BAflTA BARBARA 



Gentlemen of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, 



THE history of Horticulture is co-extensive with that of the 

 human race. The first movement towards civilization is evin- 

 ced, in the cultivation of the soil ; and a garden is the incipient 

 type of extended agriculture, and of flourishing empires ; the 

 wild and erratic pursuits of the savage, are exchanged for the 

 local and quiet avocations of the husbandman ; the arts and sci- 

 ences are gradually developed, and rendered subservient to the 

 wants of society : but in the progress of intelligence and refine- 

 ment, those which were earliest called into existence, although 

 expanded and rendered universal, to meet the demands of an in- 

 creased, and condensed population, are the last which are per- 

 fectly matured. All the others must, previously, have approxi- 

 mated towards perfection. It is then, that the grand results of 

 their united application are manifested, in the variety, number, 

 utility, and beauty of the products of rural industry ; and that 

 the conveniencies, comforts, and enjoyments of life are fully real- 

 ized, by the triumphant labors of the accomplished horticul- 

 turist. 



The imperious demands of man are food, raiment, and shelter. 

 These are furnished by the harvests, herds, and flocks of agricul- 

 ture, and the toils of the mechanic. As riches are multiplied, 



