PREFACE 

 TO THE NEW EDITION. 



FIVE years have passed since the author very hastily penned 

 the first edition of his Book of Flowers. The work was origi- 

 nally designed to be embraced in two hundred pages ; but it was 

 found impossible to treat of all the plants which were to be 

 brought to notice, with even a brief description of their habits, 

 modes of culture, &c., in so limited a space. It was, therefore, 

 extended to three hundred and thirty-six pages. But, with this 

 extension, many things were necessarily omitted, to make the work 

 complete. One great omission was, a chapter on the cultivation 

 of plants in the parlor, of which the author has very often been 

 reminded by female amateurs from every part of the country. 

 In this edition the ladies will find the desired instruction ; for 

 which, if they are more successful in consequence of the hints 

 thrown out, the author will feel himself amply rewarded. 



Many new and beautiful plants for the flower-garden have been 

 introduced since this work was written, and many old standard 

 varieties have been so much improved, that those formerly highly 

 prized are now thrown aside and rejected. 



I shall give a brief notice of those that may be thought desir- 

 able for open culture. Some trees and plants, that were hopefully 

 spoken of as probably enduring this northern climate, and have 

 not succeeded, will be noted. 



The author feels under great obligations for the favorable 

 notices which have been given of this work by the public press, 

 and particularly to numerous individuals from every part of 

 the country, who, in their private communications, have spoken 

 of it in high terms, as being a work very much neede'l, and as 

 meeting the wants of young amateurs. 



