11 



meditations of the learned, in all countries and at all periods of 

 the world, as is demonstrated by its Literature. Within its gar- 

 dens are inscribed the names of Hesiod and Homer, Aristotle 

 and Theophrastus, Xenophon and ./Elian, Cato, Varro and 

 Palladius, Martial and Horace wandered there. Beneath its 

 shades, and in its cool retreats, a Virgil could repeat his Eclogues. 

 Dioscorides, and Pliny too, and Columella lingered in its fra- 

 grant walks. All these conspire to commend the fascinations 

 both of Flora arid Pomona. To their shrine each realm of Eu- 

 rope has sent multitudes of votaries. From Britain the ingen- 

 ious Bacon, and the philosophick Evelyn, and the poetick Cow- 

 ley mingled in the throng ; and in their train were Milton, Ad- 

 dison and Pope ; Thomson, Shenstone, Cowper, Mason ; Wai- 

 pole, Darwin and the illustrious Sir Joseph Banks. And from 

 the continent, amid a bright array of genius and learning, we 

 may recognise a Buffon, a Delille, and a Saint-Pierre, in France ; 

 in Germany, a Hirschfeld and a Herder; in Swisserland, a 

 Conrad von Gessner ; and in Sweden, the renowned von Linne. 

 Such* famed scholars and historians, poets, statesmen and phi- 

 losophers commend our subject by the various contributions, 

 with which they have themselves adorned it. To dwell in con- 

 templation on those spots, which by their presence they have 

 consecrated, gratifies the generous mind. 



And other pleasing themes await the votary of Horticulture. 

 With a retrospective view, he may recur in meditation to its 

 Ancient History, and be refreshed by its alluring visions, as 

 they pass successively before him. 



* It may be invidious to select from the distinguished names of those who 

 have adorned and illustrated our subject ; but it has been my aim, to present 

 a view of various minds, all kindling at the contemplation ot the sam source 

 of light. 



