INTRODUCTION. xv 
danthes with the helipterums, and so on. This arrangement 
we have followed, so far as placing the species and cultural 
details are concerned. By means of cross references, however, 
we have placed the old familiar names in their proper 
sequence, so that the reader can easily get a clue to the 
facts he requires. Fifthly, cultural details are given under 
the generic name only, as the apple and pear under Pyrus; 
the plum and cherry under Prunus; the cabbage, broccoli, 
etc., under Brassica ; carrot under Daucus; auricula «nd poly- 
anthus under Primula, and so on. Lastly, we have included 
in alphabetical order all the common names in general use. 
As regards the gencra included in the present volume, they 
are those in general cultivation in gardens. Those only of 
botanical interest, or little grown, are excluded, because 
we are desirous, in conjunction with the publishers, that the 
volume shall be issued at a price within the means of all 
classes of amateur gardeners. 
It has been suggested by many readers that we should 
give the pronunciation of the generic and specific names 
included in the work. We certainly did entertain the idea, 
but eventually found the task an insuperable one. Authorities 
vary so much in their ideas as to the correct pronunciation, 
that had we attempted the task, even with the aid of a good 
friend and a distinguished classical scholar, we should have 
laid ourselves open to severe criticism. Besides, the expense 
involved in setting up: the-accentuations would have pre- 
vented the work being issued at a popular price. 
A LAST WORD TO THE READER. 
Now we close this introduction, embracing a brief, genera) 
survey of the progress of gardening from the earliest to the 
present period, and of the general features of the volume, 
with a sincere hope that the busy man, who requires a fund 
of information in a small compass, will find this work—the 
reflex of forty years’ practical and scientific study and experi- 
ence, including twenty-one years’ special acquaintance with 
the needs of amateur gardeners as Editor of “ Amateur Gar- 
dening ”—a real friend, guide, and counsellor in all that 
appertaing to the culture of vegetation in the garden and 
greenhouse. 
T. W.S. 
