xn 
PREFACE 
is then given of each species, with its approximate local, Hima- 
layan and general distribution, and period of flowering. The 
author’s name is given after the name of each species, followed by 
a reference to the volume and page of the ‘ Flora of British India ’ 
which contains the description of the species, with further references 
and synonymy. An asterisk before a name signifies that I have 
seen no specimen of the species in question collected in or near 
Simla ; but, judging from its known range, it may be expected to 
occur within the limits of the * Flora.’ For example, if a species 
has been collected at Murree on the West and in Kumaon on the 
East, it will probably be found within the Simla district. 
In the distribution ‘ Simla ’ signifies that the species has been 
found in Simla or in the immediate neighbourhood, while 
‘ Mushobra,’ ‘ Mahasu,’ etc., indicate that I have seen specimens 
from one or more of these places. ‘ Temperate Himalaya ’ 
signifies that the species extends along the Himalaya from Sikkim 
to Cashmere. * Western Himalaya ’ indicates the region from 
Kumaon to Cashmere. 
The derivation of the generic names is given as nearly as 
possible without any pretension to original research in this 
direction. 
The illustrations are all from original drawings by Miss M. 
Smith, made from dried specimens, except in a few instances 
where the species happened to be in cultivation at Kew. All the 
figures are approximately half the natural size, and the dissections 
are enlarged. Students will, I am sure, find the task of identifying 
plants much facilitated by these beautiful and characteristic illus- 
trations, and I cannot sufficiently express my gratitude to Miss 
Smith for the great pains she has taken to produce artistic and 
accurate representations. Miss Smith derived much assistance in 
her work from collections of beautiful water-colour drawings of 
Simla flowers kindly lent to me by Major C. E. Gubbins and by 
the late Colonel W. C. Mackinnon. The plants figured are all 
common Simla species, but British plants or their close allies are 
