INTRODUCTION. 



SECT. I. 



GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. 



Some acquaintance with what may be called 

 first principles is essentially necessary to the ac- 

 quirement of all knowledge, and a statement or 

 explanation of them should occupy a prominent 

 place, and receive first attention, at the com- 

 mencement of every study, as the most proper 

 and only true basis for future accessions. 



In horticulture, these first principles are ga- 

 thered from the consideration of the geographical 

 distribution of plants, and the various affecting 

 circumstances by which they are surrounded in 

 their proper habitats or native positions. An 

 idea of the importance of this subject has led 

 me to select it as the most suitable introduction 

 to the accompanying practical remarks. 



The great advantage to be derived from a 

 knowledge of geography in the cultivation of 

 these and all other plants is the facility which it 

 affords for estimating the average temperature, 

 and so dependently, the ordinary character of the 



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