Jottings of a Gentleman Gardener. 



CHAPTER I. 

 INTRODUCTORY. 



FEW words of introduction are needed in a book such as 

 this, devoted as it is entirely to the interests of amateur 

 and hobby gardeners. It is the outcome of much experi- 

 ence and thought, but had it not been for the persuasion 

 of the writer's many friends, he would not have undertaken 

 it. 



The writer has had the privilege of contributing to many 

 of the gardening papers, but his friends desired him to try 

 some rather larger work in garden literature. He has 

 complied, and this book of " Jottings " will, he hopes, 

 prove interesting to his friends, and helpful to amateur 

 gardeners. He is fully aware of its incompleteness, and of 

 its imperfections, but he trusts that his readers will judge 

 kindly of his effort, bearing in mind that it makes no 

 profession to completeness. 



Perhaps some reason should be given for deferring the 

 chapters on Soils and Manures till near the end of the 

 book. The writer thought it would be better to get to the 

 work of cultivating flowers at once, leaving the more 

 technical information to be perused and digested at leisure. 



This little book does not treat of fruits and vegetables, 

 for, although these are to be found in the gardens of many 

 amateurs ; yet " A Garden is a place for flowers, a place 

 where one may foster a passion for loveliness, may learn 



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