"Nature, in her cultivated trim, Dressed to his taste, inviting him abroad. Can he want occupation who has these?" HANDY BOOK OF - THE FLOWER GARDEN BEING PRACTICAL DIRECTIONS FOR THE PROPAGATION, CULTURE, AND ARRANGEMENT OF HARDY AND HALF- AUTHOR OF A PRACTICAL TREATISE ON THE CULTURE OF THE FIFTH EDITION WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS MDCCCXCIII All Rights reserved PREFACE TO NEW EDITION. T5 1893 THE idea that prompted the publication of the first edition of this Handy Book—namely, that a want existed for such a practical work on Flower-Gardening-has been amply justified by the fact that the instructions contained in the several editions of the work have been widely appreciated and acted upon. With the lapse of time, Flower-Gardening has greatly extended among all classes of the community; and in order to place the book within the reach of the humblest, it has been decided, in publishing this, the fourth edition, to present it at a reduced price. In doing so, the author is happy to be able to convey his instructions in a bold and easily read type without lessening them. Indeed, while the Hardy Flower department has been considerably extended, the Half-Hardy and Tender departments have not been reduced. The revisal of lists has been carefully attended to; and what is considered an improvement has been made in the arrangement of the matter, so that it is hoped the work may still deserve the public favour that has been accorded to its former editions. DAVID THOMSON. DRUMLANRIG GARDENS, March 1887. M374901 |