viii THE AUTHOR TO THE READER. 
have been acquiring an accelerated rate of growth. 
Houses have thus, by a rapid process of extension, 
been blotting out the green fields and hedgerows. 
In London this process has perhaps acquired a 
greater degree of development than elsewhere; 
but wherever it has been in operation the with- 
drawal of the country has increased the desire of 
those who have thus been gradually enfolded more 
and more completely within the stifling domain of 
bricks and mortar, to compensate for the absence 
of green fields by surrounding themselves with 
something which is fresh and green. 
To a certain extent this desire has been met by 
the formation of parks or public gardens within 
central and densely populated town districts ; but 
the requirements of health and enjoyment have not 
been sufficiently met by such means, the number 
of public gardens in the Metropolis and elsewhere 
being far too small. 
Next to the public parks and gardens the 
gardens of dwelling houses in town districts help 
to supply the popular want for the refreshing 
presence of trees, shrubs, plants and flowers. But 
