vi 



PREFACE 



of performing all STich operations in sucli a manner 

 that, while enough is said on the science of garden- 

 ing in its more advanced stages to render the book 

 thoroughly useful to any man who can no longer 

 be regarded as a novice in his calling, care has been 

 taken to give a full and clear description of what 

 may be termed the elements of the art, a knowledge 

 of which is indispensable to all beginners who are 

 about to enter on gardening, either as a projS.table 

 occupation or an agreeable and elevating amuse- 

 ment. 



It may be further observed that the book, as giving 

 a description of the duties of the Gardener, will prove 

 useful, on the one hand, in helping a youth who 

 is about to choose his future occupation in life to 

 decide whether or not gardening appears to be a 

 calling suitable for him, and one which he could 

 follow up with interest and perseverance ; and on 

 the other, to remind those who have decided on 

 taking up the vocation of a gardener, of what they 

 have to do from day to day, and how it may best 

 be done. 



