INTRODUCTION. 



HORTICULTURE is the most ancient employment ordained 

 by the Creator for man. Its utility and importance have 

 been the pleasing theme of the enlightened in all suc- 

 cessive generations. To the rich to the poor its re- 

 sources alike afford subsistence, or a pleasing occupation. 



Horticulture is an art coeval with man's Creation and of 

 earth ; the Almighty himself having planted the first gar- 

 den in Eden, wherein he caused to grow every tree that 

 is pleasant to sight or good for food. Adam was placed 

 therein, " to dress the garden and to keep it " an occupa- 

 tion most of all calculated to promote happiness, to insure 

 contentment, longevity, and purity of life. 



Agriculture is a sister art, and more intimately associ- 

 ated with the pastoral life, with the raising of herds and 

 of flocks ; of the cereal grains ; of the substantial food and 

 attire of men ; of the attire of ships and their freight : by 

 its aid most of all the human family are both clothed and 

 fed. Agriculture is another and kindred science, arid with 

 horticulture nearly allied, but of a less ancient date. 



A life in the country is, above all others, preeminently 

 calculated to inspire the mind with exalted ideas of that 

 divine character, and Almighty power, whose glorious 

 works are far above all human thought, and mortal praise ; 

 how far above the lifeless emblems, and mortal glories 

 which surround an earthly throne ? " Consider the lilies 

 of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they 

 spin, and yet I say unto you, that even, Solomon in all his 

 glory was not arrayed like one of these." Thus spake the 

 Savior, and glorious Shepherd. In the representations of 

 Paradise, or the happy abodes, Nature's works, transcend- 

 ent and alone, have found conspicuous place, blooming 

 eternal, flowers of fairest hues, trees yielding fragrant 

 odors, or fruits, or cooling shade. 



It is to be regretted that a very considerable proportion 

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