of those that have passeua. a ; % e * r 
explorations over the remotest parts ot the lauu, —* into districts 
where there is most to be discovered. All can help on the work, 
and all are doing so, by the communication of specimens and ot 
observations. Those within the range of the published manuals 
and floras get on—or should get on—with only occasional help 
from us. They should send us notes and specimens to any amount; 
but they should not ask us to stop to examine and name their 
plants, except in special cases, which we are always ready enough 
to take up. Those who collect in regions as yet destitute of such 
advantages may claim more aid, and we take'great pains to render 
it; partly on our own account, that we may assort their contribu¬ 
tions into their proper places, partly for the encouragement of such 
correspondents, who otherwise would not know what they have 
obtained, and who naturally like to know when they have made 
interesting discoveries. 
But the scattered piecemeal study of plants is neither very 
satisfactory nor safe. And it involves great loss of tiine, besides 
interrupting that continuity and concentration of attention which 
the proper study of any group of plants demands. As respects the 
orders of plants which are yet to be elaborated for the Flora, and 
as to plants which require critical study or minute examination, 
necessarily consuming much time, it is better to defer their com¬ 
plete determination until the groups to which they severally be¬ 
long are regularly taken in hand. 
^ . 
Botanical 
cm copyright reserved Garden 
