Date range based on form of publisher's name and address. Cf. Topp, Chester W. Victorian yellowbacks & paperbacks, Vol. VII, 2003.

Chromolithographed plates are unsigned and without imprint. All are with title captions. Plates are printed on glossy white paper.

Includes elaborate wood-engraved illustrated initials and tail-pieces. Several are signed "Edward".

Includes "Index of English Names.": p. 101-102.

Includes "Index of Botanical Names.": p. [163]-164.

Includes "Index of Botanical Orders.": p. [165]-167.

Publisher's advertisements on p. [2-17] at end.

MASS copy: Bound in blue fine diagonal rib-grain cloth blocked in gold, black and blind in the same design as McLean D 0512, McLean D 0513, McLean D 0514 and McLean D 0515. With rectangular sunken panel cut in upper board laid with textured gold paper. Panel hand-painted with floral illustration. Spine with imprint: "Cassell & Company, Limited". Boards with bevelled edges; a.e.g. Spine with gold stamp: "Elswick Mechanics Institute Library".