Vlll 



PREFACE 



On the present occasion he writes as a veteran florist, with 

 all the authority that comes of half a century's practical 

 experience, and he treats upon a section he has always 

 made peculiarly his own. Mr. McLeod has cultivated the 

 Souvenir de la Malmaison varieties equal to the best in 

 this country. Indeed, he was one of the first to succeed 

 in producing such fine specimens as the plant of " Princess 

 of Wales," illustrated in one of the plates. Mr. Cook, who 

 writes of the Perpetual-Flowering varieties, has cultivated 

 a collection in the Royal Gardens, Sandringham, formerly 

 for King Edward VII. and latterly for Queen Alexandra, 

 that has made the Royal Gardens famous for its displays 

 of Carnations at every season of the year, including the 

 comparatively sunless months of winter. 



The reader may notice a little overlapping here and 

 there. It is hoped that this will not be found a source 

 of irritation but, on the contrary, a means of assisting him 

 to thoroughly understand the practices of each author in 

 the treatment of his special favourites. For the specimens 

 illustrated in the plates, thanks are accorded to Mr. Douglas, 

 Mr. McLeod, Mr. Cook, Mr. R. F. Felton, and Mr. ]. G. 

 Weston. 



THE EDITOR. 



