Page:Favourite flowers of garden and greenhouse-Vol 1.djvu/11

Without exception the whole of the three hundred and sixteen plates LUusfcrating this work have been drawn and coloured direct from Nature; and we think wo may justly claim Cor the artists engaged that they have succeeded admirably in giving not merely shape and colour, but expression also — the characteristic pose of each plant. The plan adopted in the work may be briefly stated. The principal genera cultivated in gardens are represented, and these genera are grouped under the Natural Orders to which they belong. They are also introduced to readers in the sequence generally adopted by botanists, beginning with Ranunculacece and ending with Ferns. Each genus is described and its name explained, the prevailing characteristics are noticed and its horticultural history briefly sketched. Then follow a i 1 m of the principal species known in gardens and a selection of the best varieties to serve as a guide to the amateur. These de- have been extended to allied species and genera which are not illustrated, so that the complete work will constitute a general treatise upon the plants chiefly cultivated in gardens and greenhouses. Directions are given for the cultivation and propagation of the species and varieties, with hints as to the appropriate soils, situations, times for planting, sowing, striking, grafting, and so forth. It should be under- stood that in most cases these directions apply generally to the species and their varieties included in one genus ; where it is necessary to treat certain varieties differently, special instructions are given. The system of classification is that of the " Genera Plantarum " of Bentham and Hooker. Tables illustrating that system so far as it applies to this work will be found in succeeding pages. It is only necessary to add a few words as to the responsibility to be attached to those to whose literary care this work has been intrusted. The original scheme was suggested by Mr. D. Bois' Atlas des Plantes de Jar dins, but the plan has been considerably amplified, to make it useful to English readers. Mr. Edward Step, F.L.S., has provided the text, including the lists of varieties and also the cultural directions ; the latter have, however, been revised by Mr. W. Watson, F.R.H.S., assistant curator of the Royal Gardens, Kew.