PREFACE. 
V 
effected, and the eminent position it now occupies. One 
of the effects of public exhibitions of the productions of 
Horticulture has been the introduction and continuance of 
a commendable spirit of emulation, the result of which is 
evident, in the superiority of the articles submitted at the 
present day over those of the period we first spoke of; and 
this superiority must be progressively augmented in pro¬ 
portion to the extension and continuance of the incentive. 
Another, and even more important object, has been 
achieved by this competition — it has removed the film of 
self-complacency from the vision of many, and imposed on 
all the necessity of opening their eyes and understandings 
to the various advances progressing around them; and 
hence the formation of Gardeners’ Instruction Societies, 
which, if we regard their already ascertained results, and 
the moral influence exercised on the minds of young 
members, must be considered as pre-eminently the most 
important advance of the whole. 
And the Florist, too — he who, as the poet says, has 
“ Mark’d with secret pride the wonders of his hand,” 
can tell us of the happy influence of friendly competition, 
and point to instances in his Auriculas, his Tulips, Pelar¬ 
goniums, Pansies, Dahlias, and in all he grows; in fact, 
the very pursuit itself must have originated in this feeling, 
though perhaps evinced in some other form. 
Thus has emulation been made conducive to the founda¬ 
tion of a better system of gardening, to the manifest 
advantage of all interested in it; who, to preserve their 
present position and secure future prosperity, have only to 
press onward the impetus thus given, by giving all the aid 
