IV PREFACE. 



both on this continent and in Europe. In one of the former it is said, 

 " You may now propagate many kinds (Exotic Plants) by suckers, 

 cuttings, and layers, which should be duly attended to, particularly 

 such as are scarce and difficult to be obtained." And the directions 

 given in one of the most extensive works in Europe on the propagation 

 of an extensive genus, varied in character and constitution, run thus : 

 u Cuttings of most kinds will strike root. From the strongest grow- 

 ing kinds, take off large cuttings at a joint, and plunge them in a pot 

 of sand under a hand-glass in the bark bed. Of the smaller kinds 

 take younger kinds, and put them under a bell-glass, also plunged in 

 heat. The sooner the plants are potted off after they are rooted the 

 better. 11 



Such instructions to the inexperienced, are imperfect and unavail- 

 ing, which, we flatter ourselves, is not the character that will attach to 

 the present work. We are well aware that there are persons, who, to 

 show their own superior abilities, may cavil and say 'that there is nothing 

 new. To such critics it may be answered, if arranging, simplifying, 

 digesting, and rendering Floraculture attainable by the humblest capa- 

 city, with useful lists and tables on a plan quite novel, as we believe 

 offer nothing new, it may at least be called an improvement. How- 

 ever, we submit all to a generous public, to whom we are already 

 under many obligations. 



HlBBERT & BuiST. 

 Philadelphia, April 18th, 1832. 



i 



