8 
PREFACE. 
names by which they may be recognized even in the present day, but there was no one 
to give written descriptions, or to compile a native Flora, or even domestic Herbal of 
the Wild Plants of Canada. The subject seemed to excite little interest, unless in 
some chance traveller whom curiosity or business brought to the country. But now 
the schoolmaster is abroad, and better things are, we trust, in store for this our noble 
country. 
Much valuable and interesting matter has already been given to the world, 
and many works still in progress are, we hear, likely to be added to our scientific 
literature. 
It was to supply a deficiency that has long been felt in this country, that the 
Authoress first conceived the idea of writing a little volume descriptive of the most 
remarkable of the Wild Flowers, Shrubs and Forest Trees of Canada. 
This work, seen in MS., received the sanction and approval of several scientific 
and literary gentlemen in Canada, among whom were Dr. Hincks and Prof. George 
Lawson; but want of funds on the part of the writer, prevented the publication of 
the work. And finally it was at last agreed that the Book of Canadian Wild Flowers 
should be the work of Mrs. FitzGibbon, and the descriptions of the plants as 
delineated by her hand, should be selected and adapted to suit the subjects of the 
Plates from Mrs. Traill’s MS. 
The scientific reader may possibly expect a more learned description of the 
Plants, and may notice many defects and omissions; while others who are indifferent 
to the subject, may on the other hand think that there are too many botanical terms 
introduced. It is difficult to please two parties. We crave indulgence for all errors, 
promising that in another volume, should our present book be kindly received, we 
will endeavour to render it as perfect as our limited knowledge will allow us to do. 
And so we bid our readers heartily farewell, wishing them much pleasure and con¬ 
tentment, and that its contents, both artistical and literary, may serve to foster a 
love for the native plants of Canada, and turn their attention to the floral beauty 
that is destined sooner or later to be swept away, as the onward march of civiliza¬ 
tion clears away the primeval forest—reclaims the swamps and bogs, and turns the 
waste places into a fruitful field. The lover of flowers may then look in vain for our 
sweet-scented Pyrolas and Slipper-plants, and be forced to say in the words of the 
old Scottish song— 
“ The flowers of the forest are a’ wede away.” 
O wail for the forest, the proud stately forest. 
No more its dark depths shall the hunter explore. 
For the bright golden grain. 
Shall wave free o’er the plain, 
O wail for the forest, its glories are o’er. 
Toronto, December, 1868. 
♦ 
C. P. TRAILL. 
