"Though somewhat miscellaneous in subject, the reader will perceive a consonance of purpose in the various Essays contained in this volume. The papers were written at various times during the intervals of severe, though not uncongenial duties, and are but several expressions of the same sentiment. That sentiment is the love of Nature, and more especially of that portion of Nature which is represented in the out-door life of "green things," emboding, as they do, a thousand suggestions of their relations to the life of man, closely woven and encircled as he is by a network of beauty, which gives a joy to his calmer hours, and enables him to perceive, both by reason and analogy, his position in the general scheme of creation."--Preface to the First Edition, p. [iii]-iv.

Includes "Preface to the Second Edition.": p. [v]-vi.

Most colour wood-engraved plates are unsigned. One is signed "A. F. Lydon" and another is signed: "A. F. L.". All are with title captions.

Colour plates were printed by Benjamin Fawcett. Cf. McLean, Ruari and Antonia. Benjamin Fawcett: engraver and colour printer, 1988.

Most wood-engraved illustrations within the text are unsigned. A few are signed "E. Whimper Sc." [i.e. Edward Whymper?]. One is signed "DHF" and "EW Sc.".

McLean, Ruari and Antonia. Benjamin Fawcett, p. 161.

MASS copy: Bound in green pebble-grain cloth blocked in gold, black and blind. Spine with imprint: "Groombridge". Boards with bevelled edges; a.e.g. With dark brown painted endpapers. With ownership inscription: "A. W. French".