knowledge and skill, and devotion to its interests, 

 have imparted an impulse to the pursuit, that will be 

 felt and acknowledged long after they have ceased 

 to cheer us by their presence, or to influence us by 

 by their personal illustrations. 



The pursuits of horticulture are peaceful. The 

 cultivation of fruits and flowers is an unfailinij source 

 of pleasant and instructive occupation and amuse- 

 ment. Labor is lightened, and care is recompensed, 

 and industry is cheered in the contemplation of the 

 expanding beauties of spring, in the delightful fra- 

 grance and glowing and grateful anticipations of 

 summer, and in the consummation of our hopes in 

 autumn. 



The pursuits of horticulture are salutary to the 

 physical and moral nature of man. They impart 

 vigor to the body, and expansion and elevation to the 

 mind. The plants that are everywhere scattered in 

 his pathway, and around, above and beneath him, 

 delighting the senses with their sweetness, their sim- 

 plicity, their grandeur, and perfect adaptation to his 

 joys and to his necessities, are silent but impressive 

 emblems of the benignity of our heavenly Father, 

 admonishing the recipient of his indebtedness, and 

 claiming from him the return of a sincere and lively 

 gratitude. 



Industry, intelligence, and skill are indispensable 

 agents in the business of horticulture. A thorough 

 acquaintance with the views of eminent scientific 

 and experimental writers, as well as with the more 

 legible and definite compositions of nature, are 



