Gift book "Plant Hunters" by Mayne Reed

A plant hunter! What is it? We have heard about fox hunters, deer hunters, bear and buffalo hunters, lion hunters, but never about plant hunters... Wait a minute! Truffles are also plants. They are searched for with the help of dogs, and their gatherers are called truffle hunters. Maybe you mean them, Captain?

No, my young reader. My plant hunter has nothing to do with the one who digs up mushrooms. His occupation is much more noble, and his goal is not only to indulge the whims of a delicacy. The whole civilized world should be grateful to him, including you. Yes, he has given you many joys. The variegation and brightness of your gardens is his handiwork. A lush dahlia swaying over a flower bed; a peony sparkling with bright colors; a charming camellia pleasing your eyes in the greenhouse; kalmias, azaleas, rhododendrons, white jasmine stars, geraniums and thousands of other beautiful flowers were presented to us by a plant hunter. With his help, England – cold, misty England –has turned into a garden full of flowers, more diverse and vibrant than those that bloom in the famous valley of Kashmir. Many of the beautiful trees that add charm to our landscape, most of the beautiful shrubs that decorate our villas and cottages are the fruits of his labors. If it were not for him, we would never have tasted at lunch and dessert many vegetables, roots, fruits and berries that diversify our table. If it wasn't for him, we would never have tasted these delicious things. So let's remember the plant hunter with a kind word!