XX 
INTRODUCTION 
add that I have also been invited to advise the Turkish Ambassador 
as to the authenticity of mandrakes for the Sultan. 
And here I lay down the pen and make way for Mr. Bean. This 
must serve as an overture to the detailed drama Now and again 
I have sounded a leitmotif which will find its full expansion in his 
admirable pages. May the reader join with those who have played 
their part in the work, in the final coda : Flore at Kew. 
W. T. THISELTON-DYER. 
WlTCOMBE. 
August, 1908. 
