BY CHARLES LYELL, A.M.,

FORMERLY FELLOW OF ST. PETER'S COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE.

LONDON:

WILLIAM SMITH, 113, FLEET STREET.

MDCCCXLV.

ΤΟ

SIR WILLIAM JACKSON HOOKER,

K.H., LL.D., F.R.S., ETC. ETC.

DIRECTOR OF THE ROYAL GARDEN OF KEW.

MY DEAR SIR WILLIAM,

I AM happy to have this opportunity of recording our long friendship and my obligations to you. The pleasure which I found in your society, when a humble fellow-labourer in aiding your earliest botanical work, "The British Jungermanniæ," awakened an enthusiasm which your kindness, constant correspondence, and admirable publications have never suffered to expire: a spark of it remains; and now, when age and infirmities have put an end to out-door pursuits, has been expending itself in reflection on the writings of Dante. This little volume is the result. Allow me the gratification of dedicating it to you; and of expressing thus publicly my sincerest esteem and regard.

Believe me,

My dear Sir William,

Very faithfully yours,

CHARLES LYELL.

KINNORDY,

7th March, 1845.