ΤΟ MRS. HENRY PHILLIPS. THE dedication of a work is the highest mark of respect that an author has the power of bestowing on an individual. He, therefore, naturally turns towards those, where his reverence, esteem, and affections are fixed. And as it is now about a quarter of a century, since we have journeyed together over roads, sometimes sprinkled with flowers, and often strewed with thorns, the latter of which you have so invariably passed with fortitude and cheerfulness, as to set me an example of patience and perseverance: Hence, I flatter myself, you will receive with pleasure my labours in the Sylva Florifera; as it will prove my endeavours to dissipate the grief that has so heavily befallen us since the commencement of this work, which was intended for your amiable and accomplished pupil; the loss of whom has fixed the cypress too firmly in our bosoms ever to be entirely eradicated: but as the study of vegetable nature is one of the best cordials for sorrow, accept, dear madam, the nectar its flowers offer, which has proved so great a balm to Your devoted and affectionate Husband, HENRY PHILLIPS Bedford Square, PREFACE. THE Planter of the Shrubbery has endeavoured to dispose his trees and form his groves in a manner that may render his walks agreeable to every age and class, that may be disposed to seek information or amusement among the various plants of the Sylva Florifera. Should his efforts fail of success, he will at least enjoy the consciousness of having attempted to please all the admirers of Nature's works, by studying to render every common an interesting pleasure ground, and every hedge a pleasing plantation, by the information he has endeavoured to collect respecting the plants that flourish in them. The author has also tried to make his book an agreeable companion to the traveller, who, as he passes through woods and lanes, may never feel himself solitary, but have his way enlivened by vegetable history and botanical beauties. These by their connection with anecdote, and their poetical celebrity, may agreeably beguile his time as he journeys by the humble bushes of the road, or the proud natives of the forest. To those who tread the flowery paths of ornamental gardens, the writer would wish the secrets of each blossom to be fully expanded, that the wisdom of the Creator may always shine conspicuous in their walks. Thus also, the plants themselves may invite the youth and the fair to the study of botany, by exhibiting the beauty and simplicity of that science. For the information of those who are forming landscape plantations, the author has assigned to each tree and shrub its proper station, and noticed the tints of its natural robe, with observations intended to assist the planter in effecting a harmony of colouring and an undulating appearance in the grove. |