Chapter XVIII

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading A most essential preparation for this change was the necessity of cultivating and increasing the present stock of plants--the tender and fragile things requiring winter protection--which the abundance of the last year had left me.

the property of a more than adequate quantity or supply

From this reading A most essential preparation for this change was the necessity of cultivating and increasing the present stock of plants--the tender and fragile things requiring winter protection--which the abundance of the last year had left me.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading I had an abundance of carnations, which I had sometimes referred to as varieties of _Dianthus caryophyllus_ when my uneducated city visitors called to see me.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

identifying word or words by which someone or something is called and classified or distinguished from others

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading I had an abundance of carnations, which I had sometimes referred to as varieties of _Dianthus caryophyllus_ when my uneducated city visitors called to see me.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading I had an abundance of carnations, which I had sometimes referred to as varieties of _Dianthus caryophyllus_ when my uneducated city visitors called to see me.

plural of “carnation” — Eurasian plant with pink to purple-red spice-scented usually double flowers; widely cultivated in many varieties and many colors

From this reading I had an abundance of carnations, which I had sometimes referred to as varieties of _Dianthus caryophyllus_ when my uneducated city visitors called to see me.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I had an abundance of carnations, which I had sometimes referred to as varieties of _Dianthus caryophyllus_ when my uneducated city visitors called to see me.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading A most essential preparation for this change was the necessity of cultivating and increasing the present stock of plants--the tender and fragile things requiring winter protection--which the abundance of the last year had left me.

a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

pleasing or delighting

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

the person or thing chosen or selected

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading I had an abundance of carnations, which I had sometimes referred to as varieties of _Dianthus caryophyllus_ when my uneducated city visitors called to see me.

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

-ing form of “cultivate” — foster the growth of

From this reading A most essential preparation for this change was the necessity of cultivating and increasing the present stock of plants--the tender and fragile things requiring winter protection--which the abundance of the last year had left me.

socialization through training and education to develop one's mind or manners

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

carnations and pinks

From this reading I had an abundance of carnations, which I had sometimes referred to as varieties of _Dianthus caryophyllus_ when my uneducated city visitors called to see me.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

qualified for by right according to law

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

to the same degree (often followed by “as”)

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

absolutely necessary; vitally necessary

From this reading A most essential preparation for this change was the necessity of cultivating and increasing the present stock of plants--the tender and fragile things requiring winter protection--which the abundance of the last year had left me.

(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR REMOVAL.

of concern to or concerning the affairs of other nations (other than your own)

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

easily broken or damaged or destroyed

From this reading A most essential preparation for this change was the necessity of cultivating and increasing the present stock of plants--the tender and fragile things requiring winter protection--which the abundance of the last year had left me.

plural of “gardener” — someone who takes care of a garden

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

usually; as a rule

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading A most essential preparation for this change was the necessity of cultivating and increasing the present stock of plants--the tender and fragile things requiring winter protection--which the abundance of the last year had left me.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

becoming greater or larger

From this reading A most essential preparation for this change was the necessity of cultivating and increasing the present stock of plants--the tender and fragile things requiring winter protection--which the abundance of the last year had left me.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

immediately past

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

of or relating to the ancient Latins or the Latin language

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading A most essential preparation for this change was the necessity of cultivating and increasing the present stock of plants--the tender and fragile things requiring winter protection--which the abundance of the last year had left me.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

producing a sizeable profit

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

used to form the superlative

From this reading A most essential preparation for this change was the necessity of cultivating and increasing the present stock of plants--the tender and fragile things requiring winter protection--which the abundance of the last year had left me.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

the condition of being essential or indispensable

From this reading A most essential preparation for this change was the necessity of cultivating and increasing the present stock of plants--the tender and fragile things requiring winter protection--which the abundance of the last year had left me.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

and nothing more

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

exceptional, unusual, or remarkable

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

by chance

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

for a long time without essential change

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

plural of “plant” — buildings for carrying on industrial labor

From this reading A most essential preparation for this change was the necessity of cultivating and increasing the present stock of plants--the tender and fragile things requiring winter protection--which the abundance of the last year had left me.

plural of “pleasure” — a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

having or characterized by words of more than three syllables

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading A most essential preparation for this change was the necessity of cultivating and increasing the present stock of plants--the tender and fragile things requiring winter protection--which the abundance of the last year had left me.

plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR REMOVAL.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading A most essential preparation for this change was the necessity of cultivating and increasing the present stock of plants--the tender and fragile things requiring winter protection--which the abundance of the last year had left me.

plural of “production” — the act or process of producing something

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

yielding material gain or profit

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

the activity of protecting someone or something

From this reading A most essential preparation for this change was the necessity of cultivating and increasing the present stock of plants--the tender and fragile things requiring winter protection--which the abundance of the last year had left me.

free of extraneous elements of any kind

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

inflected form of “refer” — make reference to

From this reading I had an abundance of carnations, which I had sometimes referred to as varieties of _Dianthus caryophyllus_ when my uneducated city visitors called to see me.

feel happiness or joy

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

the act of removing

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR REMOVAL.

remove something concrete, as by lifting, pushing, or taking off, or remove something abstract

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

-ing form of “require” — require as useful, just, or proper

From this reading A most essential preparation for this change was the necessity of cultivating and increasing the present stock of plants--the tender and fragile things requiring winter protection--which the abundance of the last year had left me.

determined

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

of or relating to the practice of science

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading I had an abundance of carnations, which I had sometimes referred to as varieties of _Dianthus caryophyllus_ when my uneducated city visitors called to see me.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading I had an abundance of carnations, which I had sometimes referred to as varieties of _Dianthus caryophyllus_ when my uneducated city visitors called to see me.

declared as fact; explicitly stated

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest

From this reading A most essential preparation for this change was the necessity of cultivating and increasing the present stock of plants--the tender and fragile things requiring winter protection--which the abundance of the last year had left me.

given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality

From this reading A most essential preparation for this change was the necessity of cultivating and increasing the present stock of plants--the tender and fragile things requiring winter protection--which the abundance of the last year had left me.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

in or at that place or location

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading A most essential preparation for this change was the necessity of cultivating and increasing the present stock of plants--the tender and fragile things requiring winter protection--which the abundance of the last year had left me.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading A most essential preparation for this change was the necessity of cultivating and increasing the present stock of plants--the tender and fragile things requiring winter protection--which the abundance of the last year had left me.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

not having a good education

From this reading I had an abundance of carnations, which I had sometimes referred to as varieties of _Dianthus caryophyllus_ when my uneducated city visitors called to see me.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading In the last chapter I have stated that so charming did the country seem to me, so pure its pleasures, and profitable its cultivation, that I resolved to remove there permanently, and give up entirely the less lucrative, if more distinguished, pursuit of the law.

plural of “variety” — a collection containing a variety of sorts of things

From this reading I had an abundance of carnations, which I had sometimes referred to as varieties of _Dianthus caryophyllus_ when my uneducated city visitors called to see me.

plural of “visitor” — someone who visits

From this reading I had an abundance of carnations, which I had sometimes referred to as varieties of _Dianthus caryophyllus_ when my uneducated city visitors called to see me.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading A most essential preparation for this change was the necessity of cultivating and increasing the present stock of plants--the tender and fragile things requiring winter protection--which the abundance of the last year had left me.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

at the time that

From this reading I had an abundance of carnations, which I had sometimes referred to as varieties of _Dianthus caryophyllus_ when my uneducated city visitors called to see me.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading A most essential preparation for this change was the necessity of cultivating and increasing the present stock of plants--the tender and fragile things requiring winter protection--which the abundance of the last year had left me.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading A most essential preparation for this change was the necessity of cultivating and increasing the present stock of plants--the tender and fragile things requiring winter protection--which the abundance of the last year had left me.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading My stock was not, perhaps, what finished gardeners would call choice; they were not those out-of-the-way foreign productions which only rejoice in one name, and that a polysyllabic Latin one; but, although they were equally entitled to a scientific appellation, they were generally known under common ones.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading A most essential preparation for this change was the necessity of cultivating and increasing the present stock of plants--the tender and fragile things requiring winter protection--which the abundance of the last year had left me.