In the preparation of this volume, the purpose continually in the mind of the author has been to afford a simple and convenient reference book of the ornamental trees and plants hardy in this climate; simple, yet concise, a guide valuable not only to the amateur, but to the busy architect, gardener or plantsman as well. Its form has been suggested by the needs encountered during a long period of private and commercial association with plants, when the material here set forth would at times have been most useful.

It is as a reference book that it will take its place. Exhaustive descriptions, variations from type, and more technical matter must be sought among the horticultural encyclopaedias. In these pages, however, will be found general cultural information and directions sufficient for all ordinary requirements. When and how to plant, pruning, spraying and cultivation are each treated comprehensively. Propagation has not been touched upon, as it is a generally accepted fact that trees and plants, of sizes suitable for planting in their permanent places, can be more easily obtained from reliable nurserymen, and give, as a rule, better satisfaction to the amateur gardener. Trees, shrubs and plants have been classified according to their suitability for certain purposes. Space is given to the making and proper care of lawns. The more common injurious insects are described, and means for their extermination are discussed. In short, the author has earnestly endeavored to include whatever information the average householder needs to enable him to make a selection of such trees and plants as are best adapted to his purposes, and to aid him in properly caring for the grounds about his home.

Regarding the plants themselves, doubtless many omissions will be found from the more or less familiar sorts; but let it here be said that only such are included as have proved their worth under ordinarily favorable conditions of cultivation and climate.

Authorities will be found who differ in many cases from the facts here presented, especially in regard to ultimate heights, times of flowering, and habits of growth; but it must be remembered that plants are highly sensitive to environment, and that external influences, favorable or otherwise, determine their development. Here are tabulated the personal observations of the author as he has found the plants under average conditions. The indicated heights of the various shrubs, for instance, are such as they attain in well-kept border-plantings, rather than the maximum growth found in individual specimens planted singly.

The beautifying of home grounds is rapidly becoming a habit among a great majority of our people. It is a habit happily encouraged by influences on every hand. By "home grounds" is meant not alone the spacious surroundings of the suburban mansion, but equally the less extensive village"lot" or city "back yard." Possibilities are ever present. Even a few square feet, given the necessary care, will support something that grows into beauty. An unsightly heap of stones, of promiscuous character and lineage, may be transformed into a garden of plants whose character suits them to such forbidding surroundings. A few helpful suggestions may perhaps show the way to surprising improvement; and the satisfaction thus attained is a reward to be coveted.

If the author has succeeded in so presenting such suggestions that they will prove of benefit to his readers, he will feel that his efforts have not been in vain.

The botanical names given in this book are based upon the nomenclature accepted in Bailey's Cyclopedia of American Horticulture and the Index Kewensis. The popular names are those in most general usage. In the capitalization of the specific names the rules of the recent Botanical Congress of Vienna have been followed and only those specific names which are derived from the names of persons or those which have been used as generic names have been capitalized.

Professor E. A. White and Dr. H. T. Fernald of the Mass. Agricultural College have rendered valuable assistance in the preparation of this book. Prof. White's editorial work has been especially referable to correctness of nomenclature. Dr. Fernald's editorial work has been especially referable to the subject of "Injurious Insects, Pests and their Treatment" To these gentlemen we extend our hearty thanks.

The Author.