Preface. 



Of so many components is Horticulture 

 built up that to so marshal the various 

 units that they form a fairly compre- 

 hensible whole, of service alike to the 

 amateur and professional, is not by any means an easy task. 

 The fact is, the professional gardener is called upon to play 

 many parts. In some establishments he has not only to prove 

 himself an adept in the cultivation of flowers and decorative 

 plants, but he has also to positively excel in the raising of 

 fruits and vegetables for the table. Indeed, it would not be 

 untruthful to say that in a very large number of places his 

 position greatly depends upon the amount of skill he is able to. 

 bring to bear upon the latter departments. In the preparation, 

 therefore, of this book the multifarious duties of the professional 

 on the one hand, and the exacting requirements of the present- 

 day amateur on the other, have had to be kept steadily in mind. 



As hinted in the Introduction, places have been found for sub- 

 jects which often are neglected, and the endeavour to give 

 prominence to these phases of Horticulture will, it is hoped, 

 prove acceptable to the garden-loving public. Trees and shrubs 

 for instance may be cited as amongst those subjects of which 

 far too little is known, considering their value and importance 

 in the beautification of the outdoor garden, for there is nothing 

 that for permanent effect can compare with them. 



What trees and shrubs are to the outdoor garden, the Palms 

 and the Bamboos are to the indoor one : their habit and form 

 are as diversified as are the uses to which they may be put. 



