PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION. 



This little handbook aims at nothing more than an 

 account of the methods commonly employed in the prop- 

 agation and crossing of plants, and its province dues not 

 extend, therefore, to the discussion of any of the ultimate 

 results or influences of these methods. All such ques- 

 tions as those relating to the formation of buds, the 

 reciprocal influences of cion and stock, comparative ad- 

 vantages of whole and piece roots, and the results of 

 pollination, do not belong here. 



In its preparation I have consulted freely all the best 

 literature of the subject, and I have been aided by many 

 persons. The entire volume has been read by skilled 

 propagators, so that even all such directions as are com. 

 monly recommended in other countries have also been 

 sanctioned, if admitted, as best for this. In the propaga- 

 tion of trees and shrubs and other hardy ornamentals, I 

 have had tlie advice of the head propagator of one of the 

 largest nurseries in this country. The whole volume has 

 also passed through the hands of B. M. Watson, of the 

 Eussey Institution of Harvard University, a teacher of un- 

 usual skill and experience in this direction, and who has 

 added greatly to the value of the book. The articles upon 

 orchids, and upon most of the different genera of orchids 

 in the Nursery List, have been contributed by W. J. Bean, 



(V) 



