Occupations > Abercrombie's improved practical gardener; with a monthly calendar for the flower garden

INTRODUCTION.
Man in his earliest age became acquainted
with the use of plants. He found them indis¬
pensably necessary for the support of animal life,
and on that account the study of vegetables may
be considered as coeval with the creation. From
that time his attention has been directed towards
them as furnishing, Ijy means of cultivation, an
increased supply of human food, and that in pro¬
portion to the increasing wants and desires of the
population.
Gardening, as far as respects the culture of
plants, must differ in different climates, some of
which are favourable for fruits, some for flowers,
and others for culinary vegetables, and for the
growth of the latter, low moist climates are the
most favourable; in this respect England perhaps
may be considered to equal, if not surpass, every
other country in Europe.
The first object of our attention is the forma¬
tion of the kitchen garden, and which is a sub¬
ject embracing a variety of considerations, as the
situation, exposure, aspect, extent, shelter, shade,
soil, water, form, &c.
The situation of a kitchen garden should be as
near the dwelling-house and offices as is consis¬
tent with convenience and other arrangements.