PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. 



•1\ 



The chief original features, then, of this work are, that 

 it endeavors to give more or less information upon the 

 whole subject of gardening; and information, too, that is 

 practically adapted to our climate, habits, and require- 

 ments. In the fruit garden department, especially, a good 

 deal of new matter is to be found. Throughout the entire 

 work processes are frequently described, and methods of 

 culture given, which are suited only to climates and 

 seasons like our own. Those varieties of plants and trees 

 are pointed out which experience has proved are best 

 adapted to our orchards and gardens. * * * * 



Unusual prominence is also given to the general sub- 

 ject of manures, as they are the foundation not only of 

 successful gardening, but of profitable husbandry. 

 Besides the various works consulted, the experience of 

 horticultural friends has been freely communicated. 

 Valuable hints have been derived from Rev. Mr. Johnson 

 and Mr. Thurmond, of Atlanta; Professor J. P. Waddel, 

 Dr. M. A. Ward, and Dr. James Camak, of Athens; Right 

 Rev. Bishop Elliott, of Savannah; Dr. J. C. Jenkyns and 

 Mr. Affleck, of Mississippi; and especially from J. Van 

 Buren, of Clarksville, Georgia, whose successful efforts 

 to make known and diffuse native Southern varieties of 

 the apple rendered him a public benefactor. It is hoped 

 we shall yet see a work on fruit trees from his pen. 



If this treatise, with all its imperfections, shall in any 

 degree increase the love of gardening among us; if it 

 shall cause orchards to flourish, shade trees to embower, 

 and flowers to spring up around any Southern home, the 

 author's purpose is accomplished. 



Wm. X. White. 



Athens, Ga., 1856. 



