APRIL. 



HORTICULTURAL LITERATURE. 



It is one of the features of the present day, that every pur- 

 suit and calling of importance has its organ devoted to the 

 diffusion of information on subjects connected with it. Hor- 

 ticulture, so far from forming an exception to this rule, is 

 perhaps more abundantly supplied with periodicals than any 

 other of the kindred sciences. 



That there are more than can live, few will doubt ; for, 

 with the exception of our own little work, all of them are in- 

 tended to be a source of pecuniary profit to their proprietors 

 or conductors, and we may be quite sure none will be carried 

 on long at a loss. Some, therefore, must cease wdth the present 

 year, for our experience tells us there is not above one of the 

 whole number {The Gardeners^ Chronicle) that pays more 

 than an insignificant sum beyond its actual cost. To us it 

 has been very interesting to watch how, in bidding for public 

 favour, their conductors observe a propriety of language very 

 dififerent to that which was to be met with some years ago in 

 such works. In several earlier publications lying before us, 

 we find articles and communications which, for scurrility of 

 language, appear fit for Billingsgate or St. Giles's alone, and 

 yet mixed up with them are frequent allusions to " looking 

 up from Nature to Nature's God," and to the refinement of 

 mind sure to attend on a love of gardening pursuits. 



In these remarks we are not to be supposed penning 

 a dying note for the Florist and Garden Miscellany, We 

 steadily progress in public estimation ; though at a pace far 

 too slow for our active temperament, which thirsts for that 

 improvement an enlarged circulation alone w^ill enable us to 

 effect. But our principal object in making these discursive 

 remarks has been as a preface to introducing to the favour- 

 able notice of our readers, the first number of Lindley and 

 Paxton's Floicer-garden. The objects of the publication are 

 so well and clearly stated in the following prospectus, that we 

 reprint it ; glad of the opportunity of acknowledging the 

 generous manner in which Professor Lindley has ever noticed 

 our little work, though springing from views and opinions in 

 some degree antagonistic to his own. All our readers who 

 can afford to do so should procure the first number ; and as 

 we learn it was hurriedly got out, they may assure them- 

 selves that, beautiful as it is, its successors will surpass it. 



" The design of the work now offered to the public is to supply, 

 in monthly parts, as full an account of ail the new and remarkable 



VOL. III. NO. XXVIII. H 



