IV INTRODUCTION. 



cautiously used, aud even then its beneficial effects arc no' 

 universal. However, it can in a liquid state be used U 

 advantage on almost any plant, especially those of strong 

 habits, such as the Rose, Geranium, Fuchsia, Heliotrope, 

 Chrysanthemum, &c. To such, the following proportions 

 will be very beneficial: 1 lb. of guano to 5 galls, of water; 

 after standing 12 or more hours, can be used in the routine 

 of watering once a week or even once in two weeks ; but 

 to plants that have more delicate and silky rootlets, such aa 

 Epacris, Erica, Azzlea, &c, the liquid must be reduced one- 

 half. 



Our descriptions of plants have been conveyed more with 

 the view of giving an idea of their character to the general 

 reader than an accurate botanical synopsis, which would have 

 been known to the botanist alone. All that we have described 

 and recommended have, with a few exceptions, passed under 

 our owu observation, and are such as are worthy of cultiva- 

 tion, cither for beauty of flower, foliage, or habit, together 

 with those celebrated in arts and medicine. Many may, 

 possibly, have passed unobserved, either from not being very 

 generally known or difficult to obtain ; but in no case has 

 there been suppression, from business prejudices. Where the 

 words " our collections" occur, they are meant for those of 

 the country generally. 



All our observations have been guided by dint of practice ; 

 and, although others may differ, this is designedly and pro- 

 fessedly given as the result of our own experience. The 

 plan laid down is our own routine of culture; the soils are 

 those whicn we adopt; but, at the same time, conceding that 

 every art and profession is subject to improvement, and non3 

 more so than American horticulture. The table of soils was 

 originally constructed at the expense of much investigation 

 and labour, and has, also, in this edition, undergone consider- 

 able improvement. To every one that has but a single plant 



