viii 
PREFACE. 
I have to remark, however, that I have been blamed by one or two 
botanists for not discarding some of the present names, and adopting 
the more ancient, Lastrsea, and other. I desire to pay the greatest 
deference to the opinion? of others, and am most happy to 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 re-establishing 
an obsolete nomenclature than in coining a new one. As to the mere 
intention assigned by some of restoring their due honor 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, FLS. 
July 1 $#, 1847 . 
