PREFACE. 
vii 
Under the head of each genus, besides the authority for its name, its origin, and 
position, both in the Linnaean and Natural System, a concise outline is given of its 
most striking members, with adequate instructions for their cultivation, and obser- 
vations on their particular medicinal or useful properties. In conformity to the 
principle of giving prominence to only the most interesting subjects, the worthless 
genera are passed over with a slight statement of their insignificance ; and to prevent 
repetition, reference is occasionally made to other genera for directions on treatment, 
when the habits of both closely correspond. For all the suggestions on culture, we 
hold ourselves, for the most part, responsible ; the notes in those instances where 
we have no personal cognizance being extracted from the best authors, with the 
usual acknowledgments. Immediately succeeding the above-named sketches, a list 
of specific synonymes is furnished, 'with figures of allusion aflBxed to each, and 
similar ones to the species they represent, by which the observer may instantly 
perceive what names are applied to the same plant, that in the last or descriptive text 
being always the most authentic. 
In the enumeration of genera and species, we are indebted chiefly to Mr. Geo. 
Don’s General System of Gardening and Botany^ Dr. Lindley’s Introduction 
to the Natural System, and Mr. Loudon’s Arboretum et Fruticetum Britan- 
nicum, comparing these 'with all other catalogues extant, — of which Loudon’s 
Hortus Britannicus is the principal and best, — and adopting such readings as are 
most ob'viously correct. We rely greatly on our own rigid research into these 
matters, ha'ring been engaged in it for several years, but still more so on a careful 
revision of both MSS. and printed proofs, undertaken by Dr. Lindley in the most 
disinterested and kind manner. Nevertheless, such is the typographical diminutive- 
ness, that we cannot imagine but some errors have eluded us. Should it reach 
another edition, we shall have great pleasure in effecting any emendations which 
our correspondents or friends may discover and communicate. It will be manifest 
that two distinct courses have been followed "with regard to the ornamental and 
trivial species. Possessing nothing to recommend them to notice, or to render the 
enrolment of their habits, native country, &c., at all desirable, we have arranged the 
latter in aggregated groups ; after their more interesting allies where these exist, 
and directly following the general remarks on those genera which comprise no orna- 
mental species. On the description of each meritorious plant included in the 
columns opposite its appellation, we shall descant more largely, when considering 
the abbreviations. 
