of ofTicioncv, contrilmte larc;<'ly and spcodily to the advaticcmont of lioth the science 

 and iiractice of fniit-cultnro. It will collect valuable infunnation wliidi now exists in 

 a scattered condition, and make it useful and available to all. It will bring diU'creiit 

 and distant parts of tlie State, now strangers, into closer relationship, and make them 

 aciiuainted with each otlicr's condition and resources, in regard to this pursuit at least. 

 It is reallv surprising to see how little the fruit-growers of one county know of another, 

 even here in "\Vcstern New York. Very many of us know more about Ohio, Mich- 

 igan, or Illinois, than we do of some counties of our own State, Such societies as that 

 we now give an account of will remedy tliis evil. In these days of societies we must not 

 bestow all our attention on those of a State or National character because they make a 

 greater noise in the world, and command more attention. Chanty should begin at 

 home; and if we have any public spirit, any desire to be useful in this way, let our 

 home districts be the Jirst to benefit by it. 



"What the fruit-growers of Western New York have done, and are about to do, will, 

 we trust, be done by those of Central and Eastern New York as well, and also by sim- 

 ilar sections of other States. We have not bestowed so much attention on this move- 

 ment in Western New York, and given it such prominence, merely for its own sake ; 

 for this section has no greater claim on the pages of the Horticulturist than any other 

 — and for ought- we know, not nearly so great as many others. Our aim is three-fold : 

 First, To draw the attention of cultivators in ditierent parts of the countrj^ to a proper 

 consideration of their soil, climate, markets, and such other circumstances as affect the 

 cultivation of fruit, in order that they may determine to what extent it can be advan- 

 tao-eously pursued. Many parts of the countiy, both east and w'est, may be situated 

 veiy much the same as Western New York. Second, To introduce tlie young society 

 to favorable notice, and thus aid it in caiTying out its good work. Third, To explain 

 the details of its working plan, which we consider to be a very good one. Other socie- 

 ties of a similar nature may get some hints from it, not unworthy their attention. 

 Under the head of " Societies," will be found complete lists of officers and committees, 

 as far as completed up to this time. 



THE DOUBLE CRIMSON-FLOWERING REACH AND DOUBLE 

 WniTE-FLOWERING ALMOND.* 



The double-blossomed varieties of fruit trees furnish a small collection of the most 

 beautiful spring-floweviug trees and slirubs which we have in cultivation. The old 

 double variety of the Peach and Almond are Avell known. Their flowers are borne in 

 such profusion that the branches have the appearance of wreaths of small Roses. No 

 other trees contribute more to the cheerfulness and gaity of the lawn or shrubbery 

 during the spring season. Then we have the Double-flowering Cherries, large and 

 dwarf, with their profusion of snow-white flowers; the Double-flowering Sloe, with 

 flowers like Double White Daisies; the Double-flowering Apple — flowers white, with 

 a rosy tint ; the Jflpan Quince, with deep scarlet flowers, unrivaled in their brilliancy ; 

 hich we may add the channing Crimson and Y'ellow-flowering Currants. 



♦ See frontispiece. 



