X PREFACE. 



In thus making especial reference to plants with 

 ornamental leaves, it should be clearly understood 

 that I am quite prepared to admit that the leaves of 

 every plant are full of beauty. There are, however, 

 degrees of beauty; and while it is not reasonable 

 to suppose that any one cultivator can find sufficient 

 accommodation for all the choice Exotics which are 

 to be found in European gardens, it is quite reasonable' 

 to conclude that from want of space he would be 

 compelled to make a selection, retaining only those 

 which most commend themselves to his admiration 

 either on account of their bold and striking or distinct 

 character, or from their delicacy and beauty. To assist 

 the Horticulturist in his eiForts in this direction has 

 been my chief aim in penning the pages of " Choice 

 Stove and Greenhouse Ornamental-leaved Plants." 



The woodcuts are partly original and partly derived 

 from friends; several of them have appeared in the 

 Gardeners' Chronicle, in the Florist and Pomologist, 

 and in the Gardeners' Magazine. To the Editors of 

 these periodicals I beg to tender my best thanks for 

 the use of the blocks. I trust the success of this 

 book will be sufficient to enable me to illustrate more 

 largely in another edition. 



B. S. WILLIAMS. 



Victoria and Paradise Nukseeies, 

 Uppek Hollowat, Losdon, N. 



