I X T K O D U C T I O X . XI 



But a knowledge of the science of horticulture Ls far from being 

 co-extensive with the practice of the art, and a truly satisfactory- 

 degree of success is only occasionally attained. A rich soil and a 

 genial climate conspire to render the rudest and most empirical 

 cultivation, under favorable circumstances, moderately produc- 

 tive. Plodding industry, however blindly applied, is looked upon 

 with favor by all-loving Nature ; but her richest gifts are reserved 

 for united science and skill. In the cultivation of the earth, as 

 in every other department of human effort, *' knowledge is 

 power." 



To increase and extend a knowledge of the theory and practice 

 of gardening is the object of the following pages, in which we 

 have given due attention to both branches of the subject. The 

 former is almost entirely ignored in most popular works on hor- 

 ticultjire ; they being nearly restricted to details of practice. 

 These, though highly useful and even essential to the novice, are 

 liable to lead him frequently astray, miless he is guided in their 

 application by a knowledge of the principles on which they are 

 founded. 



The theoretical jjart of our work is necessarily brief, but will be 

 found a useful auxiliary to the practical directions which follow. 

 Carefully studied, thoroughly mastered, and constantly applied, 

 it will be of more value to the reader than a heavy volume imper- 

 fectly understood and confusedly remembered. We would by no 

 means, however, discourage those who have the leisure and dis- 

 position from pursuing the subject further. 



