PREFACE. 
V 
part, and discriminating remarks which follow it, pure scientific detail 
has not been so much aimed at as obvious differences and popular 
observations. The habitats have been collected from every authentic 
source which was attainable by me ; a vast number will be found 
which have not been recorded before, and those few which are con- 
tained in previous publications have most of them been lately 
authenticated. 
Information of this varied and local kind cannot, of course, be 
expected from any one’s unassisted labours. I have therefore had 
recourse in the latter part to the assistance of friends, and I cannot 
speak too highly of the kindness and warmth with which my advances 
have been received, and without which indeed very much interesting 
matter must of necessity have been omitted. I hope that I have 
acknowledged in every instance the remarks thus received. My 
obligations are particularly due to H. C. Watson, Esq., who lent me 
the numerous lists, and manuscript localities, the results of his own 
observations, or communicated by botanical correspondents whilst he 
was preparing the “ New Botanist’s Guide;” also for the valuable 
remarks of Mr. W. Wilson, Mr. W. Leighton, Dr. Murray, Rev. W. 
Bree, Mr. W. Pamplin, Mr. Bevis, and Mr. Castle. 
And now, kind reader, I leave the work in your hands, concluding 
with the words of Linmeus to Haller : — “ If you have remarked 
errors in me your superior wisdom must pardon them. Who errs not 
while perambulating the domains of nature ? Who can observe every 
thing with accuracy ? Correct me as a friend, and I as a friend will 
requite the kindness.” ( March 1, 1837.) 
The above remarks formed the preface to the first edition. The 
alterations introduced into the present are such as my own further 
study of this tribe, or the remarks of various kind friends have sug- 
gested. The plates have been all re-engraved, and of a larger size, 
consequently they are more numerous, and the plants, which it was 
almost impossible to express in the former very minute sketches, are 
more clearly defined. The general character of the plates are, how- 
ever, similar, those of both editions having been drawn from almost 
in every instance the very same specimens. The wood cuts, now 
for the first time introduced, will, it is believed, be found useful. 
