“English Botany; or, Coloured Figures of British Plants” is a monumental work in the field of botanical illustration and taxonomy. Published between 1790 and 1814, this 36-volume series was the collaborative effort of botanical illustrator James Sowerby and botanist Sir James Edward Smith. The series comprises 2,592 hand-colored engravings, each accompanied by concise descriptions detailing the plants’ essential characteristics, synonyms, and habitats.

Volume 31 continues the series’ tradition of combining scientific accuracy with artistic excellence. Each plate in this volume features a meticulously hand-colored engraving of a British plant species, reflecting Sowerby’s dedication to capturing the intricate details of plant morphology. The accompanying descriptions, primarily authored by Smith, provide essential taxonomic information, including the plants’ Latin names, common synonyms, and notes on their natural habitats. This combination of visual and textual information made the work accessible not only to botanists but also to the general public interested in British flora.

The success of “English Botany” can be attributed to its comprehensive coverage and the quality of its illustrations. At the time of its publication, it was the most extensive illustrated flora of Great Britain, introducing readers to many mosses and lichens that had not been previously described or illustrated. The vivid hand-colored engravings set a new standard for botanical publications, earning widespread acclaim and contributing to the work’s popularity among both scientific and lay audiences.

Volume 31 of “English Botany” exemplifies the meticulous scholarship and artistic skill that characterize the entire series. By providing detailed illustrations and descriptions of British plants, Sowerby and Smith created a work that has endured as a valuable resource for botanists, historians, and plant enthusiasts alike. The series not only advanced the study of British flora but also made botanical knowledge more accessible to the public, fostering a greater appreciation for the diversity and beauty of plant life in Great Britain.