PREFACE vii 



The reader will observe that in this book no 

 attempt has been made to write a scientific treatise 

 on gardening; it is merely intended as an introduction 

 which when read, and in some measure carried out in 

 practice, may help to prepare the way for much better 

 books. 



In giving lists of plants, I have not attempted to 

 make them complete, but have for the most part confined 

 myself to the mention of the names of a few that I 

 have found to be the best and most suitable flowers 

 and varieties. In fact, the limits and scope of this 

 little book have made it desirable to restrict my work 

 to selection, rather than to aim at completeness. But, 

 indeed, the most popular varieties of to-day soon become 

 obsolete ; and, besides, all good gardeners should them- 

 selves observe and select those variations most pleasing 

 and most suitable in all ways to their own use and 

 their environment. What wearisome monotony would 

 result from all liking the same flowers or using the 

 same lists of "best varieties." 



I am anxious to acknowledge, very warmly, my 

 obligations to Mr Hallam Murray, and to the many 

 personal friends who have given me their valuable 

 assistance in various ways, as well as to others, not a 



