w. 
PREFACE. 
work, that the Author, in adopting the catalogue form, has 
been enabled to give, in a condensed form, as much informa- 
tion as is necessary to the cultivation of each particular kind 
of vegetable ; whereas, had he pursued the course most of 
his predecessors have, his book would have been considerably 
larger, and the reader must have been at the trouble of 
perusing the greater part of it at least twelve times in the 
course of a year. The Author, however, being aware of 
the convenience of a Monthly Calendar, has in this edition 
annexed one, which he presumes is well calculated not only 
to assist the memory of the gardener, but to show him, at 
one glance, the w r ork necessary to be done in the various 
departments of gardening in every month of the year. 
The Author, having shown his primary object in adopting 
the catalogue form, presumes that his readers will not be 
disappointed if they do not find there the names of all the 
species or varieties of plants they may wish to introduce into 
their gardens, the mode of culture of such being generally 
alike. If a catalogue of this kind was essential, it would 
occupy more space than is allotted to this book ; besides, it 
would be impossible to keep pace with our enterprising hor- 
ticulturists and florists, who are continually introducing new 
species into our country. When, also, it is considered that 
there are a number of indigenous plants at present unknown 
to us, it will appear evident that the most extensive catalogue 
would not be perfect in this respect for any length of time; 
the Author, therefore, thought it unnecessary to attempt any 
thing more than is essential to the attainment of a tolerable 
share of the products of the garden, by ordinary exertion, 
How far he has succeeded in this respect, must be left for 
the reader to decide. 
THOMAS BRIDGEMAR 
