PREFACE 
I 
The taste for Window Gardoning and tho plant decoration of apartmonta 
is becoming universal : scarcely a cottage or villa but has its attempts, 
whether simple or elaborate, to decorate the windows, the porch, or the 
balcony with some lew flower-pots or climbing vines; it is a sign of healthy 
sentiment, for the presence of flo\^ ers always aids in the development of re- 
finement and an elevated taste. 
This volume has been written specially as a help and an encouragement to 
ladies and all flower-lovers, to assist them with judicious hints and sugges- 
tions in their eflbrts to make homo more beautiful by the use of plants 
, around their windows or balconies. 
With the exception of a very lew pages, pi'operly credited to English 
writers (Mr. Robinson and Shirley Hibberd, upon subjects as yet unfamiliar 
to American readers), the literary matter of this volume is entirely original, 
being contributed by the Editor, and assisted by several American writers, 
enthusiastic flower lovers, who have cheerfully written articles on special 
topics. 
The aim has been to jiroduce a volume suited to American uses, which 
would be simple, reliable, adapted to the needs of amateurs and beginners 
in home plant culture, yet abundant in suggestions of the many ways to 
render honje attractive. 
Previous editions of this volume have been called for rapidly, and received 
with marked pleasure, and it is hoped that, in this new edition, where the 
errors of former editions have been corrected, the reader will still continue 
to show favor toward a work issued rather for the public good than the per- 
sonal emolument of the author. 
Should the interested reader feel pleased with this little testimonial to one 
of the most beautiful of all departments of flower culture, and the desire of 
the author to foster tho fancy for window ornament, he will not regret his 
effort to add some definite encouragement to the more extensive development 
of rural taste. 
The Editor. 
.56895 
