Vili PREFACE 
On the present occasion he writes as a veteran florist, with 
all the authority that comes of half a century’s practical 
experience, and he treats upon a section he has always 
made peculiarly his own, Mr. McLeod has cultivated the 
Souvenir de la Malmaison varieties equal to the best in 
this country. Indeed, he was one of the first to succeed 
in producing such fine specimens as the plant of “ Princess 
of Wales,” illustrated in one of the plates. Mr. Cook, who 
writes of the Perpetual-Flowering varieties, has cultivated 
a collection in the Royal Gardens, Sandringham, formerly 
for King Edward VII. and latterly for Queen Alexandra, 
that has made the Royal Gardens famous for its displays 
of Carnations at every season of the year, including the 
comparatively sunless months of winter. 
The reader may notice a little overlapping here and 
there. It is hoped that this will not be found a source 
of irritation but, on the contrary, a means of assisting him 
to thoroughly understand the practices of each author in 
the treatment of his special favourites: For the specimens 
illustrated in the plates, thanks are accorded to Mr, Douglas, 
Mr. McLeod, Mr. Cook, Mr. R. F, Felton, and Mr. J. G. 
Weston. 
THE EDITOR. 
