Majesty's feet. 
Penetrated with gratitude for the uniform protection I have un- 
ceasingly received from your Majesty s bounty — anxious to recom-- 
