IV INTRODUCTION. 



cultivating the various vegetables by natural 

 and artificial means (to which pursuit the 

 author has been devoted for upwards of half a 

 century), and to supply what further informa- 

 tion on the subject he conceives likely to prove 

 interesting and useful. For these latter pur- 

 poses he has been induced to follow the pro- 

 ducts of the garden beyond their cultivation, 

 and after treating of their nutritious qualities, 

 he has added, in many instances, the best modes 

 of cooking them. If in so doing any one should 

 be disposed to remark that the author has gone 

 away from his proper subject, he has only to 

 reply, that in thus digressing he has not lost 

 sight of the cui bono ; and if this utility, 

 which has been his object, shall be attained by 

 the information thus afforded, he shall not re- 

 gret the time and labour expended on his task. 

 It will be unnecessary for the writer to speak 

 of the many advantages attending the cultiva- 

 tion of the garden, and more particularly as 

 this work is not intended to instil a taste for 

 the pursuit, so much as to direct that taste 

 (previously acquired) into the best and most 

 advantageous channels. 



That gardening is a healthy occupation no 

 one will deny ; and that, while it bestows health 



