iv PEEFACE. 



include our more conspicuous hardy trees and shrubs, 

 and also because there is at the present time a 

 preponderance in their favour for ornamental planting. 

 We originally intended to have noticed the principal 

 deciduous kinds in addition ; but we found that, with 

 even a comparatively limited selection, so numerous 

 are they, the size of our book would be increased 

 much beyond what we intended, and its price of course 

 added to materially. 



In speaking of the hardiness of the plants described, 

 we have endeavoured to be as correct as possible. 

 With that view, we applied during the past year to 

 many persons in all parts of the country who were 

 likely to be able to afford us assistance, by sending to 

 each a prepared return paper, in which might be 

 arranged in a tabular form the information we 

 required. By that means we accumulated a mass of 

 valuable evidence. And we had also previously made 

 many useful notes during our journey ings in various 

 parts of the kingdom. 



Of the matter and its arrangement, a few intro- 

 ductory words may be thought necessary. First, there 

 is a practical treatise on planting generally, in which 

 reference is made to various kinds of soil and situation, 

 and to the most suitable seasons for removing both 

 deciduous and evergreen trees. Following this are 

 some detailed instructions, which, while they are 

 intended to refer principally to Coniferse, will of 



