A D D R E S S .
IN his endeavours to illustrate this brilliant and extended tribe of plants, the author thinks it necessary
to premise, by way of deprecating the opinion of the Public on this part of his labours;
that, as all his drawings are taken from cultivated plants, some of them may thence appear less
picturesque, than if he indulged his fancy in their design; or more fortunately, have enjoyed the
opportunity of copying them on the soil where nature has placed them indigenous: But, as t he
latter never was within his power; he would rather stand convicted of apparent want of taste, in
the execution of a work where ornament should give way to science, than be taxed with having
varied from a just representation of the plant, as it must meet the eye of tlic British Botanist.
Numerous and beautiful as are the specimens of this Genus, in the splendid herbariums of Sir
J. Banks, Bart. P. R. S. &c.; G. l l i b b e r t , Esq.; A.B.Lambert, Esq. fee. &c.; yet, as the dried
plant exhibits so very different an appearance, from the living one, in every character necessary for
a perfect drawing, but particularly in the blossoms; no advantage can be taken, to ornament, or
add to, the present undertaking, from them; unless, by comparison, to determine some species,
which have been described by those Botanists who have named them at the Cape of Good Hope.
Since, therefore, the original intent of this work, was, fand in its progress we have found no
reason to alter the plan,) t o give figures of those species of Heaths, only, which are actually cultivated
in the different collections of this country: so, whatever may be imputed to want of freedom
in the pencil of the artist, it is hoped, will be covered by this reflection; that lie has invariably
copied nature, though in a formal dress, without assuming the general licence of the painter. In
pursuing the Botanical part of the work, he has endeavoured to give the specific names which are in
general use in Britain, where the plant is commonly known in our gardens, in preference to any,
published by either foreign or English Botanists which have not that character. Where the plant
is new with us, but has a published, and received name among Botanists, he has invariably adopted
i t ; but where none could be traced, to the best of his judgment, he has given it, then only, an
appropriate title. A few alterations from the original plan, arising from the inundation of new
species since the commencement of the work, it will be necessary briefly to state. He had at first
arranged the whole of the Genus, then known, from the method given by Li mucus, under two
general heads, Bearded and Beardless tips; but, from the numbers now in our possession, which
cannot, with any propriety, be placed under either head, lie has been induced to alter it; and has
formed them, under live of the most ostensible, and general characters of the same parts. Thus,
1st, bearded, where the tips are simple, and awned at the base; 2d, crested when the tips arc terminated
by a curved like feather; 3 d , two-horned, when the termination of t h e tip is thrown inward,
and the parts quite smooth; 4 t h , beardless, where no protuberant part is seen, the tips of an oblong
form, and fixed by their backs to the threads; 5 t h , pencilled, where no apparent division, but from
colour, is perceiveablc in the Chives, which protrude considerably beyond the blossom. For the
accommodation of those who wish to know what Synonims are attached to our figures, a statement
is given, of those most worthy notice; under the names of the various authors from whence they
arc collated. These we have confined to six of the most modern; from whose works, if farther
research may be thought necessary, a longer list may be obtained. As it is but bare justice to
make acknowledgment for favours received; what remains for the author is to mention with gratitude,
at least, the persons, from whose kind indulgence in the tree use of their collections, he lias
chiefly drawn his resources.
G. IlniBrRT, Esq. Clapliam Common, Surrev.
The Honourable Marquis of BLANDFORD, White Knights, Berkshire.
Messrs. LEK and KKXXEDY, Nurserymen, Hammersmith, Middlesex.
The late Lady ARCHER, Hani Common, Surrey.
The Honourable WILLIAM HENRY IUBY, Farnham Royal, Berks.
The late J . ROBERTSON, Stockwcll, Surrey.
J. VERB, Esq. Kensington Gore, Middlesex.