vi 



INTRODUCTION. 



profession^ or those individuals, at least, who have 

 some knowledge of its principles. The present 

 little treatise is not intended for the initiated few, 

 but for the inquiring many; its aim is to convey 

 all the most useful and valuable information con- 

 nected with this most interesting subject, which is 

 but elucidated and amplified in larger works. And 

 while all technical phrases have been avoided or 

 explained, its style has not been allowed to fall 

 below that standard, which will render the book 

 readable by the most respectable classes of ama- 

 teur gardeners. 



To enhance its interest, and render it still more 

 practically useful, the proprietors have the gratifi- 

 cation of announcing that they have had the whole 

 carefully revised by a professional gardener, and 

 very considerable additions have been made to the 

 practical portion of it. Particular attention is 

 requested to the division which treats of the cul- 

 tivation and management of flowering plants, very 

 little of which appeared in any but the last edition. 

 The present issue embodies a variety of further 

 enlargements. 



The great interest which now attaches itself to 



