PREFACE. 



While almost every other department of useful science has been 

 arranged and brought into a more accessible and convenient form, 

 in the shape of a Dictionary, that of Gardening has remained 

 nearly without assistance in this respect. The present is, however, an 

 attempt to render so important and beneficial a branch of knowledge 

 more easy and comprehensible, by better and more correct explana- 

 tions of the various objects which it embraces ; by more full and accu- 

 rate descriptions of the different plants and processes ; and by more clear 

 and distinct delineations of the various modes of culture and management 

 by which they may be raised, preserved, and brought to perfection, in the 

 easiest and most expeditious manner. The execution of this undertaking, 

 from the difficult and imperfect state of the art, has been attended with 

 considerable labour and trouble; but the author hopes, from the practical 

 knowledge which he possesses, and the various sources of information of 

 which he has been enabled to avail himself, that it has been performed 

 in a manner that will not be found less useful in directing the practical 

 Gardener, than those who are not so conversant with the nature of the 

 subject, as bringing them more fully acquainted with the various methods 



