INTRODUCTION. ' 



more might be saved than by ruining a 

 whole pleasure-ground, — the only means of 

 subsistence to a few poor labourers, whose 

 consequent discharge exposes them to want, 

 and all the evils that accompany it. 



The introduction of a useful or ornamental 

 plant into our island is justly considered as 

 one of the most important services that a 

 person can render his country ; for it is im- 

 possible to calculate on the benefits that may 

 be derived through his means, when the 

 qualities of the vegetable are ascertained and 

 it's virtues known. Even what is introduced 

 and planted merely from curiosity or orna- 

 ment seems to unite us to the nations from 

 whence it comes. It bestows on us a share 

 of the blessings of other climates* and 

 affords us a portion of the smiles of a more 

 genial sun. When, therefore, we dwell on 

 the beauty of exotic trees and shrubs, we 

 wish to be understood as expressing our 

 gratitude to those who have enriched our land 

 with additional charms, and more fully dis- 

 played Nature to our eyes, and not as disre- 

 garding the plants that arc indigenous to our 

 soil. We are aware that many an Englishman 

 has sighed under the shade of the banana, for 

 a sight of his native bariKS, where the prim- 

 rose sparkles through the hazel-hedge, and 



B 4 



