TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. 



For an opportunity of reading the work of Abbe Berlese on the Ca- 

 mellia, I am indebted to Miss S, Gibbs of Boston, who has recently returned 

 from Europe J and considering it the most interesting and valuable treatise, 

 which has appeared on the characteristics and culture of that magnificent 

 shrub, it has, at her suggestion, been translated, for publication, in the 

 monthly numbers of the Horticultural Register, in the full belief, that it 

 would be very acceptable to that portion of my fellow citizens, who are en- 

 gaged in the ornamental, as well as the useful departments of horticulture. 



The highly respectable lady, who, on this occasion, has evinced such a 

 commendable disposition, to extend the bounds of intelligence and promote 

 the happiness and prosperity of those, who participate in the various branches 

 of rural industry, did not require this additional illustration of her enlight- 

 ened liberality and patriotic zeal, to foster and encourage a refined and ex- 

 alted taste, for science, letters ancl the artsj but such renewed demonstrations 

 of her well known beneficent and enlightened views, in relation to the best 

 interests of her country, are as cheering, as they are honorable, and merit the 

 grateful acknowledgments of every American. 



Whoever returns from a foreign clime, and brings back a single rare, or 

 valuable seed, plant, or specimen of the arts, — or increases the national fund 

 of human knowledge, by the contribution of the smallest volume, is justly 

 to be considered, as a public benefactor. It was such an interest for the 

 advancement of their country, that induced the illustrious travellers of all 

 ages, to introduce from every portion of the globe, whatever they discovered 

 that was in any manner calculated to accelerate its progress, in the career of 

 improvement. The histories of Greece and Rome are filled with the names 

 of eminent men, who thus distinguished themselves} and all that has been 

 achieved in the march of civilization, since that long and dark period, which 

 succeeded the fall of the great empires of antiquity, is the result of the bold 

 and adventurous spirit, and commanding genius, of a comparatively few 

 individuals, who from age to age, have appeared, as the pioneers of intelli- 

 gence, important discoveries and useful objects of enterprise. 



