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OR A

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION,

(ACCORDING TO THE LINNEAN SYSTEM)

AND AN

ACCOUNT OF THE VIRTUES, &c.

OF ITS

INDIGENOUS PLANTS HITHERTO KNOWN,

AS ALSO OF THE MOST USEFUL EXOTICS.

COMPILED FROM THE BEST AUTHORITIES, AND ALPHABETICALLY ARRANGED,

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PRINTED AT THE OFFICE OF THE ST. JAGO DE LA VEGA GAZETTE.

1814.

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TO THE SUBSCRIBERS.

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On the conclusion of a work which has been attended with very con-siderable labour and expence, the compiler would be wanting in that respect due to the few gentlemen who have patronised it, if he failed to return to them. his sincere thanks. Although, at the commencement, and on the cover of every number, he solicited assistance and information, very few indeed have been the contributions received. The greatest assistance. afforded. has been the perusal of the manuscripts of the late Mr. Anthony Robinson, and several papers of the late Dr. Broughton and others, most obligingly communicated to him by Alexander Aikman, Esq. one of the representatives in assembly for the parish of St. George, in whose possession they now are. From these papers several valuable extracts have been made:-In addition to which, although the original proposals only promised a compilation, many new observations and descriptions will be found interspersed, as they occurred to the compiler in the course of his various researches. Upon the whole, he trusts, however imperfect the attempt, that it will be found the most complete system of Jamaica botany extant. Had encouragement offered, it was the compiler's intention not only to have furnished plates, but to have extended the work to the animal. and mineral kingdoms of Jamaica; and thus have formed an entire natural history of the island, on the same plan. He has, however, performed, though at a loss, all he at first promised, and must leave. it to others, blessed with more leisure, or more able and indefatigable than himself, to perfect the plan, and to correct the many errors and deficiencies he is conscious will be found in every part of what be hasaccomplished.

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