TESTIMONIALS. 
(From the Preface to Thwaites’ and Hooker’s “ Enumeratio Plantarum 
Zeylani,®,” p. vii.) 
“ To the Rev. S. O. Grlenie, F. L. S., Episcopal Colonial Chaplain at 
Trincomalie, and to Mr. W. Ferguson, F. L. S., Civil Engineer, I am under great 
obligations for frequent valuable communications, and for specimens of plants 
from their respective places of residence.” 
(From the Introduction to Sir Emerson Tennent’s “ History of Ceylon.”) 
“ Although a feature so characteristic as that of its Vegetation could not 
possibly be omitted in a work professing to give an account of Ceylon, I had neither 
the space nor the qualifications necessary to produce a systematic sketch of the 
Botany of the Island. I could only attempt to describe it as it exhibits itself to an 
unscientific spectator ; and the notices that I have given are confined to such of 
the more remarkable plants as cannot fail to arrest the attention of a stranger. In 
illustration of these, I have had the advantage of copious communications from 
•William Ferguson, Esq., a gentleman attached to the Survey Department of the 
Civil Service in Ceylon, whose opportunities for observation in all parts of the 
Island have enabled him to cultivate with signal success his taste for botanical pur- 
suits,” 
(Copy of a Letter from Sir J. E. Tennent.) 
“ London, Board of Trade, 
“ January 19th, 1857. 
“My Dear Sir, 
“ I cannot put in words the sense of obligation which I feel for the 
trouble you have taken, and the value you have imparted to my MS. by your 
notes and emendations. I have just risen from their perusal and I am struck 
with the power of observation they display and quiet sound sense by which they 
are characterized. For my own part, in writing this chapter, I felt at every 
step the uneasiness of being out of my depth — of Botany I know almost nothing 
— T was always discouraged by the vastness of the field and the disproportion of 
man’s life, to the period necessary to master the facts of such a science — and so 
I turned away from it in despair. All I could do therefore in Ceylon was to 
wonder at the marvels and beauties of its vegetation — but to sketch its botany. 
was an attempt beyond my daring. Your care has now satisfied me that what I 
venture to print is authentic and your additions have given an interest to the 
whole that it wanted sadly before. 
“ Again accept the assurance of my sincere thanks. 
“ In the course of eight or ten days I shall address myself to re-write the 
chapter ; and then I will ask your permission, to send it to you a second time in 
order that you may see that I have done it correctly. 
“ Ever gratefully yours, 
“ (Signed) J. Em. TENNENT.” 
‘‘ Wm. Ferguson, Esq. 
