Jcmarb cii t|e iprepratiuii cf a f o^al Jficrra. 
By J. WALTER WHITE. 
T he study of Geographical Botany has of late years attracted 
much attention, and in this country the investigation of 
the history and distribution of our plants, has been pursued 
with ardour, by men of the highest attainments in botanical 
science. 
Their efforts have been very greatly assisted, indeed we may 
almost say, have been rendered possible, by the labours of local 
Botanists, who have recorded accumulations of small facts 
concerning the species’ inhabiting their special districts, and 
have examined with more or less accuracy the floral peculiarities 
of the soil on which they dwell. The rapidly increasing number 
of reliable local records extends and supplements the knowledge 
acquired by personal investigation, and enables the Phyto- 
geographer to trace out the diversities and similarities of the 
Floras of various parts of the kingdom, helping him in his 
endeavour to ascertain the circumstances or influences, which 
have determined the existing conditions of plant distribution. 
By means of these records also one can compare the botanical 
geography of our own country with that of any other; or 
one part of itself with another. The relative distribution of 
different species may also be studied. It is perhaps from these 
considerations that we may derive the truest idea of the value of 
Local Floras, although their utility may be demonstrated on 
many other grounds. 
