INTRODUCTION. 23 



pal ingredient in flower composts ; because ob- 

 servation and experience have proved, that the 

 tints of flowers become more vivid from the qua- 

 lities contained in such substances. Chemists 

 tell us that oxygen gas gives colour and scent to 

 flowers and leaves, as well as to every other part 

 of vegetables. An analysis of the compost in 

 which they succeed best would greatly assist the 

 florist ; indeed, it may be presumed that chemis- 

 try applied to floriculture would be productive 

 of the best results. I know not a better o})por- 

 tunity afforded to a chemist, who may be fond of 

 flowers, than the usual custom of growing bulbs 

 in water. With them he might try many ex- 

 periments, by impregnating the water with va- 

 rious chemical bodies, and marking the results. 

 I have never tried such experiments myself, but 

 recommend them to the notice of the curious. 



The mutability of the colours of flowers in 

 cultivation has been long noticed by naturalists. 

 M. Decandolle, a French botanist of eminence, 

 has written on this subject ; and has particularly 



