viii 
INTRODUCTION TO 
or layers, or of miniature trees made by ringing and rooting the 
branches of old trees in the Chinese manner. (Such come early 
to maturity.) 
“Independently, however, of the variety and change resulting 
from the plants cultivated, every month throughout the year has 
its particular operations and its products ; nay, it would not be 
too much to say that during six months of the year, a change 
takes place, and is perceptible in the plants of a garden, every 
day ; and every day has, in consequence, its operations and its 
products. Even in winter there is still something to do in a 
garden, however small may be its extent ; the walks require to 
be kept in order, and some plants must be protected by litter or 
matting. These are a few of the absolute enjoyments to be 
derived from a suburban house and garden ; and we shall next 
notice another which flows from the same source, but which may 
be called relative or incidental. The opportunity which a garden 
affords to its possessor of acquiring a scientific and practical 
knowledge of plants is a source of great interest, not only in his 
own garden, but wherever else plants may come in his way, 
whether in a wild state, in gardens, exposed for sale in the 
markets, or delineated and described in books. Another source 
of incidental enjoyment is that which will arise from the acquire- 
ment of some knowledge of gardening, and of rural architec- 
ture, as an art of design and taste.” 
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has done much 
in our own vicinity towards forming a capacity for the enjoy- 
ment of natural beauty, and to infuse into all classes of our citi- 
zens, a just appreciation of one source of pleasure within their 
reach ; a pleasure which, unlike many others, costs so little as to 
be, in some form, within the means of all, and whilst it does not 
impair the purse, improves the health, cheers the mind, and, by 
making home agreeable unites the family circle. 
There are few surer indexes to the character of the inmates of 
a dwelling, than the presence of plants, and a few simple flowers 
modestly placed upon the window ledge, that whilst they derive 
benefit from the light and air, all may participate in the pleasure 
they impart, bear evidence, in some degree, of the contentment, 
not to say refinement, which exists within. Those who can only 
