ADVERTISEMENT, 
At the outset of the Volume of which this Number forms at once the 
conclusion and preface, it was announced that more popular subjects would 
be treated of in the letter-press, and that fewer drawings of rare plants, 
which only a small portion of our readers can cultivate, would be introduced. 
To the principal part of the former, and to the numerous figures, we 
may refer as proofs of the manner in which that promise has been performed. 
Principles of practical importance, points of general culture, details in the 
management of interesting plants, and descriptive notices of ornamental 
ones, have been largely furnished, with a view to the assistance and gratifi- 
cation of amateurs as well as professional gardeners. Indeed, our object has 
been to touch upon no matters which will not be almost equally acceptable 
to all ; and, in this respect, we imagine some slight improvement has been 
effected. 
It is in the coloured embellishments of the work, however, — the great 
diversity in the form, habit, and hue of their subjects, and the correctness 
and elegance of their preparation, — that we rest our claim to distinction 
among contemporary periodicals. The newest plants are never figured 
because they are novel ; nor are the oldest neglected on account of their 
having been long known. Beauty of character has been our sole guide in 
their selection ; and from the extraordinary opportunities with which we are 
favoured, scarcely anything is left to be desired on this head. 
With regard to the execution of the plates, an artist of first-rate abihty 
in this department is attached exclusively to the Magazine, and travels 
