PREFACE. 
The following descriptions of the principal Natural Orders of Plants were drawn up a few yeais 
ago for publication by the Science and Art Department, in the form of large sheets, intended foi 
Museums and Class-room use. I am well satisfied to find that the South Kensington Authorities 
have determined to issue the plates and accompanying text in this more accessible form. I have 
revised the letter-press for this edition, correcting several inadvertencies, but adding very little new 
matter. 
D. O. 
