VI PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.
attaching the meaning of every specific appellation, and at the same time to afford
the most ample means for acqniring a knowledge of all the phrases peculiar to the
science, a voluminous glossary has been incorporated ; wherein, in addition to the
more abstruse Latin terms, a number of ordinary words that are used botanically
in a pecuhar sense arc fully explained.
One inestimable quality of a popular S}Tiopsis of any sort, is the discreet abridgment
of uninteresting matter, and detailed record of merely the most attractive
particulars. On the judicious selection and proper apportionment of desirable
intelligence, the value of a summary entirely rests. In this respect we have much
to claim for the volume to which the present address is prefixed. On account of
the extreme scarcity, or non-existence in Britain, of many plants, considerable
perplexity has been experienced in assigning to each species its due share of honour.
For this reason, if a few plants are imjustly elevated, and others improperly debased,
some little allowance may fairly be expected. Those indigenous species which are
ranked with the ornamental sorts, are not to be regarded as w^orthless because of
their commonness, but may be cultivated with advantage in the more secluded and
sylvan flower borders.
To take a general glance at the arrangement and composition of this DICTIONARY,
it will be better to show more lucidly the intent and application of each separate
point, and afterwards advert to the abbreviations. Compactness and facile portability
being the primary and principal elements of the design, condensation of the
letter-press was an inevitable result. On this score, however, we have just grounds
for eulogising our printers, as nothing can be more beautiful or perfect than the
mechanical execution of the work ; while the objection that might attach to the
minuteness of the type, is completely removed by its exceeding clearness.
Under the head of each genus, besides the authority for its name, its origin, and
position, both in the Linnaian and Natural System, a concise outline is given of its
most striking members, with adequate instructions for their cultivation, and observations
on their particular medicinal or useful properties. In conformity to the
principle of giving prominence to only the most interesting subjects, the worthless
genera are passed over with a slight statement of their insignificance ; and to prevent
repetition, reference is occasionally made to other genera for directions on treatment,
when the habits of both closely correspond. For all the suggestions on culture, we
hold ourselves, for the most part, responsible ; the notes in those instances where
we have no personal cognizance being extracted from the best authors, with the
usual acknowledgments. Immediately succeeding the above-named sketches, a list
of specific synonymes is furnished, with figures of allusion affixed to each, and
similar ones to the species they represent, by which the observer may instantly
perceive what names are applied to the same plant, that in the last or descriptive
text being always the most authentic.
In the enumeration of genera and species, we are indebted chiefly to Mr. Geo.
Don's General System of Gardening and Botany, Dr. Lindley's Introduction to the
Natural System^ and Mr. Loudon's Arloretum et Fruticetum Britannioum^ comparing
these with all other catalogues extant,—of which Loudon's Hortus Britannicm is
the principal and best,—and adopting such readings as are most obviously correct,
"We rely greatly on our own rigid research into these^ matters, having been engaged
PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. Vll
in it for several years, but still more so on a careful revision of both MSS. and
printed proofs, undertaken by Dr. Lindley in the most disinterested and kind
manner. Nevertheless, such is the typographical diminutiveness, that we cannot
imagine but some errors have eluded us. Should it reach another edition, we shall
have great pleasure in effecting any emendations which our correspondents or friends
may discover and communicate. It will be manifest that two distinct courses have
been followed with regard to the ornamental and trivial species. Possessing nothing
to recommend them to notice, or to render the enrolment of their habits, native
country, &c., at all desirable, we have arranged the latter in aggregated groups ;
after their more interesting allies where these exist, and directly following the
general remarks on those genera which comprise no ornamental species. On the
description of each meritorious plant included in the columns opposite its appellation,
we shall descant more largely, when considering the abbreviations.
Respecting the number of scientific terms herein explained, we may be allowed
to say that no other popular glossary contains such a copious collection. Their
explication is in exact accordance with the views of the most learned botanists,
merely being reduced to dimensions which best comport with simplicity and
conciseness.
Considering the immense field which this volume occupies, the accentuation of
generic, specific, and all purely botanical names that are not Anglicised, must be
regarded as a highly valuable characteristic. By the extreme perspicuity of the
marks employed, their full and universal adaptation, and the fact that they were all
supplied by the first botanist in England, (Dr. Lindley,) the botanic student or
other assiduous examiner will here meet with a fund of accurate instruction in this
particular, to which only the most laboured and extremely expensive publication
can at all pretend.
It might be assumed that the signs used are sufficiently common to require no
comment; but, for the benefit of the less informed, we shall just show the manner
in which they apply. In the first place, the vowel in each word over which the
primary accent occurs, sustains all the emphasis of the syllabic pronunciation,
independently of the real nature of the sign. Further, the employment of the long
quantity (') or the short quantity (") simply denotes that the vowel above which
they are placed is to be sounded long and broadly, or short and abruptly. To vary
our expression, the short vowel is perpetually pronounced in conjunction with the
next consonant, and the long one has its own distinct and final sound, as if the
letter were doubled, but the voice rested on each. In all cases when the last
syllable but one is marked long ("), the accent falls on that syllable ; and when
the last syllable but one is marked short ("), the accent falls on the last syllable
but two. Thus Eomanus would be accented Romanus, and tric8lor would be
accented tricolor, although the i on which the accent is placed is short. It is
extremely important to bear this in mind.
To reduce the work to the smallest practicable size, it has been found requisite
to abridge the language conveying many of the details, and that this may be rightly
comprehended, we shall now enter on its elucidation. First, the numerical figures
which follow the recognised specific names in the general list, and such as precede
the synonymes, have, as before hinted, a direct connection with each other,