viii 
ADVERTISEMENT. 
few persons possess similar opportunities of obtaining. The like distin- 
guished facilities, with yet greater disposition to improve them, will be 
perpetuated throughout the ensuing season. 
We have not omitted to note the attention which the more rare and 
grotesque kinds of Cactaceous plants are just beginning to attract. The 
recent large importations of these curious objects, and the excellent practice 
— but lately adopted — of increasing them by seeds, have, in conjunction 
with their exceedingly singular forms, obtained for them an augmented 
share of popular regard ; and in our lowly office of caterers to the prevalent 
floral taste, we shall speedily devote to their illustration, or to directions 
concerning their management, such a space in our Magazine as their 
importance or interest appear to merit. 
Perhaps on no portion of our work can we now look with greater 
complacency than on its coloured representations of plants. Either in the 
choice of subjects, or the accuracy, beauty, and effect of the execution, we 
are perfectly willing, indeed desirous, to invite comparison with any other 
similar periodical. Our recorded intention of figuring none but ornamental 
and beautiful plants has been most scrupulously fulfilled ; and is the only 
restriction by which we acknowledge ourselves bound. 
To those of our correspondents or friends who have kindly favoured us 
with drawings or other assistance, we beg to record our grateful sense of 
obligation ; and we would reiterate the assurance to our subscribers, that 
no practicable means of rendering this publication additionally and enduringly 
attractive shall remain unheeded or untried. 
Chatsworth, 
December 20, 1839. 
