WOOD AND GARDEN 



CHAPTER I 



INTRODUCTOKY 



There are already many and excellent books about 

 gardening ; but tbe love of a garden, already so deeply 

 implanted in the Englisli heart, is so rapidly growing, 

 that no excuse is needed foi- putting forth another, 



I lay no claim either to literary ability, or to 

 botanical knowledge, or even to knowing the best 

 practical methods of cultivation ; but I have lived 

 among outdoor flowers for many years, and have not 

 spared myself in the way of actual labour, and have 

 come to be on closely intimate and friendly terms 

 with a great many growing things, and have acquired 

 certain instincts which, though not clearly defined, 

 are of the nature of useful knowledge. 



But the lesson I have thoroughly learnt, and wish 

 to pass on to others, is to know the enduring happiness 

 that the love of a garden gives. I rejoice when I see 

 any one, and especially children, inquiring about flowers, 

 and wanting gardens of their own, and carefully working 



A 



