THE WINDOW GARDENER. BY EDWARD S. RAND, JR., FLOWERS FOR THE PARLOR AND GARDEN,' BULBS," ETC., ETC. AUTHOR OF BOSTON: SHEPARD AND GILL. 1873. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863, by EDWARD S. RAND JR., In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1872, by EDWARD S. RAND JR., In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. INTRODUCTION. As some misapprehensions have arisen, and false statements have been made in regard to the present volume, it is not out of place to preface the present edition with a few words of introduction. The volume is not wholly a new book, but is mostly composed of a revision of chapters which originally appeared in "Flowers for the Parlor and Garden." The latter work, however, embraces a large range of subjects, many of which are only of interest to those who have extensive horticultural facilities; and this, in addition to its cost, necessarily places it above the reach of the large number who have only opportunities for window gardening, and who only wish a cheap manual of culture. It was to meet this demand that the volume was originally issued; and the cordial reception it has thus far met in the sale of former editions well attests that it supplies a popular want. While generally the subject-matter is not new, all has been revised, and the whole volume brought up to the point of horticultural progress of the present year. This, of course, involved the necessity for many changes, and called for the addition of much new matter. The book is strictly what its name implies, a manual of "Window Gardening," and contains all the information necessary for the culture of plants in the parlor. It is not an expensive book, but is a manual of culture for the many; and its price places it within the reach of all who wish to brighten the dark days of winter by the presence of flowers in the window, or who enjoy the home-culture of the pet geraniums, the monthly roses, or the dark-leaved ivy, which often, under the constant care of loving hands, thrive better in the chamber-window than in the costly greenhouse. The present volume is but one of a series of cheap works on different horticultural subjects; another of which ("Popular Flowers") is already before the public, and of which others are in preparation. GLEN RIDGE, May, 1873. |