PREFACE. 



Success in the cultivation of the large number of Stove and Greenhous ; 

 Plants now known in British gardens, to a great extent depends on an 

 acquaintance with the particular wants of each indi\adual kind, as not only 

 do many allied species require different treatment, but it frequently happens 

 that individual varieties of the same parentage want something in their 

 management quite different from each other, without which they fail to 

 thrive. With this view, in preparing the accompanying treatise, the 

 intention has been, so far as possible, without resorting to unnecessary 

 repetition, to avoid giving directions that are too general in their application, 

 but rather to state fully the treatment which each species or variety has 

 been found to do best with. In such cases, where several kinds of plants 

 succeed under like conditions, the details are given to one, the others 

 being referred thereto. 



In describing the general character and appearance of the plants treated 

 of, Botanical details have been omitted, but the purpose to which each 

 is best adapted, whether for planting out, growing in pots, as roof climbers, 

 or trained specimens, ordinary decorative use, the supply of cut flowers, 

 &c., &c., is given, and this, it is hoped, will assist those but little acquainted 

 with plants in the selection of the kinds best suited to their requirements. 



The best new plants that have appeared up to date are included, as 

 well as the large numbers of older kinds possessing sterhng merit. When 

 any plant holds a relatively inferior position, this is stated in the description 

 accompanying it. Notes are given of the particular kinds of insects each 

 species is subject to, and instructions as to the safest means for their 

 destruction ; also, hints on the form, construction, and heating of Green- 

 houses and Stoves. 



Cultural details on a portion of the plants here treated of have appeared 

 in "The Garden" and "The Gardeners' Chronicle"; these have been 

 revised and added to so far as found necessary. 



T. B. 



