INTRODUCTION. 



IN presenting this work, constructed as a monthly calendar, which 

 is the most simple and easy method to convey the necessary opera- 

 tions of the year, considerably more labour has been expended, than 

 was at first expected, to render it as accurate as possible. Some 

 verbal mistakes may have been overlooked in the botanical names. 

 Where such occur, the list of names at the end of the volume will 

 enable the reader to correct them ; as well as the accentuation. 

 For such other errors as may be discovered, the indulgence of the 

 reader is solicited. 



Frequently, in the description of plants, there are Botanical and 

 English names compounded, in order the more clearly to elucidate 

 their several parts to those who are not fully acquainted with scienti- 

 fic terms. The description of the colour of flowers and habits of 

 plants will be useful to such as are at a great distance from collec- 

 tions, in enabling them to make selections judiciously. 



Those plants described and recommended have all, with a few ex- 

 ceptions, passed under our own observation, and are generally such 

 as are most worthy of attention, either for beauty of flower, foliage, 

 or habit, together with those celebrated in arts and medicine. Many 

 may possibly have passed unobserved, either from their being very gene- 

 rally known, or difficult to obtain ; but in no case has there been sup- 

 pression from selfish motives. Where the words " our collections" 

 occur, it is meant for those of the country generally, and especially 

 those immediately in the vicinity of Philadelphia. In all our observa- 

 tions, no regard has been paid to what has been written by others, 



