8 



The Co-operation of individuals, by the means of variously or- 

 ganized societies, for the accomplishment of objects of public 

 utility, and general, local or private interest, is a discovery of the 

 moderns, and has been one of the most efficient means of ac- 

 celerating the progress, and enlarging the bounds of knowledge. 

 They have explored the vast Herculaneum of antiquity for those 

 treasures of intellect, which once gave lustre to empires, and 

 traced the history of the inventions, discoveries and improve- 

 ments of all ages ; they have collected the facts of isolated re- 

 search and the valuable results of private experiment ; they have 

 brought to light the labors of unobtrusive genius, rendered local 

 information available to all, and concentrated the scattered intel- 

 ligence of nations, in every department of science and art. 

 With the facilities afforded by the wonderful art of printing, they 

 are substitutes for, or have superseded that long cherished de- 

 sideratum, a universal language ; for whatever is valuable, merits 

 attention, or is worthy of adoption, in the writings of the an- 

 cients, or the publications of existing nations, is speedily accli- 

 mated and rendered as familiar, as if it were of indigenous 

 growth. There is still another glorious advantage in these insti- 

 tutions, most honorable to the human race ; in war as well as in 

 peace their names become the paroles of intercourse between the 

 republics of letters, of science and of arts, round the globe. 



Having witnessed the happy effects of associations, for the 

 promotion of literature, natural history, physics, agriculture, the 

 mechanic, economical and fine arts, we may confidently antici- 

 pate, that the same salutary influence will be experienced, in the 

 operations of horticulture, by the harmonious labors of those 

 numerous societies, which have been founded for its encourage- 

 ment. 



The literature, history, science, art and practice of gardening, 

 open a wide field for study, and inquiry, and present exhaustless 

 sources of pleasure, instruction and wealth. Blessed is the man 

 who participates in these enjoyments. They are not too humble 

 for the most exalted, or beyond the reach of honest and retiring 



