ADVERTISEMENT. 
At the close of another year's labours, the author of the Magazine of 
Botany begs to congratulate the friends and patrons of Floriculture on the 
noble and talented accessions which are constantly accruing to their ranks ; 
but, more especially, on the enlightened spirit of research and inquiry which 
is daily diffused and manifested, to an extent hitherto unprecedented. 
The period is yet very recent, when the devotees of this delightful 
science were comparatively few in number, and the works written for their 
use presented only the uninteresting and unedifying routine of culture 
prescribed for the different kinds of plants. In the present age, and parti- 
cularly during the past year, cultivators have exhibited an anxious desire 
to be furnished with something beyond the mere dicta of experience. Un- 
erring scientific principles — rather than uncertain and unsatisfactory precepts 
— have now become the chief desiderata in the horticultural world. And 
although, in lauding science, we by no means undervalue experience, we 
rejoice now to witness these two important auxiliaries reciprocally eluci- 
dating and confirming each other as they proceed in the great work of 
renovating, establishing, and advancing horticultural art, and imparting 
additional interest to its pursuit. 
In the volume which is now concluded, the author flatters himself that 
he has not fallen behind any of his contemporaries in the work of improve- 
ment. Attempts have been made to base the whole system of plant 
cultivation on the sure foundation of general science, conjoined with accu- 
rate knowledge of physiological structure and natural habits ; while the 
details have been elaborated, and tlie superstructure completed, from 
actual and assiduous observation and experience. The continued extensive 
