VI 



evident. To use the language of the late excellent and distinguished Sir 

 James E. Smith, " Is it not desirable to call the soul from the feverish 

 agitation of vv^orldly pursuits, to the contemplation of divine wisdom in the 

 beautiful economy of Nature ? Is it not a privilege to walk with God in the 

 garden of creation, and hold converse with his providence ? If such elevated 

 feelings do not lead to the study of Nature, it cannot be far pursued without 

 rewarding the student by exciting them." 



In the arrangement of this Work, the Author has aimed at some degree 

 of novelty in the design, as well as of utility in the information. To her 

 own sex, to whose particular notice she offers it, she trusts it may prove a 

 useful and correct guide to their tastes, both in their selection for a flower 

 garden, and as objects for their pencil. She has chosen those plants most 

 remarkable for their beauty, and general adaptation to our borders — and, 

 in order to render the Work more complete, she has added to every genus 

 those species most desirable for cultivation. 



The Author cannot conclude, without expressing her obligations for the 

 assistance afforded her by her friend Mr. Shepherd, Curator of the Botanic 

 Garden, Liverpool ; and her thanks are particularly due to his able and 

 intelligent coadjutor, Mb. Henry Shepherd, F.L.S. 



ToxTETH Park, 



March, 1829. 



