Vlll PREFACE. 
therewith would have formed materials for two volumes 
larger than the present. We might have described that 
branch, as it has already been done in works published both 
on this continent and in Europe. In one of the former, it is 
said " You may now propagate many kinds {Exotic Plants) 
by suckers, cuttings, and layers, which should be duly at- 
tended to, particularly such as are scarce and difficult to be 
obtained." And the directions given in one of the most ex- 
tensive works in Europe on the propagation of an extensive 
genus varied in character and constitution, ran thus : " Cut- 
tings of most kinds will strike root. From the strongest- 
growing kinds, take off large cuttings at a joint, and plunge 
them in a pot of sand under a hand-glass in the bark bed. 
Of the smaller kinds, take younger kinds and put them 
under a bell-glass, also plunged in heat. The sooner the 
plants are potted off after they are rooted the better." 
Such instructions to the inexperienced are imperfect and 
unavailing, which, we flatter ourselves, is not the character 
that will attach to the present work. We are well aware 
that there are persons who, to show their own superior abili- 
ties, may cavil and say that there is nothing new. To such 
critics it may be answered, if arranging, simplifying, digest- 
ing and rendering Floriculture attainable by the humblest 
capacity, with useful lists and tables on a plan quite novel, 
as we believe, offer nothing new, it may at least be called 
an improvement. However, we submit all to a generous 
public, to whom we are already under many obligations. 
HIBBERT & BUIST. 
Philadelphia, April 18th, 1832. 
