PREFACE. 
The interest taken in the cultivation of Beautiful 
Hardy Flowers is now so great and universal that 
there is no need to apologise for dealing with them in 
a separate volume. Indeed, the reception that has 
been so kindly accorded to the companion volumes on 
“Beautiful Roses” and “Beautiful Flowering Trees and 
Shrubs ” induces me to hope that the present one will 
prove to be still more popular. Within its covers an 
attempt has been made to pack as much clear, concise, 
and accurate information as possible, concerning the 
choicest flowering annuals, biennials, and perennials, 
that may be grown in the open air in most parts of 
the kingdom. The trials and troubles that beset 
most amateurs in the preparation of a piece of garden 
ground, the insect pests and fungoid diseases that 
attack their plants, the methods of propagation, the 
arrangement for colour effect, the disposal of garden 
refuse, &c., have been referred to, and it is hoped will 
4CC4 
