FOREWORDS. 
In issuing this, a thoroughly revised edition of a work 
which has previously passed: through twelve editions, und 
thus abundantly testified its value as a work of reference 
on the culture of all the genera of trees, shrubs, orchids, 
ferns, hardy plants, hothouse and greenhouse plants, and 
vegetables worthy of a place in British gardens, the 
Author desires to express his gratitude to the many 
persons who have written to him from time to time tc 
point out errors or omissions in past editions, and to say 
that he trusts every purchaser of this volume will find it 
an acceptable, useful and valued guide to the successful 
cultivation of plants grown in their gardens and green- 
houses. 
The Author begs to refer the Reader to the latter 
portion of his introductory remarks for information as 
to the general features of the work and the improve- 
ments made therein. It is only needful to add here thut 
the Reader will find the Author’s “ Alphabet of Garden- 
ing” an excellent companion to the present volume. 
Therein he will find the subjects of plant life, soils, 
manures, propagation, pruning, planting, training, and 
rotation of crops fully dealt with, and in all cases freely 
illustrated with diagrams. Furnished with these two 
volumes, the reader will, indeed, possess a concise library 
on all that pertains to the growth of vegetation adapted 
for the adornment of garden and greenhouse and for use 
as food, at a comparatively small cost. 
tT. W. 8. 
