PREFACE xi 



the fruits, the vegetables, the grains, and the common 

 flowers of our gardens we may learn more concerning 

 the real progressive development of the human race 

 than is possible from the history books. 



The preparation of these essays has been largely a 

 recreation, and in sending them forth in collective 

 form it is hoped that readers may find in the romance 

 of our trees not only interest but inspiration. A 

 resume of twelve chapters has appeared in The 

 Garden Magazine for 1919-20; that on the autumn 

 tints is reprinted from my "Aristocrats of the 

 Garden." To the esteemed editor of The Garden 

 Magazine I am indebted for helpful criticism; to the 

 publishers, Messrs. Doubleday, Page&Co., my thanks 

 are extended for the courteous manner in which they 

 have met all suggestions. 



E. H. Wilson. 

 Arnold Arboretum, 



Harvard University. 



