INTRODUCTION. 
~~ 
The practical study of Floriculture imparts to the AmaTevr in- 
nocent and healthful recreation, and opens to him a large field for 
profitable contemplation and study. With what pleasure does he 
listen to her teachings, and which unfold to his view the beautiful 
harmony of Nature! All Nature rejoices with him, and the swell- 
ings of his own bosom are but the vibrations of that all-pervading 
system of harmony that thrills throughout the vast extent of Crea- 
tion. Herein are the means for the cultivation of the better feel- 
ings of our nature, and which tend to relax the care-worn mind 
and to raise our affections above the angry turmoils of life. 
Narovrz is most industrious in adorning her domains, and May, 
to whom this bounty is addressed, should obey the lesson. He 
too should adorn his home—the dwelling of his wife and chil- 
dren—with pleasant objects, and with all those attractions which 
will make it cheerful. What will tend more to this end than a 
flower-garden, filled with beautiful flowers, imparting their fra- 
grance, elevating and purifying the soul of the beholder? If this 
be done, the home will become the abode of cheerfulness. 
Where flowers are planted, the home becomes a tasteful resi- 
dence, while its intrinsic value is greatly enhanced. Cultivated 
taste gives beauty and value to property, and the small cost of a 
flower-garden, so far from being a useless expense, as some assert, 
add to the money-value of the property. 
Children learn to love every flower. Innocent, happy child- 
hood, how delighted with the beauties of Flora! In after life, 
their affections will cling to the beautiful and hallowed spot where 
