li PREFACE. 



upon it by seeking recreation in its pursuit. To the young, 

 we are fully pursuaded, it is of lasting importance , it attaches 

 chem to home, and casts a charm over the place dedicated to 

 floricultural pursuits, and gives them tastes and feelings which 

 are usually retained through life. That our view of it, is in 

 unison with the most intelligent of our own sex, we make our 

 boast of, but more especially do we congratulate ourselves, 

 when we find they are in accordance with the Ladies of our 

 Country. So much is Floriculture held in esteem by the 

 female sex, that amongst the many accomplishments which 

 adorn them, a love of it is now considered a necessary one. 



Its pursuit is now become so general, that it extends nearly 

 to every cottage where it is practicable, and reaches to every 

 Palace, and affords its votaries by its productions, what has 

 been said to be, the purest of human pleasures. Of its enjoy- 

 ment we have largely participated, and we are thus induced to 

 attempt to contribute to its promotion, that others may more 

 largely share with us of its benefits. To accomplish this, our 

 future exertions will be uniformly directed, and we have rea- 

 son to anticipate successful results, because by the operation 

 of a supreme hand. 



" For its kind nature wakes Ler genial power. 

 Suckles eacli lierb, and spreads out every flower ! 

 Annual for us, tlie Grape, the Kose renew, 

 Tiie juice nectarious, and tlie balny dew ; 

 For hs, the mine a thousand treasures brings, 

 For us, health gushes from a thousand spring*." 



Downham, J\ov. 20th t 1839. 



