vi PREFACE. 



drawn to objects which are beautiful in them- 

 selves, and to results the most innocent and ra- 

 tional. Turbulent emotions can hardly disturb 

 the mind which is intent on rearing tender seed- 

 lings ; the very expectations of success alleviate, 

 if they cannot remove, the cares and crosses of 

 life ; and while such employment, as amusement 

 only, refines the mind, it adds not a little to the 

 real enjoyment of rational existence. 



The knowledge of this fascinating art is mostly 

 confined to professional men, or lies hidden in 

 a thousand volumes, beyond the reach of the 

 humble though ardent florist. He, and he 

 only, needs the assistance which is practically 

 offered in the following pages ; which, though 

 written chiefly for those who are neither pro- 

 fessional nor opulent, it is hoped will be not 

 unworthy of a perusal by all who are interested 

 in the subject. 



As to the ability of the writer for such a task, 

 he may be permitted to say, that the experience of 

 fifty years, directly and indirectly, in the cultiva- 

 tion of flowers, is at least something in his favour. 



