INTRODUCTION. 19 



even within the last few years, which cannot fail to 

 attract our attention. 



The period, indeed, has not long elapsed, since the 

 culture of flowers was taken much into considera- 

 tion at all. There was no periodical, and scarcely 

 a standard work on the subject; and any flowers, 

 cultivated about the premises, were generally in 

 the borders of the kitchen-garden.* But, although 

 this is even still the case in many localities, and in 

 limited or small places by no means improper or un- 

 suitable, nay, in some situations better perhaps could 

 not be adopted; yet in extensive localities, where 

 there is ample scope and means, it is decidedly more 

 desirable to have these matters arranged in separate 

 compartments. In this branch of Horticulture, mat- 

 ters have assuredly progressed well and rapidly. A 

 taste for plants and flowers universally prevails 

 amongst the poor as well as the rich, from the 

 highest peer in the land down to the humble cot- 

 tager, who possesses a small patch of ground around 

 his dwelling. 



To the zealous exertions and industrious perse- 

 verance of many eminent and talented individuals, 

 we are indebted for this new era in Floriculture, 

 by the introduction of new species and varieties ; and 

 still farther, to the landed proprietors throughout 



* See " Fruit, Flower, and Kitchen Garden," by Dr. Neill; 

 the best work I know, especially for the northern part of the 

 kingdom. 



