D E D I C A T I O N

and may it be granted to graze upon the most delightful plants, which they produce in great abundance. To you, therefore, Most Illustrious and Noble Sir, most worthy of all praise, we offer this work, such as it is, which has proceeded from us; doubting not that you will allow these labors of ours to be inscribed to your most distinguished Name, and that you will receive them with a serene countenance, and that you will value them no less for the fact that they have come from those whose business and studies were previously far different and remote from the investigation of plants. The authors are likely referring to their primary roles as colonial administrators or clergy rather than trained botanists.