number of the label. But I must not attempt further particulars in reference to 

 the character of the gardens, or the scientific skill with which they are managed. 

 I have headed my pages with ''the lutjipy Pomologist," and in order to make good 

 its meaning and its ti-uth, I must tell of inward as well as outward influences — of 

 the glowing enthusiasm with which our host pursues his favorite science — his 

 hobby ; and I must follow him from the garden to the family circle, and even some- 

 what into his worldly position. 



Our host (I have christened him the Prince of Pomologists), talks about his trees 

 as most men do of their children, or as good physicians do of their favorite pa- 

 tients ; he almost seems to talk to them, for he sometimes says — " I do this for liim 

 (the tree), now he must do something for himself — it is his business. " And then 

 the expression of his countenance varies with the associations, more or less interest- 

 ing, connected with his tree families, and denotes as much concern and confidence 

 in certain qualities that should belong to them, as though these were moral princi- 

 ples affecting the welfare or happiness of his whole generation. 



And now with the warm noon-day sun, and the courtesy of a kindly heart towards 

 guests, we come into the ample drawing-rooms ; here the father and sons are soon 

 ready with piano — flute — violin or violincello, to give us delightful trios — music of 

 the best composers, and executed as such authors desire their compositions should 

 be. The 'Prince of Pomologists' is still the leader in this family concert, for he 

 was chief instructor of his sons, and is equally able to perform on any of the instru- 

 ments. To use his good wife's expression — "i7 est musicien dans Vame" — , and 

 surely he is no less a painter and Pomologist ''dans I'ame'/' such men do all 

 things with their whole soul. 



The excellent lady whom I have just quoted, devotes herself to the true "wo- 

 ma?i's rights," in the good management of her household ; and, besides this, takes 

 great interest in the poultry. I should be deficient in good taste, as well as grati- 

 tude, did I not proclaim the entire success with which she accomplishes the first of 

 the womanly prerogatives — and should it be your good fortune, gentle reader, to 

 sleep beneath the hospitable roof to which I have reference, and to sit at the family 

 table, you will have delightful evidences of the comforts that belong to the exercise 

 of "woman's rights," as they are there understood; and even from the cellar you 

 will receive proofs, in "St. Peray" and old "Steine," that the good things of this 

 world are in the very best hands, when gentle woman rules her household. 



I have yet many remaining proofs that my title of " the happy Pomologist " is a 

 just and appropriate one, but in nothing does it more strongly appear than in the 

 generous benevolence and philanthropy that fill to overflowing the heart of our host. 

 Without precisely knowing the ultimate designs of this distinguished gentleman, I 

 do know that pecuniary gain or commercial profits form no part of his objects in life; 

 that he only desires to do good by improving the fruits of the country, and finds his 

 own h-ippiness in constant occupation ; or, to quote one of his own impulsive, enthu- 

 siastic expressions, " I will make the best Pears as cheap and common as the poorest 

 II may enjoy them." Hence he takes pleasure in giving his grafts 



