38 INTRODUCTION. 



into extraordinary growth — to increase the mag- 

 nitude of its flowers — heighten or vary its colours 

 — and augment the number of its offspring. 

 For these purposes, he supplies his favourite, not 

 only with the simple materials of its native bed, 

 but each constituent in increased proportion. 



The proper application of these succedaneums 

 is the result of observation and experience. It 

 is a specific portion of horticultural knowledge 

 which has descended from former to the present 

 race of florists ; and that it may be more widely 

 known, and handed down to posterity, is one 

 purpose of this little work. 



The pre-requi sites of flower-beds and com- 

 posts, are depth, friability, and necessary rich- 

 ness. 



The practice of trenching the sites of flower- 

 beds to the depth of three feet is found to be 

 of great service ; not that any of the fibrous 

 roots can reach so low, but because the bed 

 should be quickly drained after much rain, and 

 that in dry weather the roots may be invited to 

 run as deep as they have a tendency to go 



