Evolution of Horticulture 



in many civil and religious ceremonies. 

 Although our knowledge concerning their 

 skill and practical acquaintance with 

 horticulture is imperfect, yet the disposi- 

 tion of their gardens, orchards, and vine- 

 yards in the best ages of the nation, show 

 a most remarkable scientific advance in 

 all that pertains to the art. Mr. St. John 

 in his admirable History of the Manners 

 and Customs of Ancient Greece^ draws 

 "by the aid of scattered hints, chance 

 expressions, fragments, and a careful 

 study of the natural and invariable pro- 

 ductions of the country," a most pleasing 

 picture, of which a few paragraphs are 

 given, that certainly both in style and 

 description serve as a model for imitation. 

 " That portion of the ground which was 

 devoted to the culture of sweet-smelling 

 shrubs and flowers usually approached 

 and projected inwards between the back 

 wings of the house, so that from the win- 

 dows the eye might alight upon the rich 

 and variegated tints of the parterres inter- 

 mingled with verdure, while the evening 

 12 



