INTRODUCTION. 



As the hand of an all-beneficent Creator 

 has been graciously pleased to strew and de- 

 corate the earth with flowers, to gratify the 

 sight by their beauty, and to refresh the sense 

 of smelling by their fragrance, as we proceed 

 from stage to stage along the rugged road of 

 life ; and as nothing which he has formed for 

 the benefit of man was ever designed by him 

 to perish or exist in vain, it is our duty to 

 receive these pleasing productions of his, 

 among others, with all thankfulness, and to 

 render them subservient to the purposes of 

 health, pleasure, and amusement ; for such 

 no doubt he first bestowed them. In fact, the 

 cultivation of flowers has in all parts, as well 



