PREFACE. 



After the numerous and important Works that have already 

 appeared on the Physiology of the Vegetable Kingdom, from so 

 many eminent and scientific writers, whose elaborate descriptions, 

 accurate delineations of the Plants cultivated in our British Gar- 

 dens, and mass of general information on the various branches of 

 Horticulture, which are so justly appreciated, it might appear 

 presumptuous in one, who has been much more accustomed to 

 the pruning knife than the pen, to attempt a compilation on the 

 same subjects. But every practical observer, however humble, 

 may have it in his power to communicate some new or valuable 

 information, unattained by others ; and, hence, my Essay will 

 not want an excuse in the minds of the candid and intelligent. 



I am, indeed, fully conscious of my own inability, and the 

 difficulty of communicating the minutiae of the various operations 

 and treatments necessary for bringing to perfection the numerous 

 productions of the Garden, and have, therefore, to claim the in- 

 dulgence of the Public, whilst attempting to detail, in the suc- 

 ceeding pages, the course of culture which I have practically 

 found the most suitable for the growth of the different subjects 

 enumerated in the following Work, 

 a 2 



