PREFACE 



THE shrubs described in this volume are those 

 which find their most congenial home in the region 

 extending from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi 

 River, and from Canada to the northern boundaries of 

 our Southern States ; together with those imported 

 shrubs which have so long adorned our yards and 

 gardens that we have almost forgotten their foreign 

 origin. 



The volume is prepared not only for the amateur 

 botanist who seeks a more complete description of 

 plants than the text-books in common use afford ; not 

 only for the lover of nature who desires a personal ac- 

 quaintance with the bushes that grow in the fields and 

 the fence corners; but also to serve those who are 

 engaged in the establishment and decoration of city 

 parks, roadways and boulevards; those who are seek- 

 ing to beautify country roadsides, school-yards and 

 railway stations, as well as those who, in the decora- 

 tion of their own home grounds, would gladly use our 

 native shrubs were their habits and character better 

 understood. 



It is hoped that this volume may lead to a clearer 

 appreciation of the wonderful variety, the exquisite 

 beauty and the real value of that neglected part of our 

 native flora, the shrub. 



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