D E D I C A T I O N.
exteniive as well as the moft entertaining Branch thereof, the
CRYPTOGAMIA CLASS, has been too fuperficially regarded.
That our Knowledge of the Fungi, the laft Order
of this Clafs, is very deficient, w-rll evidently appear from
this, that a greater Number of its Species have been, actually
gathered, in a Compafs of Ground not exceeding eight or ten
Miles round Halifax, than have yet been afcertained in our
beft and, moft corredt Catalogue of the Britiili Plants, The
above Species are the Subject of the prefent Work ; but as
Original Drawings from Nature, of the. whole Number, are
now in your Lordihip's PoiTeilion, it is not neceiTary to recapitulate
them here.
I am happy, my Lord, to embrace this Opportunity of
acknowledging, that it is to your LORDSHIP's Generous
Encouragement, together with that of your late Noble Relative,
the GOOD DUCHESS DOWAGER of PORTLAND,
that the Work in a great Meafure owes its Exiftence, and of
profeffing that
I am,
. W i t h the higheft Regard,
My Lord,
Your Lordjhip's,
Moji obedient and moft humble Servant,
H A L I FA X,
January i, 1788. J A M E S BOLTON.
I N T R O D U C T I O N.
A S this work may poffibly fall into the hands of fome who are not Botanifts,
and yet may have a natural defire to inform- themfelves of fo
much of the Theory, as may enable them, by the Pradtice, to divert the melancholy
of an amufive walk, or to pafs agreeably, a few hours of rural retirement;
whofe line of converfation, or whofe fituation in. the country, may
not afford them an opportunity of receiving fuch inftruftions as may tend
- to improve, or even awaken, a talent given them by Nature, for an amufement
fo rational, fo pleafing, fo conducive to the health of the body,
and the recreation of the mind: To thefe.it will not be unaccepta
b l e , to be fo far informed of • the Generic Charafters of the Plants here
treated of, as-may enable them, at fight of a fpecimen, to determine, at
once, to what Gfenus or Family it belongs.
The