88 Mrs. Loudon's Ladies' Flower-Garden 



subjects have suggested The work is introduced by an account of the 



Linnaean system, and the rules for collecting, drying, and naming plants in 

 general, accompanied with a full glossary of all the terms employed ; and 

 terminates with three indexes, and an appendix of the more difficult tribes of 

 flowering plants, and of all the cryptogamic orders. 



" The plates [figures] are necessarily very small ; but this was unavoidable, 

 as will be apparent when it is considered that there are 280 plants represented ; 

 and to have engraved them on a larger scale would have made the work too 

 expensive for general circulation." (Pref.) 



The figures, considering their wonderfully small size, no fewer 

 than 20 being got into a space not quite 3 in. by S\ in., will be 

 readily recognised for what they are intended to represent, by 

 those who already know the plants; and they will even be of 

 considerable assistance to others. 



The book is dedicated to the "Young Ladies of England ;" 

 to whom, and to all beginners of whatever description, we can 

 most safely and strongly recommend it. 



Art. II. The Ladies Flotver~Garden of Ornamental Annuals. By 

 Mrs. Loudon. 4to, pp. 16, exclusive of four pages of Introduction, 

 and three plates, containing 14 coloured figures of plants of the 

 natural size. To be continued monthly, and completed in 15 or 

 16 Numbers, at 2s. 6d. each. London, 1839. 



Though the production of a member of our own family, we 

 think it but justice to state that this is an elegant work, and one 

 which will be found not more beautiful than it is useful. There 

 is no class of flowers that addresses itself so universally to the 

 possessors of gardens as hardy annuals, since the seed may be 

 sown, and the plants displayed in all their beauty in from five to 

 eight months. 



" The culture of annuals has two great advantages over the culture of all 

 other flowers whatever. In the first place, it is attended with less expense 

 than any other description of flower culture ; and in the second, all the enjoy- 

 ment of which it is susceptible is obtained within the compass of six or eight 

 months. Bulbous or tuberous rooted flowers, like annuals, produce their 

 blossoms in the first year ; but they are attended with an enormously increased 

 expense. Perennial herbaceous flowers are never in perfection till the second 

 year; and, like bulbs, can only be beneficially purchased by such as anticipate 

 retaining the occupation of their garden for several years in succession. The 

 seeds of annual flowers, on the other hand, cost a mere trifle ; and the expense 

 of stirring the soil, sowing them, and thinning them when they come up, is 

 also very little ; while the effect produced is as great or greater than that of 

 many bulbs or tubers, and most perennials. The flower of a choice hyacinth, 

 the bulb of which will cost five or six shillings before planting, is not much 

 more beautiful than that of a double rocket larkspur, which may be reared to 

 perfection in three months, from a seed which will cost about the fiftieth part 

 of a penny. Annual flowers, therefore, are, above all others, suitable for the 

 gardens of suburban residences which are hired for not more than a year ; 

 while they are equally fit for decorating all other gardens whatever, and pecu- 



