Published online by Cambridge University Press: 17 January 2013
As it is my intention soon to publish, in various works on Natural History, the observations on the Botany of India which I made during my residence there, I wish to place on record an account of the opportunities which I enjoyed of making such observations, with the view of explaining to the Botanist where he may find the various collections which I made in different parts. I also wish to explain the geographical terms that I shall employ, in giving an account of the places where I found each species. For this purpose I prefer using the ancient Sanscrita names, both as being more scientific, and as being more likely to remain permanent; for, after a lapse of many ages, they continue to be known to all Hindus of learning, while each new invasion or revolution sinks into immediate oblivion the mushroom appellations imposed by modern rulers, whether Muhammedans or Christians.
page 171 note * A Map of India, according to the ancient divisions used in the Sanscrita language, is given in Plate VI.