THE CANADIAN llOK'nCULTL'KIST. 67 



iivii \iv aL'Cf[)ted in horticulture nor anything else. Results must be 

 tj-aced up to causes, and reasons given that will hear close examination. 



.[t is probiible that the numerous diseases of fruit trees principally 

 originate in a partial derangement of some part of the tree, consequently 

 if we were sutlieiently acquainted with the laws of vegetation we might 

 in a great measure be able to prevent these diseases. In speaking of 

 tlie diseases of plants we generally confine our attention to the agents 

 which produce the diseases, such as aphides, fungi, &c., but it would 

 be well to keep in mind that there are certain conditions in plants, as 

 well as in animals, which render them subject to the attacks of diseases, 

 and just in proportion as we are able to control these conditions we 

 will be able to prevent deseases in plants and trees. 



Even as a branch of education to young people of both sexes, the 

 science of botany is invaluable. A botanical ramble in the fields, for 

 the purpose of collecting specimens, or a comparison of the difl'erences 

 and affinities of one species, or one order with another, has a tendency 

 to call into exercise and improve the faculty of observation. When 

 this faculty is wanting, a person will be blind to the works of creation, 

 and unable to derive any pleasure ox instruction from the wonders by 

 which he is surrounded, Of aacfh a person it may be truly said 



"A primrose by the water brim, 

 A yellow primrose was to him, 

 And it was nothing more." 



The admirable method of classification in the natural system of 

 botany, drills a young person into systematic habits in other kinds of 

 study. Every one has observed how readily an orderly thinker can 

 master a subject, and also convey information to others, compared with 

 one. whose ideas are confused. In the study of botany a person has 

 an inexhaustable fund of refined enjoyment and instruction. 



"Not a plant, a leaf, a flower, but contains 



A folio volume. We may read, and read, 

 And read again, and still find something new — 

 Something to please, something to instrux^t 



Even in the noisome weed." 



A well known gentleman connected with the Fruit Growers' 

 Association has communicated to the writer of this paper the pleasant 

 intelligence that there is a strong desire among certain parties in this 

 Province to have a botanical society. There are no doubt many 

 botanists through the country who would be glad to make the acquaint- 



