viii THE AUTHOR TO THE READER. 



have been acquiring an accelerated rate of growth. 

 Houses have thus, by a rapid process of extension, 

 been blotting out the green fields and hedgerows. 

 In London this process has perhaps acquired a 

 greater degree of development than elsewhere; 

 but wherever it has been in operation the with- 

 drawal of the country has increased the desire of 

 those who have thus been gradually enfolded more 

 and more completely within the stifling domain of 

 bricks and mortar, to compensate for the absence 

 of green fields by surrounding themselves with 

 something which is fresh and green. 



To a certain extent this desire has been met by 

 the formation of parks or public gardens within 

 central and densely populated town districts ; but 

 the requirements of health and enjoyment have not 

 been sufficiently met by such means, the number 

 of public gardens in the Metropolis and elsewhere 

 being far too small. 



Next to the public parks and gardens the 

 gardens of dwelling houses in town districts help 

 to supply the popular want for the refreshing 

 presence of trees, shrubs, plants and flowers. But 



