XVlU INTRODUCTION. 



admit that a large increase in the variety and hardiness 

 of the materials capable of being used in it, or in ways 

 subordinate to it, would be a boon to all. 



The almost universal adoption of the massing system, 

 to a degree exclusive of any other possible style, has 

 been urged often by its too enthusiastic admirers and 

 defenders as a proof of its general applicability to the 

 circumstances of British flower-gardens, and to the taste 

 and genius of British flower-gardeners. Experience has, 

 however, taught many that the exclusive adoption of 

 " bedding-out " in their case was a mistake ; that it was 

 never adapted to either their requirements, means, or 

 tastes ; and that along with its adoption came a limita- 

 tion of enjoyments. Many have come to see that a fashion 

 in flower-gardening, unless it is expansive, and adapted 

 to gratify the craving for flowers at all times which is 

 inherent in every mind, is an error, and ought to be cur- 

 tailed. Most possessors of gardens have for many years 

 been accustomed to look only for flowers in the mass in 

 summer and autumn out of doors. That such a state of 

 things may be tolerable in some cases where the posses- 

 sors, by the circumstances of society, are accustomed 

 only to see their gardens in autumn, may be admitted — 

 it may even be necessary in many cases to adopt such a 

 practice ; but the desire of the employer, and the means 

 allowed, will and should always" determine this. There 

 is a very large class of gardens, however, in which the 

 exclusive adoption of summer and autumn blooming 

 plants is tantamount to circumscribing the interest de- 

 rivable from the culture of flowers. But, apart altogether 

 from styles of planting, and the requirements of indivi- 

 dual cases, it is evident that any concentration of the 



