PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION, 



On presenting this little work to the public, the Author feels that some 

 apology is due for venturing to occupy, as a mere amateur, a position of 

 authority on Gardening matters which could have been so much more fitly 

 assumed by a person trained to the profession. Many reasons have com- 

 bined to induce this step, among the most urgent of which is the total 

 absence of any directions as to the cultivation and treatment of plants 

 suited to this Colony and climate, for the guidance of the numerous class 

 of fanners continually arriving, and anxious to adapt themselves to their 

 new home. It is not presumed that this want has been fully supplied in 

 this instance ; but it is believed that a large amount of information is here 

 given, of the most trustworthy character, embracing many subjects not 

 generally treated of in books ; and attention is directed to many plants 

 of commercial value, which, if grown here for purposes of export, would 

 tend greatly to the material wealth and prosperity of the Colony, 



Seventeen years' devotion to this pursuit in Brisbane has given the 

 writer many opportunities for observation ; and, on all subjects beyond his 

 personal experience, the best local as well as standard authorities have 

 been freely consulted, to ensure accuracy. In numerous instances, how- 

 ever, where plants have been but recently imported, the information is 

 necessarily meagre ; in other cases omissions may occur, which it will be 

 his study to rectify in future editions, should his present effort meet with 

 the approbation of the public. 



Brisbane, 1865. 



PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. 



The general favor with which the first edtion of this work was received 

 on its publication, upwards of ten years ago, the sustained interest 

 which it commanded until the whole number had been exhausted, and 

 the constant demands which have since been made for a second edition, 

 have stimulated the Author to use every exertion to render the present 

 volume worthy of public confidence. 



The whole work has been most carefully revised ; much valuable 

 information, in a condensed but intelligible form, has been added in 

 various parts ; the results of enlarged experience in numerous industrial 

 enterprises have been summarised and noted ; new fruits are described ; 

 improved methods of cultivation, and important practical hints are 

 interspersed under the appropriate heads ; and in every way it has been 

 sought to maintain the character of the "Manual"' for being clear, 

 comprehensive, and trustworthy, without increasing its cost. 



Brisbane, September, 1875, 



