PREFACE TO THE FIRST 



IN compiling this little work on " Gardening in New Zea- 

 land " an attempt has been made to collect the greatest 

 amount of useful information which could be condensed 

 within its limits, at the same time rendering such information 

 as full and practicable as possible, so that the most inex- 

 perienced may with its assistance carry on the various 

 operations of the several departments of the garden with 

 every prospect of success. I do not claim much originality 

 for the work, except in so far as my own experience, extend- 

 ing over many years in the Old Country and in the Colonies, 

 enables me to determine the difference between the Home 

 seasons and those of this country. Although we are at the 

 antipodes of England, it does not follow that the seasons are 

 exactly opposite. In New Zealand the growing season 

 extends over a period of nine months, while in England it 

 may be said not to exceed seven months. 



Up to the present time no attempt has been made to 

 produce a comprehensive manual of Gardening suitable to 

 our requirements. It is true that calendars abound, and 

 weekly instructions, but these fragmentary efforts (good so 

 far as they go) do not enter sufficiently into details to be of 

 much service to those persons who know little of the subject, 

 but who, nevertheless, take pleasure in the growth of flowers, 

 fruit, and vegetables. Much of the information embraced in 

 the chapters of this work has been gleaned from the best 

 authorities on the subjects treated of. I desire particularly 

 to acknowledge my obligations in this matter to the editors 

 of those excellent works entitled " Manuals for the Many," 

 and Thomson's " Gardener's Assistant," Miss Omerod's 



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