INTRODUCTION. 
— 
Firrsen years have passed since the author published 
his “Book of Flowers.” In 1856 a new edition was is- 
sued, to which 60 pages were added in an appendix. 
The work had a large and generous patronage, and 
many thousands of copies were circulated during the ten 
following years. 
Time makes great changes in all the pursuits of life, 
and in none more than it has in Floriculture during the 
last 15 years; consequently, the book in question had be- 
come antiquated like the author, and needed revision, 
which I hope he does not, extensively. 
But when the work was taken in hand, it was deemed 
advisable to make a new book, rather than to attempt the 
revision of the old one, as it would be like putting new 
cloth to an old garment, to try to patch it up. That the 
laborous task of writing a new book was considered a ne- 
cessity which, at the advanced age of more than three 
score years and ten, was not so pleasant to contemplate, 
' But, having been familiar with the culture of flowers from 
childhood, with a general knowledge of most plants known 
in this climate, the task was made easy, notwithstanding 
the weariness of the flesh. And now, after a year’s writ- 
ing, revising and correcting, “Breck’s New Book of 
Flowers” is presented to the flower-loving public, who, if 
they love flowers as well as the author, will, no doubt, ap- 
preciate his labors, He hopes the innocent, improving, 
and healthy pleasures to be derived from the art and prac- 
tice of Floriculture, may be greatly. increased by the in- 
struction and encouragement he has endeavored to give. 
While much of the book is entirely new, and the ar- 
rangement greatly improved, some parts of the old work 
