STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 9 



We have passed the period of spoliation in agriculture, and it now be- 

 hooves us, rather than follow our course to its end, to prevent further waste 

 and tiike warning of the desolate fields of Virginia and the wasted hill- 

 sides of New England. 



The familiar face of our former guide, philosopher, and friend, as the 

 frontispiece to our last report, suggests that there are other and worthy 

 men, pioneers in our art, whose faces we would like to see similarly 

 engraved, and one sent forth with each report. Overman, Kennicott, 

 ancl Ilarkness have passed away from among us, and, knowing the 

 influence they had upon horticulture in our State, even those who knew 

 them not would be pleased to have this memorial of them. I suggest 

 that our Secretary be instructed to examine into the matter and that the 

 Executive Committee be empowei^ed, if the funds of the Society will 

 permit, to secure engraved portraits of the deceased members whom I 

 have mentioned. 



The Constitution of our Society makes it the duty of the President 

 to "deliver an annual address upon some subject connected with Horti- 

 culture." In the discharge of that duty I shall now call your attention 

 to some remarks upon 



The Province of Horticulture. 



The term Horticulture, like that of agriculture, is a vague one, and 

 liable to be limited or extended too much. It is specially apt to intrude 

 upon ground properly occupied by agriculture, and occasionally to sufler 

 encroachment in its turn. 



Thus Lindley, in his Theory of Horticulture, says, "Horticulture is 

 that branch of knowledge which relates to the cultivation, multiplication, 

 and amelioration of thfe vegetable kingdom." This, if I understand it 

 rightly, would include all of agriculture proper, or field culture, and 

 consequently includes too much. 



Horticulture, etymologically considered, means garden culture; but 

 this is narrowing its meaning too much. But if we take it to mean, 

 what garden culture implies, a nicer or more careful culture, as dis- 

 tinguished from the rougher arts of the field, I believe we get a prettv 

 good conception of its present meaning. Not necessarily perhaps, but 

 in fict, it calls into action higher powers of thought, greater versatilit}', 

 and more elevated sentiments than agriculture. It may be called the 

 poetry of fanning, whilst agriculture is its plain prose. 



I would analyze Horticulture after this fashion : 

 I. Useful, comprising — 



1. Fruit Growing, which includes : 



a. Orchard Culture; 



b. Vineyard Culture; 



c. Small Fruits and their culture. 



2. Vegetable or Market Gardening, including — 



a. Vegetables cultivated for their roots or tubers, as potatoes, 

 onions, beets, &c. 



