Modern Improvements in Horticulture. 307 



general view of its present state and probable advancement in 

 future, noticing some of the objects of supplementary improve- 

 ment, with hints for compassing them. It only remains to con- 

 clude with a brief summary of how far the art of horticulture 

 has benefited mankind, in past and at the present time, and 

 how far it contributes to both public and private happiness. 



The general face and aspect of the country is enlivened and 

 enriched by the efforts of gardening. From it the palace re- 

 ceives its highest exterior embellishment, the saloons and cham- 

 bers thereof are perfumed by its sweets, the arcades and cor- 

 ridors ornamented by its blossoms. Gardening provides the 

 most exhilarating and salubrious luxuries of the banquet ; 

 the tables are garnished by its products, and the fruiteries and 

 confectionaries, as well as the green larders, are supplied. 



No less is the humble cottage cheered and adorned, when its 

 ivied porch and vine-clad gable exhibit marks of horticultural 

 industry; and this extended into the well-stocked garden, yields 

 many a wholesome addition to the homely fare of the frugal 

 cottager. 



For other ranks of society the markets are supplied with a 

 superabundance of the sweets, the delicacies, and wholesome es- 

 culents from the garden, forming half the food of man. The loom 

 is furnished with much of its filacious substances, the ship and 

 house builder with their indispensable material ; the laboratory is 

 supplied with the chief part of the various qualities from which 

 are drawn or compounded the medicines for human ills ; and 

 much of the dyers' colours and artists' tints are obtained from 

 the same productive source. 



By the assistance of horticulture our colonies have become 

 the most valuable portions of the face of the earth. By the 

 master mind of a Sloane and others, the art was employed to 

 transport from their native place to the isles and continent of 

 the western world, ''the sweet cane," the coffee, fruits and 

 spices, as well as drugs and dyes of the east ; and the oriental 

 world is now enjoying many of the natural products of the west*. 



Thus horticulture, as the handmaid of civilization, has mainly 

 contributed to promote the interests, administer to the comfort, 

 and provide for the principal wants of all mankind. J. M. 



♦ Tea Is not mentioned, because it has not been an object of cultivation in Uie 

 western world. 



