INTRODUCTION 



Before entering upon the methods of culture 

 and manai^ement necessary for the different bed, 

 border, and stage flowers intended to be briefly 

 set forth in the pages of this work, it may be 

 proper, perhaps, to advert to some circumstances 

 which belong either to the knowledge of the 

 plants themselves, or to particulars relative to 

 their general treatment. By so doing, repe- 

 titions will be avoided, and the directions will 

 be less encumbered by collateral observations. 



As the principal part of our bed flowers are 

 bulbs, it may not be irrelevant to describe the 

 constituent parts of these curious vegetable 

 bodies. Every florist should be acquainted with 

 the physiology of the plants he cultivates ; for 

 though not so absolutely necessary, perhaps 

 to successful management, it may neverthelessi 



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