Catalogues of Plants in the Dublin Society's Botanic Garden, at Glasnevin

The first part of this plant catalogue, published in 1801, lists the hothouse and greenhouse plants in the newly established Botanic Gardens at Glasnevin, near Dublin. The second part, from 1802, is a guide to all the plants in the gardens, including the arboretum and Hortus tinctoria, where dye plants were displayed. Both parts are believed to have been written by Walter Wade (1740–1825), a physician and enthusiastic botanist who had lobbied for the establishment of a botanical garden on the site.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2018
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This plant catalog is divided into two parts. The first, published in 1801, offers a comprehensive list of hothouse and greenhouse plants found in the newly established Botanic Gardens at Glasnevin, located near Dublin. The second, from 1802, serves as a guide to all the plants in the gardens, encompassing the arboretum and Hortus tinctoria, where dye plants (essential for the Irish linen industry) were showcased. These catalogues are believed to have been authored by Walter Wade (1740–1825), a physician and passionate botanist who actively advocated for the establishment of a botanical garden on the former property of Thomas Tickell, a poet and government administrator in Ireland. The gardens were inaugurated in 1795, and these catalogues serve as the earliest evidence of their extensive collection of native and exotic plants.

The first part of the catalog, published in 1801, provides a detailed account of the hothouse and greenhouse plants found in the Botanic Gardens at Glasnevin. The list is organized according to the Linnaean system, a scientific classification system developed by the Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus. The plants are arranged in alphabetical order, making it easy to locate specific species. Each entry includes the plant's scientific name, common name, and any additional information or description relevant to its cultivation. The first part of the catalog showcases the gardens' impressive collection of tropical and subtropical plants, including orchids, ferns, and palms. It also includes a variety of herbaceous plants, such as roses, lilies, and tulips, that were grown for ornamental purposes.

The second part of the catalog, published in 1802, offers a comprehensive guide to all the plants in the gardens. It is arranged according to the layout of the different beds, allowing readers to explore the various sections of the gardens. Each plant is given its Linnaean and common names, providing a clear reference for identification. The guide also includes information about the botanical significance of each plant, its growth habits, and any special care requirements. The second part of the catalog highlights the gardens' arboretum, which was dedicated to the cultivation of trees and shrubs. It includes a wide variety of species, including oak, maple, and pine trees, as well as ornamental shrubs such as rhododendrons and azaleas. The arboretum also housed a collection of exotic plants from around the world, such as cacti and succulents.

Walter Wade, the author of both parts of the catalog, was a prominent physician and botanist in Ireland. He had a deep interest in botany and played a significant role in the establishment of the Botanic Gardens at Glasnevin. Wade was a strong advocate for the importance of botanical gardens in education and research, and he believed that they could contribute to the development of medicine and agriculture. He worked tirelessly to promote the gardens and their collections, and his efforts were instrumental in securing government support and funding for their expansion and development.

The Botanic Gardens at Glasnevin continue to be a significant center for botanical research and education. The gardens' collections of plants and trees are still being studied and admired by scientists and enthusiasts alike. The catalogues published by Walter Wade in 1801 and 1802 serve as a valuable record of the gardens' early years and the remarkable collection of plants that were cultivated there. These catalogues are a testament to the dedication and passion of Walter Wade and his colleagues, and they continue to be an important resource for anyone interested in botany and the history of botanical gardens.

Weight: 35g
Dimension: 215 x 140 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108081535