12 INTRODUCTION. 



Since that period, flower-gardening has progress 

 ed rapidly ; and the amusement of floriculture has 

 become the dominant passion of the ladies of Grea; 

 Britain. It is a passion most blessed in its effects, 

 considered as an amusemnt or a benefit. Nothing- 

 humanizes and adorns the female mind more surely 

 than a taste for ornamental gardening. It compels 

 the reason to act, and the judgment to observe ; i&amp;lt; 

 is favorable to meditation oif the most serious kind 

 it exercises the fancy in harmless and elegant oc 

 cupation, and braces the system by its healthfu 

 tendency. A flower-garden, to the young and sin 

 gle of my sex, acts upon the heart and affections- 

 as a nursery acts upon the matronly feelings. Ir 

 attaches them to their home ; it throws a powerful 

 charm over the spot dedicated to such deeply inter 

 esting employment ; and it lures them from dwell 

 ing too deeply upon the unavoidable disappoint 

 ments and trials of life, which sooner or later dis 

 turb and disquiet the heart. 



An amusement which kings and princes have 

 stamped with dignity, and which has afforded them 

 recreation under the toils of government, must be 

 come for ever venerated, and will be sought for by 

 every elegant as well as by every scientific mind. 

 Floriculture ranges itself under the head of female 

 accomplishments in these our days ; and we turn 

 with pity from the spirit which will not find in her 

 &quot; garden of roses&quot; the simplest and purest of 

 pleasures. 



