INTRODUCTION. 



Gardening was man's first occupation. It has mim- 

 bered among its votaries tlie wisest and best of our race^ 

 and lias been deemed in all ages a delightful employment. 

 But to yield pleasure or profit it must be prosecuted un- 

 derstandingly. He wbo desires in full tbe enjoyments 

 and advantages of a garden, must be qualified to take 

 cbarge of it Mmself; must thoroughly understand the 

 principles and manipulations of horticulture ; must know 

 the qualities and requirements of his soil, and what may 

 be most satisfactorily produced from it in his peculiar 

 climate ; in short, he should in all cases be capable of su- 

 perintending and dii-ecting advisedly its operations, really 

 knowing when they are well or ill done. 



It is difficult to acquire this knowledge by reading or 

 simply looking on. It is easiest and most pleasantly gained 

 with implement in hand and a note-book in the pocket. 

 The readier way of understanding the directions of the 

 books, is to put them in practice. He who thus heartily 

 enters into the performance of horticultural operations, 

 will be fully rewarded by our good old mother earth in 

 health, profit, and pleasure In health, for not only does 

 the garden yield a choice and wholesome variety of fruits 

 and vegetables, most salutary for daily food, but the ex- 

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