vi • PREFACE. 



medicinal or other properties. In short, it will be anxiously endea- 

 voured to convey information of every kind that may be likely to 

 prove useful or entertaining. 



Each number will contain four highly-finished and carefully- 

 coloured plates, the drawings for which will invariably be taken 

 from nature expressly for this work by artists of well-known talent. 

 With these advantages, added to the great variety of miscellaneous 

 information contained in the original communications from amateurs 

 and practical gardeners in various parts of the kingdom upon every 

 subject connected with the delightful occupation of horticulture, we 

 think we may venture to assert, without fear of contradiction, that 

 the Floral Cabinet will be found the best, the cheapest, and the most 

 interesting botanical periodical of the present day ; and that it will 

 recommend itself to the botanist for its accuracy, to the floral amateur 

 for its choice selection of ornamental plants, and to the public gene- 

 rally for the beauty of its execution. To give anything like a regular 

 introduction to Botany, would be incompatible with a work of this 

 nature ; at the same time no opportunity will be omitted of explain- 

 ing some of its more important principles ; those principles more 

 especially which enable the botanist to determine the limits of genera 

 and species, and to judge of the natural affinities of plants. This 

 will be attempted not only by description, but by reference to such 

 figures in the plates as may be necessary for the illustration of 

 particular facts. By these means it is hoped that no inconsiderable 

 degree of light will be shed upon the path of those who may be 

 anxious to obtain a knowledge of this delightful science. 



Finally, the Editors will be continually anxious to direct the 

 attention of the reader to every curious or remarkable fact, either 

 as regards structure or function, with a view to lead the mind to the 

 contemplation of the wonders of the vegetable world, and the glory 

 of that Almighty Being who created "All the fair variety of things ;"• 



" Who, not content 

 With every food of life to nourish man, 

 Hath made all nature beauty to his eye, 

 And music to his ear." 



