IN^TKODUCTIOI^. 13 



And why not, for there is nothing in all Europe to equal 

 the American cut-flower trade. In London, for exam- 

 ple, this trade is but a fraction, as compared with that 

 of Xew York, though it has a population nearly three 

 times as great. This state of alfairs, though it may 

 show developement in only a single direction, should be 

 regarded with satisfaction, as its tendency must be to 

 create a taste for general gardening. Certainly those 

 who purchase flowers for the love of them are the better 

 prej^ared to aj^preciate choice trees and shrubs and fine 

 garden effects. 



The imj^roved large cemeteries of America, show on 

 the part of our people an ajDpreciation of the finer results 

 of the gardening art. Years ago Boston, Philadel2)hia, 

 and some other cities, conceived the idea of roomy garden 

 or park -like cemeteries, and large areas were laid out as 

 ornamental gardens of sepulture near these cities. Now 

 nearly every large city has an improved cemetery, and 

 alto2:ethcr there are in America a number of such burial 

 places that are the most beautiful the world affords. 

 There can be no doubt as to the value of these in culti- 

 vating a love for general ornamental gardening. 



Good progress has been made in America of late 

 years, in the matter of public parks and gardens. These 

 afford tlie room for planting fine collections of trees, 

 shrubs, etc., and some now contain extensive plantations 

 of these, affording opportunities to the people for be- 

 coming acquainted with kinds, and effective arrange- 

 ments. In the Buffalo Parks and Boulevards, more than 

 forty thousand trees, shrubs and vines, in over four 

 hundred varieties, were planted within the past ten 3^ears, 

 and are rapidly developing their beauty. It is noticeable 

 that as this rather extensive arboretum develops, the 

 appreciation of arboreal beauty increases among the 

 people, inciting new interest in adorning homes with 

 trees and shrubs. For several years associations for the 



