Vlll 
PREFACE. 
learn from all, as to matters of fact at all times ; yet a change of 
names is always perplexing, and in this case unnecessary. I cannot 
admit either that the amount of evil is very greatly less in reestablish- 
ing an obsolete nomenclature than in coining a new one. As to the 
mere intention assigned by some of restoring their due honour to 
ancient botanists, it is a principle good in theory, but which cannot 
be carried out ; and would be of much injury to botany if it could : 
as we should be soon overwhelmed with terms now forgotten, and 
which are generally less appropriate and significant than the more 
modern appellations. 
GEORGE FRANCIS, F.L.S. 
July Is/, 1847. 
