THE YOUNG GARDENER'S EDUCATOR, BEING A SERIES OF LESSONS, IN THE CONVERSATIONAL STYLE, HORTICULTURAL CHEMISTRY, PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, ENTOMOLOGY, With a Glossary of a few Technical Terms. BY WILLIAM KEANE, AUTHOR OF THE BEAUTIES OF SURREY, AND OF MIDDLESEX; ONE OF THE DEPARTMENTAL LONDON: GROOMBRIDGE AND SONS, 5, PATERNOSTER ROW; AND ALL BOOKSELLERS. AND OF THE AUTHOR: THE OLD HORTICULTURAL GARDENS, EDWARDES PLACE, KENSINGTON. 180. a. 116 PREFACE. The many suggestions that have been given by writers on the education of young Gardeners have induced me to consider in what manner an object "so devoutly to be wished," could be best attained. After mature deliberation I have arrived at the conclusion that the best way to give efficacy to their suggestions is to embody them in a series of dialogues on the subjects so generally recommended. I have chosen the conversational style as the best suited for exciting interest, and affording room for apt illustrations. I may state that the speakers are Mr. B., the head gardener, his son, and the journeyman, each of whom is characterised by peculiarities of sentiment and style of thinking. As fair promises have sometimes failed to be performed, I prefer to leave the "Young Gardener's Educator" to be judged by its merits, if it has any, and if it is guiltless of that distinction it will soon find its level with the things that have been. B |