X INTRODUCTION. 



The nobleman and the peasant can rest 

 secure in the mansion or the cot, and in peace 

 partake of luxuries which Providence has so 

 bountifully, through skilful hands, supplied for 

 our use, and without such security we could 

 not expect long to see our highly-favoured 

 fertile soil studded in all directions with seats 

 of more or less consequence, the gardens in 

 many instances forming the most interesting 

 part, and from which the principal vegetable 

 luxuries of life are produced. 



Apart from the luxuries thereof, the import- 

 ance of agriculture, which has been long duly 

 appreciated, the scientific principles thereof, 

 may be likewise traced to have sprung from 

 gardening ; and when blended together, we may 

 trace not only all the blessings we possess, and 

 comforts we enjoy, but also health, riches, 

 and prosperity ; nay more, not only has agricul- 

 ture a right to claim gardening for its foundation, 

 but every art, trade and profession, indeed every 



