PREFACE. 



Yet for all that, so far as the first-named are concerned, there 

 is very little information obtainable in a readily accessible form. 

 Then to take a widely different class of plants, what possibilities 

 are there bound up with the hardy and the tender Aquatics — 

 plants which are not half as much recognised as their merits 

 deserve. And similarly with Orchids — at one time popularly 

 supposed to be the exclusive property of the rich — which, thanks 

 to the Gardening Press and the enterprise of importers, are 

 brought to the doors of all who can afford to indulge their 

 tastes for plants under glass. In fact, what at one time was 

 voted a little understood and very expensive hobby, is now 

 regarded to be alike as economical and as easy of achievement 

 as almost any other section of indoor plants. 



Manures, again, are of the highest importance to the successful 

 cultivator, yet in far too many instances it is to be feared they 

 are employed on the rule of thumb principle, with disastrous 

 results upon the crop they were intended to help. No apology, 

 therefore, is needed for devoting a chapter to their consideration. 



Of the freemasonry which exists between professional gardeners 

 and nurserymen and their less enlightened amateur brethren I 

 must speak in the highest terms. There is, no craft of my 

 acquaintance which has fewer so-called trade secrets. This has 

 abundantly been demonstrated to me during the progress of the 

 work, and I should like to testify to the many kindnesses in the 

 form of useful hints and practical advice which I have received 

 from the profession and the trade. Particularly, however, am I 

 indebted for such help to Mr. William Barr, Mr. George Schneider, 

 Mr. S. T. Wright, and Mr. H. J. Chapman. To Messrs. Veitch 

 and Sons and to Messrs. Barr and Sons I must also tender 

 my grateful thanks for readily placing at my disposal some 

 excellent illustrations, and for the generous assistance they gave 

 our artists on very many occasions, by providing, often at 

 considerable personal inconvenience to themselves, facilities for 

 obtaining drawings from good subjects. 



Outside the ranks of the profession and the trade, I must 

 acknowledge my indebtedness to my colleague, Mr. W. Baker- 

 Bartlett, for kindly assistance during the passage of the work 

 through the Press. And it is largely owing to the generous help 

 received from many quarters that the labour in connection with 

 the book has been so materially lightened. 



W. D. 



