This Dictionary was published at intervals; portions being appended successively to the monthly numbers of Maund's Botanist, and Maund's Botanic Garden. It contains a copious list of the Latin and English terms which have been used by various Botanical Authors, the former distinguished by Italic Capitals, the latter by Roman Capitals. The Greek or Latin derivatives are in brackets, immediately after the terms. To avoid needless repetitions, (when the case admits) reference is made from the Latin to the corresponding English term, where the explanation is alone given; small wood cuts occasionally assist in illustrating some of the terms. The names of the Natural Orders are also given, and these are referred to their Classes. It was originally intended to give short accounts of the Orders, (as under Acanthaceæ, Acerineæ, &c.,) but as these seemed needlessly to increase the quantity of matter, and were not exactly in harmony with the technical character of the Dictionary, they were early discontinued. A science with a technical terminology of about 2000 words and synonymes may appear repulsive; but a little consideration will satisfy us that this need not be the case. A large number of the terms here recorded have been very needlessly employed, and are only met with in the works of the older botanists.

Many of the words employed in describing plants retain their ordinary acceptation, and others which have a more technical application need to be explained only once to be easily retained.