AUTHORS NOTE 



Where can I procure a list of scented plants ? Editorial 

 Eeply. — 'IVe know of no icork on the subject.' This start- 

 ling response in one of the gardening p)ap)ers, was the inspir- 

 ing cause of the production of the present Manual. Such cm 

 omission in Horticultural literature appeared so singular that I 

 set about to ascertain the true facts, and inquiries prosecuted 

 amongst the leading booksellers found me a tiny brochure pubUshed 

 in 1843, under the title of Flora Odorata. Its contents seemed 

 to be insufficient for the present time, and it was mainly on this 

 account that I have gathered this fresh posy of interesting associa- 

 tions amongst these — the sweetest of sweet odours — and I offer the 

 bouquet to all true lovers of the fragrant incense of nature. 



It is becoming so greatly the fashion amongst professioncd intro- 

 ducers of new plants to study size and shape of blossom to the 

 total exclusion of the delightful attraction of fragrance, tvith which 

 so many of the old-time floivers are permeated^ that I trust the 

 Alphabetical List will be found of service for the purpose of 

 selecting varieties that possess this favoured property. 



The work has been a pleasant study during a period of two 

 years, and the means of introducing me to much botaniccd know- 

 ledge. Its dimensions, however, are a convincing assurance that 

 no attempt has been made to describe in detail or to convey scien- 

 tific information. That much more might be written on a subject 

 so fertile, I am well aivare ; and I will gladly receive suggestions 

 or additions to make future issues as perfect as possible. 



