The cottage garden of America

Front matter

2 [SMITHSONIAN DEPOSIT.] f

I UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.^

.'Hi r.

Preface

There is, perhaps, nothing more pleasing to the eye of the attentive traveller, as he traverses a country, than an improved state of the cottage-g-arden ; and nothing can more plainly bespeak the intelligence and refinement of a happy people, or tend more to enhance the value of property. However plain the structure of the cottage may be, yet, when its approaches and appendages are converted into a flower garden, or stocked with delicious fruits and wholesome vegetables, it is set down as the abode of contentment and good morals ; and where such objects are often m.et with, the valleys look more fertile and the hills less drear. The well-cultivated fields of the farmer improve the landscape, and add beauty to rural scenery; but there is always something picturesque and fascinating about a neat cottage-garden. How seldom do we see the walls of a cottage clothed with the clustering honeysuckle and rose, or the generous vine, whose delicious fruit richly repays the care of its industrious pruner ! The late Judge Buel, in an address on the improvement on our country, said : " He who endeavours to improve and beautify the small spot of ground attached to his dwelling, is both a patriot and a Christian, and does much to elevate himself and his country in the scale of improvement." Cobbett, in his " Ride in France," gives several illustrations of the improved state of the cottage-garden in that country. Germany, Holland, and Belgium have long been celebrated for their improved

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VlU PREFACE.

cottage gardens ; so has Great Britain. Several good articles have been written upon the improved cottage garden of New England ; and a large book has been published upon improvements on the banks of the noble Hudson. A volume may soon appear, displaying the cottage garden in the different nations in the world; and I would fain see the cottagers of our happy republic, prepared to occupy the first page of such book, whenever published.

Philadelphia, Walter Elder.

Ix\ TllODUCTION.

In presenting this small volume to the intellig-ent cottagers of America, we wish to say, that we make no claim to literature, but are an humble delver in the earth, more accustomed to the spade than the pen; and better at laying out gardens than making up books. But having travelled much, and seen the rapid strides which improvement is making, in planting towns and villages in different directions throughout our widely extended country ; and that Horticulture is not, as it ought to be, an accompanying handmaid with other improvements; we have thought that it was for want of a little practical knowledge on the subject. So we have resolved to condense a few practical items in a small volume, to assist the farmer, mechanic, manufacturer, small merchant, and labouring man, to stock and cultivate their gardens, and make tor themselves pleasant and happy homes, and to enable their housewives to grow a few choice pot plants, to enliven their dwellings in the dreary days of wmter. It is not intended for those already' skilled in the business, but only for the young and inexperienced; and with the humble wish of doing good. Every article contained in the book will stand the scrutiny of practice; and the whole has been deduced from long and extensive practical experience, as head gardener to several wealthy gentlemen in difi'erent parts of the country. The contents will be found as suitable for the people in the

south as for those in the north. We request the indulgence of

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Introduction

the reader in regard to any mistakes ; for no man is perfect ; and we are not so silly-minded as to think that there is but one way of doing everything. On the other hand, we have tried many experiments, and the most successful are given in this book ; which is the only volume addressed exclusively to the American cottager.

Philadelphia. Walter Elder.