14 INTRODUCTORY 
matters there are many points we call to mind as 
having been anxious to learn in our novitiate days, 
and which it seems authors frequently presume 
their readers already know, and therefore do not 
dwell upon in clear plain words of instruction. 
The advanced student who honours this work 
with his attention, and finds that which he deems 
too simple and elementary, will, we trust, bear 
patiently with us, remembering our desire to guide 
the first steps of the newest recruit to the ranks of 
gardeners, whilst should there be among the latter 
those who find difficulty among the inevitable 
technicalities, botanical names, and problems that 
must find a place in a book of this character, 
let us assure him that patience and perseverance 
will in due time sufiice to enable him to secure a 
firmer grasp and clearer insight, and to achieve 
success that will abundantly repay him for the study 
and effort involved. 
The subject throughout will be treated from the 
general, practical gardening standpoint, rather than 
from the Scientific or Botanical point of view ; thus, 
whilst we in the main interpret our title as applying 
to hardy herbaceous plants, we shall not exclude 
a desirable and serviceable subject for the flower 
border simply because its stems do not die down 
annually in the manner that characterizes true 
herbaceous perennials and distinguishes them from 
shrubby or sub-shrubby plants on the one hand 
and from biennials on the other. 
