INTRODUCTION. 



THE object of this volume is the diffusion of general knowl- 

 edge and practical information in relation to the floral kingdom, 

 particularly for hardy trees, shrubs and plants, desirable for 

 the embellishment of the flower-garden and pleasure-ground. 

 It is not designed as a scientific treatise for those far advanced 

 in the knowledge of plants, but for new beginners, who are just 

 entering the .temple of Flora ; or as a book of reference to 

 those who have but little time for research, and who desire 

 some simple instructions as to the mode of culture, or descrip- 

 tion of the habits, of plants or seeds which they may wish to 

 grow. That it may be more acceptable to the great majority, 

 technical descriptions have been avoided as much as possible. 

 We consider it important that plants should be generally known 

 by their scientific name, as this is universal, while the common 

 name is only local ; we have, therefore, given precedence to 

 the botanical name, and followed with the common name, 

 where any has been known. Some work of this kind, it has 

 often appeared to me, was much needed. It has often been 

 called for, in my business as seedsman. Customers will pur- 

 chase a quantity of seeds, not knowing, perhaps, anything about 



G67760 



