28 INTRODUCTION. 



scriptions of floral beauty, never hitherto con- 

 templated by the most enthusiastic of Flora's 

 votaries. 



All flowering- plants which perfect the two 

 most essential parts of fructification, viz. the 

 stamens and stigma, whether single or semi- 

 double, are capable of being fecundified in a lesser 

 or greater degree by each other. The families of 

 lilies, pinks, &c. &c. are particularly susceptible 

 of such manipulation; and though the Dutch, 

 French, and several English florists have brought 

 cross-impregnation to great perfection, the art 

 may be said to be still in its infancy. 



The aim and objects of the florist are very 

 different from those of the mere botanist and 

 such as are admirers of simple unassisted Nature 

 only. By the latter, double flowers are considered 

 monstrous — as aberrations from the simple 

 elegance of Nature. But as admiration is be- 

 stowed on every branch of imitative art, why 

 should not the talent and ingenuity of the florist 

 receive his share of commendation for the pro- 

 duction of realities, which is so readily given to 



