PREFACE. 
V 
are manifested in the results of my inquiries into the nature of the seed- 
coats of the Canellaceoe, WinteraceoB, Lardizabala, and the Rhamnacea, 
which are here illustrated, and' in my yet unpublished reseai’ches into those 
of the AnacardiacecB . Although the aim of this inquiry has not been 
understood, and has been regarded by some botanists as of trivial im- 
portance, I feel persuaded that, ere long, these points of structural botany 
wUl command the attention they merit. By pointing out the fallacy of 
the doctrine of the so-called inversion of the anatropous ovule, I have 
endeavoured to remove the impediments that have led to great miscon- 
ception regarding the early development of the ovule, and the changes 
it undergoes during its subsequent growth, in the production of the many 
kinds of tunics which form the coverings of seeds, and whieh in their 
nature have been strangely confounded together. 
As the greater part of the text in this volume has been many years in 
type, it is necessary to explain the cause of the delay of the present publi- 
cation : this has arisen from my inability to complete the plates. Several 
artists employed by me failed in delineating my drawings with even toler- 
able aceuracy ; and I have since been compelled to hthograph aU the 
plates in this volume. The want of sufficient leisure to complete this task 
sooner must plead my excuse. 
Hammersmith. 
Nov. 1861. 
