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PREFACE 



THERE has ever been a halo of romance around my 

 Lady's Garden. 



Since the ancient days of chivalry, when brave 

 knights and fair ladies paced in " pleached waves" amidst 

 gilliflowers and rosemary throughout the centuries in 

 which parterres were surrounded by ancient yews cut into 

 many quaint devices until the present time, women have 

 not failed to love flowers, and to tend and cherish them 

 as they knew how. 



But the knowledge of horticulture has increased during 

 the last quarter of a century with great rapidity, and with 

 it the interest which we all now take in our gardens. 



Moreover, the opening of China and Japan to the 

 Western world, the construction of the Suez Canal, and the 

 power of steam, have combined to enable us to bring safely 

 from the ends of the earth many valuable plants which were 

 quite unknown to our forefathers. 



The gardens of the twentieth century, therefore, should 

 be more beautiful than ever ; and to those who love their 

 flowers, and take a personal interest in them, this book 

 is offered. 



I. L. R. 



M816595 



