PREFACE. UST when circumstances had caused the least, from all stated periodical writing, the Publishers had arranged to start The Gardener, and he was requested to contribute a series of papers on Flowergardening. As these papers appeared, he was gratified by reports from many quarters that the instructions they conveyed were appreciated by and proved useful to their readers; and, especially from amateurs both in England and Scotland, of whom he had never heard before, the request, or rather suggestion, came to collect and extend the papers into the form of a book. Such a reason as 'being requested to publish' is not regarded as sufficient for the appearance of this volume. The best apology the Author can offer is the conviction that such a publication is needed by many. Literature, it need scarcely be said, is not his profession, but his pastime. As the manager of a garden which is generously thrown open to persons of all ranks, frequent contact with these has served amply to demonstrate the need there exists for a practical work of this description, now that so many are engaged in the culture of popular flowers; and he seeks thus to do his part in spreading more widely and minutely a knowledge of the pleasing art of flower-gardening. The subject of laying out and making gardens has been intentionally avoided, believing that space is more profitably occupied with cultural directions, and in explaining the principles and practice of arranging flowers. It is, however, hoped that some, if not all, of the designs given may prove suggestive to those concerned in laying out or remodelling groups of beds in flower-gardens ; although their special object is to illustrate the principles which the Author conceives should guide the flowergardener in planting. Simplicity instead of intricacy of design has been studied as being compatible with beauty, and most generally applicable. To be practically useful to all classes of learners, has been the object throughout the whole work. The selection of plants and their treatment have been given, not from the florists' but from the popular point of view, and with an eye to general effect in flower-beds and borders. ARCHERFIELD GARDENS, DREM, |