PREFACE 



No subject in the whole of the floral world has achieved 

 greater notoriety in recent years than the Sweet Pea 

 the peer of hardy annuals. Close and persistent atten- 

 tion has been given to the improvement of this flower, 

 by raisers and others, for some years past, and the result 

 of this ungrudging devotion of its enthusiastic admirers 

 is to be seen to-day in numerous beautiful plants, bear- 

 ing a wonderful display of most charming blossoms. 



The Sweet Pea has now such numerous devotees, many 

 of whom have but a faint notion of the possibilities of 

 the flower, that this would appear to be a sufficient 

 justification for the publication of this treatise. 



Cultural directions from a comprehensive point of 

 view receive very full consideration, and the claims of 

 the Sweet Pea for varied purposes are dealt with in 

 detail. 



For valuable historical research my thanks are 

 especially due to Mr S. B. Dicks, who has afforded 

 me every facility in this respect. 



That this little work may prove helpful to lovers of 

 this fragrant annual is the sincere wish of the Author. 



The Editor wishes to express his indebtedness to 

 Messrs Dobbie of Rothesay, the distinguished florists, 

 for the loan of some beautiful photographs. 



D. B. C. 



1909. 



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