P R E F A C E .
THIS paper consists of descriptions of Indian species of Pedicularis, preceded by a
synopsis of the genus in which the probable natural position of the Indian species is
shewn.
The area dealt with is not the India of political geography, but an extended botanical
India, which includes mediatized provinces like Kashmir, Sikkim, and Maniput-, and
independent ones like Nepal and Ceylon. Within its boundary line, however, there
is occasionally only a part of what appears to be a natural phytogeographical district.
Where this happens all the species hitherto reported from the district are accounted for ;
the expression "Indian Frontiers" has been introduced into the title to indicate the
fact: species that are confined to districts which lie wholly outside the area dealt with
in the Flora of British Lidia have been omitted.
Dr. KING, Superintendent of the Botanic Garden, directed me in 1S85 to examine
the material of this genus brought to Calcutta by collectors in Chumbi and in Sikkim,
and to arrange the species in accordance with Sir J. D. HOOKKR'S article " PEDICULARIS "
in the Flora of British India {VQ\. iv, pp. 306—317). During this examination some novelties
were detected—the number of these has since 1885 increased materially—and among
them were certain forms that appeared to clear up some difficulties in the systematic
disposition of the genus. Owing to this fact and to recent additions of territory to the
Empire, a more extended examination of the genus was undertaken, and in conducting it
the excellent revision of Asiatic species by Mr. MAXIMOWICZ, published in 1877 and supplemented
in 1881, was taken as a foundation. This examination was carried on during
intervals between official duties, and was not yet completed when I became aware, in
1887, that Mr. MAXIMOWICZ was engaged in revising the genus anew. The Indian material
already systematised was then sent to Sir. MAXIMOWICZ, but that author very strongly
deprecated the intention that was formed of suspending the examination; on the
contrary, he urged the continuation of the study of the Indian species, and it is to
his generosity in supplying material for comparison to the Calcutta Herbarium, and his
kindness in making comparisons at St. Petersburg when material could not be spared,
that the completion of the paper now is largely due. But I am similarly deeply indebted
to the DIKECTOR of the Royal Gardens, Kiiw, for comparisons made in Kew Herbarium
b y the staff in 1885 and in 1887, as well as by Dr. KING when he was in England in