preface. 
iii 
upon the paper, but fuch as they /Lew themfelves naturally 
while growing. We bring a bock within fix or eight inches 
of the eye ; but we view Herbs in their native beds, at ten,’ 
or twelve feet dihance. 
In general, three or four Plants only are reprefented on a 
plate j but where the fpecies are numerous, and the didinc- 
tions could not be comprehended but by a view of feveral of 
them at once, 1 have been content to take fmaller portions, 
and to reduce the ufual fize a little, that fix or eight may 
Hand before the eye together. 
What I have farther to add is, that with refpecl to the 
merit a candid Reader may allow this Work, the very fmall- 
ed part of it is mine. Whatever addition may be found here, 
to the knowledge of vegetable nature ; or whatever improve- 
ments may be deduced from the fucceeding parts, in medi- 
cine, or in the arts and commerce, the Publick owe them all to 
one great perfonage, to whom they do, and I think will, owe 
infinitely more than thefe dight tributes. His attention to 
whatever m.ay concern the welfare of Britain, has influenced 
him to countenance this dudy. Plis fuperior genius formed 
the Plan, and his munificence enables me to execute it : he 
raifed 
