Vi INTRODUCTION'. 



more conspicuously bespeaks the good taste 

 of the possessor than a well-cultivated flower- 

 garden; and it may generally be remarked, 

 that when we see a neat cottage-court well 

 stocked with plants, the inhabitant is respect- 

 able, and possesses domestic comfort ; whilst, 

 on the contrary, a neglected garden but too 

 frequently marks the indolence, and bespeaks 

 the unhappy state of the owner. 



Of all luxurious indulgences, that of flowers 

 is the most innocent — they are of all embel- 

 lishments the most beautiful : and of all 

 created beings, man alone seems capable of 

 deriving enjoyment from them, which com- 

 mences with his infancy, remains the delight 

 of his youth, increases with his years, and 

 becomes the quiet amusement of his age. 

 Every rank of people seem equally to enjoy 

 flowers as a gratification to the organs of 

 sight and smell : but to the botanist and the 

 close observer of Nature, beauties are un- 

 folded and wonders displayed that cannot be 

 conceived by the careless attention of the mul- 

 titude, who regard these ornaments of nature 

 as wild or savage persons would do a watch ; 



