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pioneer, on the borders of the wilderness. In its 

 rudest and most simple form, it is the nucleus, and 

 miniature sample of all others, having small compart- 

 ments of the products of each, which are gradually 

 extended, until the whole estate combines those 

 infinitely various characteristics, and assumes that 

 imposing aspect, which constitutes what is graphically 

 called the picturesque. 



The details of each grand division of Horticulture 

 cannot be embraced within the range of such general 

 remarks, as propriety seems to prescribe for an occa- 

 sion like the present. They are to be sought in the 

 works of the learned, and rendered familiar by pre- 

 cedent and progressive experiments. The field is 

 ample, and requires an untiring perseverance, to gather 

 in the rich harvest of instruction, and render it prac- 

 tically available. I'hat this may be achieved in the 

 most economical, speedy, effectual and satisfactory 

 manner, Horticultural Associations have been deemed 

 indispensable. They excite the public interest, foster 

 a taste for the useful and ornamental branches of 

 culture, and stimulate individual exertion ; by the 

 distribution of entertaining and instructive publica- 

 tions, — by a correspondence between the officers and 

 among the members of like institutions, — by the 

 establishment of libraries, — by premiums for rare, 

 valuable, beautiful, early, or superior products, — 

 important discoveries, estimable inventions, excellence 

 of tillage, and meritorious communications, — by peri- 

 odical meetings, for the interchange of opinions and 

 mutual instruction, — by public exhibitions, — and by 

 3 



