PREFACE. 



1 1 1 



time, their influence was by no means trifling. Through 

 them the practical Gardener found an opportunity of com- 

 municating to the world the result of his experience ; and 

 details of practice were thus obtained, which could not be 

 met with in other works, embracing a more general view of 

 Horticulture. The valuable physiological and practical pa- 

 pers, also, by Mr. Knight, were gradually leading the Ama- 

 teur, as well as the Gardener, to take a higher and more 

 extended view of that science, which formed the amusement 

 of the one, and the occupation of the other. 



The system which had been adopted of giving Medals 

 for specimens of superior cultivation, or for the introduction 

 of new fruits or esculent vegetables of approved excellence, 

 had been productive of the best results; and all tended to 

 shew that patronage only was wanting to place Horticulture 

 among the studies most useful to mankind. Since the period 

 when this volume closed, that patronage has been increasing 

 with a rapidity and effect, which the most sanguine friends 

 of the Society could hardly have anticipated ; and to those 

 who have ever taken a warm interest in its concerns, it is 

 matter of great satisfaction to see, that their labours have 

 been rewarded with such eminent success. 



Regent Street, August, 1821. 



