PREFACE. 



We prefer, in general, in each number of our Magazine to furnish 

 our readers with the means of estimating its merit, and such has uni- 

 formly been our practical aim. We do not wish, however, to neglect 

 the opportunity, which custom yearly supplies, of reverting to its 

 progress, (and this in several respects is a pleasing task,) and to 

 renew our assurances that its future improvement will always be 

 determined by our own or our readers' discovery of its necessity and 

 means of accomplishment. 



By glancing over the pages of the present volume an opinion of 

 its merit will be obtained that we cannot allow ourselves here to 

 express. 



Twelve years have now passed since the Floricultural Cabinet 

 first appeared ; and although we took the lead by being foremost in 

 commencing, and other publications have followed into the field, by 

 the assistance which has been so liberally supplied, we have been 

 enabled to sustain our Magazine in the elevated position in character 

 and circulation (far beyond that of any other similar work) which 

 public estimation had raised it to. And the Conductor cannot there- 

 fore desire a more flattering testimonial that his endeavours are 

 approved ; and he most sincerely tenders his thanks to Subscribers 

 and Correspondents, by whose aid he has been so liberally supported 

 and encouraged. But while we thank our friends for their assistance, 

 we very respectfully beg for its continuance, that we may endeavour 

 to perform our duty so as each month it may be increasingly ap- 

 proved. And as it is by our Friends' kind assistance and ready 

 patronage that we have been enabled to accomplish whatever improve- 

 ments we have already made in our Magazine, and hope to compass 

 others as they may offer, they are now individually and aggregately 

 solicited to continue their kind offices. As heretofore, we will not admit 



