iv 
INTRODUCTION. 
The present work has been compiled in a brief and liandy form — 1st, for 
the purpose of farnisliing a list of the plants now in cultivation, with a 
view to interchange ; and, 2nd, as a book of reference for the proper labelling 
of plants in the establishment. 
The botanical and vernacular name of each plant is given, with authority for 
same, the order to which it belongs, together with the habitat where known 
to us ; stating also whether it be tree, shrub, climber, herbaceous, &c. 
It is imdoubtedly necessary to give every plant a vernacular name 
where such can be done ; but in undertaking this task many difficidties 
have been encountered. The general practice of giving common names 
has, in many instances, resulted in the bestowal of appellations which are 
very wide of the mark as regards botanical nomenclatm-e ; in some cases 
the misnomers are ludicrous on account of their inapplicability. Yet some 
of these names have become so widely known and extensively used that 
any attempt to set them right without detailed explanations (impossible 
in this catalogue), would, I fear, cause matters to become very seriously 
complicated. 
As a few instances of the misapplications just mentioned, the foUomng 
may be adduced : — Tamarisk (Flowering Cypress) ; Aucuba japonica (Spotted 
Laurel) ; Cistus (Rock Rose) ; Scilla peruviana (Cuban Lily) ; ISTerine Sar- 
niensis (Guernsey Lily) ; Gardenia florida (Cape Jasmine) ; Agave americana 
(American Aloej, &c., &c. 
Again, many botanical names have become such household words as to 
need no explanation. Such are the Fuchsia, Calceolaria, Petunia, Verbena, 
Magnolia, Rhododendron, Azalea, Anemone, Daphne, Hydrangea, Camellia, 
Ixia, Iris, Gladiolus, Heliotrope, Araucaria, Arbutus, Erica, Epacris, Lobelia. 
Geranium, Pelargonium, and hosts of others. 
An exhaustive work is in course of preparation which will embody a 
summary of each order, with the history, properties, and uses of its more 
remarkable plants. 
