86 HISTORICAL SKETCH. 



Camellia, and had obtained, at great expense and labor, the most numerous 

 collection on the Continent ;" but it embraced but two hundred and eighty- 

 two varieties. It is a very difficult plant to cultivate in the most perfect 

 manner. The first specimens of this plant were introduced into Europe 

 from Japan in 1792, and ten or twelve other kinds have since been 

 imported from Japan and China, from which all the existing varieties have 

 been obtained, and chiefly by the hybrid process. Having thus rivalled the 

 most successful creators and cultivators of the most precious specimens of 

 this highly appreciated oriental queen of flowers, Col. Wilder directed his 

 attention to the collection and propagation of all the American and Euro- 

 pean varieties of fruit trees, and for that purpose established a large 

 nursery, in which he has been eminently successful. He has already 

 fruited over three hundred kinds of Pears. 



Samuel Walker, Esq., the President of the Society, early became a 

 member, and has ever since been prominent from the deep interest he has 

 evinced for, and the unremitted efforts he has made, to promote its useful- 

 ness and prosperity. Like most of the officers and associates of llie 

 Society, he has established his Home in a Garden, which ever has been 

 considered as the most eligible place of abode, which the earth affords, by 

 the greatest and best men of all nations, which have attained the highest 

 state of civilization and refinement. It is only in such an admirable 

 position that the power, beneficence and glory of the Almighty can be fully 

 realized. The first and last time that the progenitors of the human race 

 heard his voice, was when " walking in the Garden, in the cool of the 

 day ;" and there will his spirit ever be recognized by those who go forth to 

 seek it, at " early daAvn or dewy eve." It was in a garden, that the 

 Messenger of man's immortality sought consolation in prayer, when his 

 " soul was overwhelmed with deadly sorrow," and in a garden was formed 

 his sepulchre. As an able and experienced cultivator of flowering plants 

 and fruit trees ; a liberal contributor of the products of his well managed 

 grounds for the exhibitions, and by the faithful performance of the various 

 duties which were devolved upon him, in the several responsible offices 

 which he held, previous to that which he now occupies, with so much credit 

 to himself and advantage to the Society and the country, Mr. Walker has 

 acquired a reputation as a horticulturist, which is as extensive as it is 

 deserving. For a number of years he bestowed great attention to the 

 culture of Tulips, Anemones, Ranunculuses, and Violets; and also to 

 the most admired herbaceous flowering plants Avhich can be reared in the 

 open ground, and with a success that has not been surpassed in the United 

 States ; but at the same time, the best kind of fruit claimed equal interest ; 

 and at last having gained the ascendency, he established several nurseries, 

 which have been chiefly appropriated to fruit and ornamental trees. 



Joseph Breck's Nursery, in Brighton, was commenced in 1837, and 



