56 OENAMBNTAL FOLUGBD PLANTS. 



been famed. True we have amongst us individuals who 

 are not wanting in taste and refinement, but it is very 

 lamentable to be compelled to acknowledge our defect 

 in this respect as a nation. This, however, we are glad 

 to say is becoming a thing of the past, and all classes are 

 awakening to a keen appreciation of the fine arts, and 

 to a love of the beautiful, while our schools of design, and 

 other such institutions, are labouring earnestly to elevate 

 and refine our thoughts and senses in every way, being 

 thoroughly alive to our former short-comings. Not the 

 least of the fruits of these efibrts, has been the rapid 

 advancement of Horticulture, and a general love of nature. 

 The extended love of Horticulture is not confined to any 

 particular class, but is felt by all, from the highest to 

 the lowest, though it is necessarily carried out in a 

 different degree. Thus, those who have ample sources 

 to draw from, embellish their dwellings with choice orna- 

 mental plants, while the artisan, wishing to make his 

 cottage a home of elegance and taste, adorns it also with 

 such plants as lie within his reach. For ourselves, wishing 

 as far as in us lies to assist in the advancement of this 

 work, we offer these remarks as helps to any and all who 

 may be in need of them. , 



A few years ago, what little window gardening or 

 room decoration was carried on, was done by the aid of 

 flowers only. Such things as Geraniums, Fuchsias, Helio- 

 tropes, and a few other summer-blooming plants, formed 

 the chief supply, which was varied in winter by the 

 addition of the Chinese Primula and the Cineraria, thus 

 leaving the apartments empty and dreary just at the time 

 when plants would have been most appreciated. To supply 

 this want, Perns were first taken into favour, and most 

 elegant decorative agents they are, but unfortunately the 



