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THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



joy " a well-kept garden proves to be, irrespective of its size. With many hobbies or 

 pleasurable pursuits monotony often becomes apparent and leads to apathy, but this 

 cannot be said of flower culture, for it is here, indeed, true " that the appetite grows 

 Avith what it feeds upon." There is no monotony in flowers, they are ever unfolding 

 new charms, dcA^eloping new forms, and revealing new features of interest and beauty 

 to those who love them. The cultivation of flowers, comparatively speaking, is not an 

 expensive indulgence. This remark holds good whether the proprietor of a house can 

 aff'ord to employ an experienced head gardener and assistants, or is well content to do 

 the greater part of the work in a garden with his own hands. Indeed, it is owing to the 

 latter class joining the ranks of gardeners — as amateurs of course — in such great 

 numbers, that is to be attributed so much of the progress in horticulture of late years ; 

 and it is these, probably, who derive the most good and real pleasure from flower 

 culture. It is scarcely possible to over-estimate the beneficent effects of gardening 

 upon the brain- workers of the nation who have suburban or rural homes, while the 

 pleasure pertaining to the delightful pursuit is shared in by every member of the family. 

 It is an exercise that affords the most wide-spread satisfaction, and no occupation or 

 profession allows greater scope to the individual. Full advantage is taken of this 

 fact. Thus we have men who are so skilful in the growth of one or two particular 

 classes of plants that they gain an enviable reputation for their ability to excel all 

 rivals ; others have developed wider range of cleverness, while still more succeed in doing 

 everything they undertake most creditably. It is among professional gardeners where 

 we expect to find the most varied knowledge and skill displayed, amateurs rightly 

 confining their attention to a more limited number of species and varieties ; if too 

 much is attempted the chances are that nothing is done well. 



As before pointed out, it is among medium-sized and small gardens where the most 

 extraordinary progress has been made. Where twenty years ago one plant-house was 

 to be seen there are nearer fifty now, and this great increase is principally due to 

 the efforts of amateurs and the owners of suburban homes, where from one to six 

 gardeners are kept. Even this estimate may be under the mark in some districts, and 

 horticultural builders could, probably, give even more startling figures. There is yet 

 another class of flower growers, and that an important one, to whom special reference 

 must be made. The great demand for flowers has, naturally, had the effect of largely 

 augmenting the ranks of market providers ; and here, again, the progress is most 

 satisfactory— indeed extraordinary. So great is the increase in this direction that it is 



