In 1969 volume I of 'Arboles Ex6ticos' appeared in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, published in Spanish by the Island Council (Cabildo Insular). Volume II was to have dealt with a further 100 or so Dicotyledons, and volume III to have closed the cycle with Gymnosperms and the tree-like Monocotyledons. Neither of the latter having been published it was suggested that a totally revised and enlarged version of the first book be prepared for Dr. W. Junk, Publishers, The Hague. We are most obliged to Mr. S. P. Bakker and the Board of Directors for their interest in the present work, hoping that it...

When asked by the General Editor to prepare a book-length treatment concerning the nature of the Canary Islands, our aims were rather ambitious. A general monograph was to be written, embracing all the disciplines of natural history applicable to these islands, and over twenty scientists were approached for contributions. However scientists are 'time machines'; our proposed list of contents has changed a good many times. Cooporation of other authors was gained and, finally, a fairly rounded project appeared revealing different and lesser known aspects of Canary Island Nature. Since Centuries...