10 



INTRODUCTION. 



temperature, and extremes of cold and heat; its tissues 

 are as delicate as any in nature ; it has wants, which must 

 be attended to as they arise, and neglect is sure to result 

 in disease or death. There are two extremes in plant cul- 

 ture, as usually pursued : the plants are either starved to 

 death or overfed ; the result is the same, whether caused 

 by neglect or kindness. 



We have often heard wonder expressed at the beauty of 

 some plant grown in the poor man's parlor a beauty 

 which those of his wealthy neighbor do not attain. The 

 reason is simple : in the one case, the wants are well pro- 

 vided for ; in the other, they are neglected or over supplied. 



And here we touch the object of this little book, which 

 is to tell, in as few and simple words as possible, what 

 these wants are, and how they may best be attended to. 



A plant, or a stand of flowers, is a constant source of 

 pleasure in a room ; it is a spring of sunshine, and its 

 silent influence makes all the household more cheerful 

 and better. 



We would have flowers in every house, for their sunny 

 light, for their cheerful teaching, for their insensibly enno- 

 bling influence. 



' ' But they are so much trouble ! " exclaims one. Granted, 



