Popular horticultural work by the Dutch florist Hendrik van Oosten, first published in 1700. Here in the very rare undated second issue of the last, seventh, edition, printed in Amsterdam. The first issue of the seventh edition appeared in 1792 in Rotterdam. It discusses the sowing and harvesting of numerous flowers, including tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, anemones, roses, etc., planting bulbs, curing flower diseases, cultivating fruit trees, taking care of flowers and plants in winter, and more. Also included are many "secrets" to grow the most beautiful tulips. Translations appeared in German, French and English. The plates depict ways of pruning and grafting of different types of plants. The cultivation of flowers and the laying out of gardens had long been very popular in the Netherlands. The book was translated into English (1703), German (1706) and French (1714), and went through at least seven Dutch editions to 1792. Little is known about the author, but the title-pages note that he was a professional florist and tree grafter in Leiden and was apparently still living when the third edition appeared in 1715.
With a few small spots and a small marginal water stain. Paper wrappers slightly worn. Overall in very good condition. NCC, Worldcat (2 copies). Bradley III, p. 76 (Rotterdam issue); Hunt 406 (Rotterdam issue); this ed. not in Arnold Arboretum. Cf. Arnold Arboretum I, p. 530 (1700, 1715 & 1749, French, English & German eds.).