C|p § itlm nf (Bnglanl 



PREFACE. 



Some introductory and explanatory remarks are necessary to the Work here presented 

 to the Public. Without claiming undue originality for it, the projectors confidently 



believe that it will be considered unique of its kind. The enchanting art of horticulture 

 has suggested and given birth to many productions both of the pencil and the pen. 

 Scenes of picturesque beauty and floral triumphs have received ample justice at able 

 hands, and the varied productions of nature have been described, classified, and illustrated, 

 by a literature and an art exclusively devoted to their service, — but the Gardens of 

 England, pre-eminent for scenic effect, magnificent decoration, and scientific achievement, 

 have never yet received that attention they so largely merit. 



This volume is an attempt to realize a fair pictorial epitome of the horticultural 

 beauties our country contains. It is the result of years of labour, and, it is almost 

 needless to add, has been completed at no small trouble and expense. That such a 

 work is required few will venture to deny, but if proof be needed, it will be found in 

 the intense interest already displayed in the prosecution of this book, by those best able 

 to judge of its value, and by the noble proprietors of the gardens herein depicted. 



The preparation of the original drawings required that the artist should be upon the 

 spot wherever it was desirable to proceed, — and this not for a mere casual visit or a 

 hurried sketch, but for the purpose of patient and careful labour. Thus, Mr Brooke has 

 spent several summers in undivided attention to the views contained in this volume. Not 

 satisfied with first or second studies, he has made repeated visits to each locality, and is 

 enabled, therefore, to offer drawings which are correct and faithful in all their details. 

 Without such a guarantee, a work of this nature must be deemed comparatively valueless ; 

 but it is with the greatest confidence that this volume is now presented to its distinguished 

 patrons, many of whom, as the generous and liberal owners of the gardens, are certainly 

 the best judges of its artistic fidelity. 



The volume now just published necessarily presents but a portion of those beauteous 

 scenes of flower and foliage which are to be met with in England wherever rank and 



