151 



The Cambridgo Botanical Garden was also founded in 176;), 

 by Dr. Walker, vice-master of Trinity College. He gave the 

 scite comprising nearly five Acres, in trust to the Chancellor, 

 Masters, and scholars of the University, for the purpose of 

 establishing the Garden. Thomas Martyn, tho titular Pro- 

 fessor of Botany, was appointed reader on Plants, and Charles, 

 son of the celebrated Philip Miller (who had aided Dr. Walker 

 in selecting the ground,) was made first Curator.* 



Previous to this period, the number of Esoticks cultivated in 

 this country probably did not exceed 1,000 species ; during this 

 Century above 5,000 new ones were introduced. Some (ole- 

 rably correct idea may be formed of the improvement arising 

 to Horticulture, from this spirit of research after plants, by a 

 knowledge that [in the first edition of Miller's Dictionary, in 

 1724, but 12 evergreens are mentioned. The Christmas flower, 

 and Aconite were rare, and only to be purchased at Mr. Fair- 

 child's nursery at Hoxton. Only seven species of Geranium 

 were then known. In the preface to the eighth edition of the 

 Dictionary, in 17G8, the number of plants cultivated in this 

 country, are stated to be more than double those which were 

 known in 1731. The publication of the seventh edition of that 

 work in 1759, was of the greatest benefit to Horticulture. In it 

 was adopted the classical system of Linnoeus. It gave a final 

 blow to the invidious line of distinction which had existed be- 

 tween the Gardener and the Botanist, and completed the erec- 

 tion of the Art of the former into a Science, which it had been 

 long customary to esteem as little more than a superior pur- 

 suit for a rustic. From being merely practised by servants, it 

 became more extensively the study and the delight of many of 

 the most scientific and noble individuals of this country. Mil- 

 ler improved the cultivation of the Vine and the Fig, and was 

 otherwise distinguished for his improvement ofthe practice as he 

 had been of the Science of Gardening. Having thus decisively 



• Loudon'* Encyclopcadia of Gardening, pp. 86, & 1071. edit. 5. 



