BUEL FARM. 59 



Mr Buel to the British ; and, perhaps, indigenous plants will 

 generally be found superior to foreign ones. In the present 

 instance, however, the soil was not such as I have found 

 congenial to the British thorn, and the management of the 

 fences had not been unexceptionable. A few days after 

 wards I had a proof of the growing powers of British thorn 

 at Geneva, where I cut a growth of the season on the 24th 



of June, from the hedge of Mr W s garden, three feet 



in length. This, joined to the fine hedge of Mr F of 



the same place, establishes the fitness of the British thorn for 

 the climate of America. The American thorn has very broad 

 leaves, large fruit containing several seeds ; and when growing 

 in single trees, has horizontal branches, few prickles, and is 

 apparently more dwarfish than the British species, which 

 possesses pendulous branches, with numerous prickles. The 

 British thorn has the property of growing throughout spring, 

 summer, and autumn, which, with its numerous and strong 

 prickles, eminently fits it for a fence plant. 



Although Mr Buel s farm is much celebrated, it presents 

 few attractions to any one conversant with British agricul 

 ture. He is himself, however, an object of interest to the 

 farmer of any country who has studied his profession. His 

 conversation on a variety of subjects amply unfolded. to me 

 the treasures of an enlarged and well-stored mind, and I was 

 delighted to find his views of improving agriculture harmo 

 nize with what I had long advocated iir my humble sphere. 

 At separation he presented me with the printed proceedings 

 of the New York State Agricultural Society, of a considerable 

 portion of which he is the author ; and I imagine a day spent 

 with Mr Buel one of the richest agricultural treats that can 

 be enjoyed in North America. 



The New York State Agricultural Society was incorpo 

 rated by act of the Legislature, on 26th April, 1832. A 

 Report, recommending a Legislative grant, was approved, at a 

 general meeting of the Society, in February, 1833, and in all 

 probability the grant has been obtained before this time. I 

 extract the Report, as conveying, in the general remarks, with 

 a few exceptions, my own sentiments. / 



