PREFACE. 
Horticulture is one of those subjects which teem with endless variety. 
The raising of new Flowers, Fruits, and Vegetables — the importation of 
strange Exotics — the alterations in Practice, and the improvements in Culture, 
— furnish from time to time a continuous source of important and highly- 
interesting matter, well worthy of recording, and not less worthy of being 
studied. 
To collect, and concentrate in one Annual Volume, all matters of 
practical utility that have occurred during the year, has been the object of 
this Work ; and the success of the Volumes for 1846 and 1847 amply testifies 
that our labours have not been lightly appreciated — a compliment which we 
gratefully acknowledge. 
The subjects of every year are novel ; and, therefore, however much the 
several Volumes may assimilate in general character, the Contents of each are 
widely different, and replete with original and practical lessons ; — in fact, 
the " Annals of Horticulture " literally form a comprehensive History of 
Modern Gardening, and an Encyclopaedia of Horticultural Information for the 
time being. 
As heretofore, the Work will be continued in Monthly Parts, as the 
"Horticultural Magazine;" and at the close of the year will be bound up 
as the " Annals of Horticulture," in a Volume similar to the present. 
