INTRODUCTION, 



We are again called upon to present to the public the 

 fourth edition of this popular work on the Culture of 

 Flowers — a taste that is now widely disseminating itself; 

 in fact, a knowledge of which is requisite before a refined 

 education is completed. We boldly and fearlessly say that 

 no country has made such rapid advancement in the art and 

 science of Horticulture in so short a period as the United 

 States. Wherever the taste prevails, it diffuses a peace and 

 harmony among its participants without either symbol or 

 mystery. In this edition, a feast of new materials has been 

 served up ; entire lists have been canceled and replaced with 

 those of newer and finer forms and habits; extraneous mat- 

 ter and plants of indifferent character are dropped. The 

 great and successful adaptation of Hot water to Horticultural 

 purposes is explicitly described, and to those who wish to ex- 

 amine the results, we say " Come and see.'^ A new and dis- 

 tinct list of hardy Evergreens has been added, and a new 

 chapter on the ever-to-be-admired ROSE, and every im- 

 provement in the art up to this present time introduced. 



True, we have not dilated on the wonderful effects of 

 electricity upon vegetation, nor have we been extravagant 

 in the results of guano in the growth of plants. With re- 

 gard to the former, the capability of its reduction to general 

 practice has yet to be proven — and the latter has to be 



