2 



IXTKODUCTIOX. 



Tlie machinery of the plant, its outward conformation, internal organisation, and 

 method of working, as well as the circumstances by which it is influenced, will recei\'e 

 proper explanation. In this department the object will be to call attention to those 

 points in vegetable anatomy and physiolog}^ which have a direct bearing on the practice 

 of gardening. We shall endeaAOur to give the cultivator such a general insight into 

 the structure and working of the plant-machine, as shall enable him to regulate his 

 practice intelligently, and independently of mechanical routine. It is also hoped that 

 the information so provided will be of service, by furnishing suggestions for dealing with 

 novel combinations of circumstances, or matters outside the range of former experience ; 

 and thus most effectually enable the cultivator to further the progress of his art, and 

 — in some way or the other — leave it better than he found it. 



The fullest and latest information will be given on such subjects as the formation 

 and maintenance of artificial climates, by the erection and warming of glass-houses or 

 other structures ; the formation and furnishing of the Vegetable, Flower, and Fruit 

 Gardens ; and the propagation by every known means of all the plants of the garden. The 

 CULTURE OF Flowers and Decorative Plants will be treated from various points of view. 

 The general formation of the Flower Garden, with methods of keei)ing up an attractive 

 display throughout the changing seasons, will be dealt Avith. The plants themselves will 

 also be described in detail, with their special methods of culture and propagation ; the green- 

 house and parterre receiving equal attention. Roses will receive copious treatm(.*nt in a 

 series of special articles devoted to their propagation, culture, pruning, training, use in 

 garden landscape, selective and descriptive lists of the choicest varieties — old and new — for 

 gardens large and small, the clothing of walls, culture in pots and under glass, and planting 

 in out-of-the-way places. In a word, we hope to teach every reader how to form, furnish, 

 and cultivate his garden in the best Avay, at the least cost, and to the most profitable and 

 pleasant purpose. 



Without wholly endorsing the suggestive saying, that the smaller the garden the greater 

 is the skill needed to manage it aright, we are so keenly alive to the trials and discourage- 

 ments of small gardeners, that we purpose to specially afford as full and safe guidance and 

 as much encouragement to those Avhose gardens may be found in tlie front and back yards, 

 area, or house, as to others who may grow acres of fruit or flowers under glass or in the 

 open. Suburban gardening will have a series of articles to itself, as also will Window 

 gardening, and other forms of horticulture in or about the home. 



Writers of special knowledge and proved ability in every department and phase of 

 gcxrdening have undertaken to treat these various subjects ; and wherever illustrations can 

 assist, either to give an adequate idea of flower or plant, to explain the details of pruning, 

 grafting, or other operations, to elucidate a system, or to make clear the structures or 

 appliances described, they will be freely employed. Neither labour nor expense will be 

 spared to make the following pages a full and safe guide for gardens of all sizes, and for all 

 sorts and conditions of gardeners. 



