' 9 

 8 INTRODUCTION, 



we learn with regret, that the once purer air 

 of Italy is become almost pestilential in the 

 vicinity of Rome, from the want of proper 

 attention to the draining and cultivation 

 of the fields. 



Gardens have ever been esteemed as afford- 

 ing the purest of human pleasures, and the 

 greatest refreshment to the spirits of man; 

 and as these rural delights greatly promote 

 sedateness and quietness of mind, while they 

 afford the advantages of air and exercise, they 

 must tend to the establishment of health 

 and the prolongation of life. We notice 

 with great satisfaction, that the lives of the 

 ancient as well as of the more modern herb- 

 alists, have generally extended to an ad- 

 vanced age ; and that some of them have 

 even pursued their tranquil course without 

 indisposition through life. 



A knowledge of plants will prevent many 

 of those ills, for the relief of which, mineral 

 aid is often sought in vain. We have found 

 the perfume of flowers and shrubs in the 

 garden, not only refresh the sense, but in- 

 spire cheerfulness and good humour in those 

 who walk, and create appetite in those who 

 join in the labour, whether to turn the earth, 

 or to prop the drooping flower. For where is 



