INTRODUCTION. 
V \ 
We are again called upon to present to the public the 
fifth edition of this popular work on the Culture of 
Flowers — a taste that is now widely disseminating itself; 
in fact, a knowledge of which is requisite before a refined 
education is completed. We boldly and fearlessly say that 
no country has made such rapid advancement in the art and 
science of Horticulture in so short a period as the United 
States. Wherever the taste prevails, it diffuses a peace and 
harmony among its participants without either symbol or 
mystery. In this edition, a feast of new materials has been 
served up ; entire lists have been cancelled and replaced with 
those of newer and finer forms and habits ; extraneous mat- 
ter and plants of indifferent character are dropped. The 
great and successful adaptation of Hot water to Horticultural 
purposes is explicitly described, and to those who wish to ex- 
amine the results, we say " Come and see." A new and dis- 
tinct list of hardy Evergreens has been added, and a new 
chapter on the ever-to-be-admired ROSE, and every im- 
provement in the art up to this present time introduced. 
True, we have not dilated on the wonderful effects of 
electricity upon vegetation, nor have we been extravagant 
in the results of guano in the growth of plants. With re- 
gard to the former, the capability of its reduction to general 
practice has yet to be proven — and the latter has to be 
