INTRODUCTION. V 



In looking over this old manuscript, we found that so many 

 new plants had been introduced, and such improvements had 

 been made in numerous species, that it would be of but little use 

 in this work. It was, however, to some small extent, incorpo- 

 rated into it. Many articles on various subjects have appeared, 

 from time to time, in the Horticultural Register, New England 

 Farmer and the Horticulturist, either with my own signature or 

 initials, or under some fictitious one. These communications 

 have been revised, discarding what did not agree with present 

 experience, or opinion, and making such alterations and addi- 

 tions as the progress in floriculture demanded ; and these have 

 afforded material for this book. With few exceptions, I have 

 been as familiar with the plants described as with household 

 friends, and believe the directions given will not lead any one 

 astray. I do not claim all as original, having culled from a 

 great variety of books and periodicals, English and American. 

 To Loudon's Encyclopedia of Plants, and other works, I am 

 indebted for the history of many plants, and the origin of their 

 generic or specific names. Mr. Emerson's excellent work on 

 the " Trees of Massachusetts" has assisted me in the descrip- 

 tion of many shrubs and trees, to whom credit has been given 

 in the body of the work. Dr. T. W. Harris's treatise on the 

 " Insects of Massachusetts Injurious to Vegetation," has fur- 

 nished me with the history and habits of the Rose-Bug and 

 other insects. Extracts have been made from Downing's 

 " Horticulturist," from Parsons " On the Rose," and hints from 

 " Hovey's Magazine," and from various other books and 

 periodicals. 



