The nobleman and the peasant can rest secure in the mansion or the cot, and in peace partake of luxuries which Providence has so bountifully, through skilful hands, supplied for our use, and without such security we could not expect long to see our highly-favoured fertile soil studded in all directions with seats of more or less consequence, the gardens in many instances forming the most interesting part, and from which the principal vegetable luxuries of life are produced.

Apart from the luxuries thereof, the importance of agriculture, which has been long duly appreciated, the scientific principles thereof, may be likewise traced to have sprung from gardening; and when blended together, we may trace not only all the blessings we possess, and comforts we enjoy, but also health, riches, and prosperity; nay more, not only has agriculture a right to claim gardening for its foundation, but every art, trade and profession, indeed every

individual article of life, may be traced to the

same source.

With a view to avoid confusion, which often occurs by subjects of this nature, following in one continued narrative, I have also arranged the second part in chapters and paragraphs, so that the reader may refer with ease to any subject he may have immediate cause to consult. The paragraphs, it will be perceived, are for the most part concise, at the same time giving ample instructions on each subject under separate heads.

The chapters, as a whole, will contain a sufficiently elaborate account of the principal fruits for forcing, in which their general management will be so explained as to render the contents not only of use to the practical man as a reference for his general guide, but will also, by the clearness of the rules laid down, be found of such service to young practitioners in gardening, and even to the amateur, that by perseverance and application they may attain the height of

their profession as fruit-growers in the forcing departments, from the pine down to the strawberry.

The forcing and management of grapes, and such other tree fruits which are best suited to the forcing house, is clearly explained, with some useful remarks relative to the stocks which peaches, nectarines, &c., should be budded upon, when they are intended for forcing, which I would impress on the minds of such of my readers who would wish to excel in the profession, not to pass over too lightly.

As this is intended as a general guide to the forcing fruit-grower, not any one thing of importance has been omitted, in order to render the work as intelligible and useful as possible, not neglecting or rejecting the ancient for the modern, nor the modern for the ancient.

While I am writing from an extensive practical knowledge on these subject, let me avail myself of this opportunity to confess that since the first publication of the Fruit Grower's In

structor, which was my first essay on these matters, that I am under great obligations to many eminent authors, and more particularly to those friends in the horticultural world who have furnished me privately with invaluable information on very many important subjects relative to gardening; at the same time, should I differ from any of my gardening friends, I trust they will not consider it done wilfully to offend, or discourage, but having had such vast opportunities to put anything connected with the subject to the test, I think I should act wrong to flatter any one by stating as authentic in this work anything which has been merely experimental, and which cannot be supported by tried practice, and knowledge derived from a fundamental source.

My having for some years past been engaged in suggesting alterations, and improvements in different parts of the country, it has brought me into contact with men of the first abilities as regards gardening pursuits, and has led me to a field for great observation, which greatly

stimulated me to write these sheets; although nothing but a long and great former practice, attended with great application on my own part, could have given me confidence to attempt a work of this nature, and through which means I am enabled to form a contrast between ancient and modern improvements, and to recommend such portions of each that may lead to beneficial results and ultimate success.