Publisher's Synopsis
Excerpt from A Naturalist in Western China, Vol. 2: With Vasculum, Camera, and Gun, Being Some Account of Eleven Years' Travel, Exploration, and Observation in the More Remote Parts of the Flowery Kingdom
The great interest and value, however, of the Chinese ?ora lies not so much in its wealth of species as in the ornamental character and suitability of a vast number for the embellishment of parks and outdoor gardens throughout the temperate regions of the world. My work in China has been the means of discovering and introducing numerous new plants to Europe and North America and elsewhere. But previous to this work of mine the value of Chinese plants was well known and appreciated. Evidence of this is afforded by the fact that there is no garden worthy of the name, throughout the length and breadth of the temperate parts of the Northern Hemisphere, that does not contain a few plants of Chinese origin. Our Tea and Rambler Roses, Chrysanthemums, Indian Azaleas, Camellias, Greenhouse Primroses, Moutan Paeonies, and Garden Clematis have all been derived from plants still to' be found in a wild state in central and Western China. The same is true of a score of other favourite ?owers. China is also the original home of the Orange, Lemon, Citron, Peach, Apricot, and the so-called European Walnut. The horticultural world is deeply in debted to the Far East for many of its choicest treasures, and the debt will increase as the years pass.
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