THE 



PRINCIPLES OF GAEDENING. 



INTRODUCTION. 



Gardening or Horticulture has for its objects, the 

 production of the fiTiits, flowers, and culinaiy vege- 

 tables of any climate, in any habitable place, in the 

 greatest perfection, and at the least possible expense. 



Like all other human occupations, gardening is di- 

 visible into the science which teaches the principles 

 and circumstances on which the attainment of the de- 

 sired objects is founded ; and the art or practical skill 

 which enables the practitioner to secure those cir- 

 cumstances, and effectuate those principles. 



It is to the first of these departments of knowledge 

 that the following pages are devoted: their prime 

 subject being the guidance afforded to the gardener 

 in the practice of his art by chemistry, vegetable 

 physiology, and other sciences. 



If any one asks what those sciences have done for 



