17 



in Europe. It has developed a wide field of opera- 

 tions, and extended its researches to almost every 

 accessible part of the globe. Innumerable specimens 

 of the riches of the natural world have been collected 

 under its direction, and transferred to England. Asia 

 and Africa, and America and Continental Europe, 

 have contributed to swell the catalogue of rare and 

 valuable plants, to enrich and beautify the rural re- 

 treats of our father land. 



In 1 809 the Caledonian Horticultural Society was 

 formed in Scotland, and still numbers among its pa- 

 trons the first of the nobility and gentry of that loyal 

 nation. 



The Horticultural Society of Paris was instituted 

 in 182G, and is rapidly increasing in numbers and in 

 influence. Between the society of Massachusetts 

 and that of Paris the most friendly relations exist, and 

 are fostered. We have received t e most conclusive 

 evidence of their regard, and of their desire to pro- 

 mote a reciprocal interchange of opinions and sen- 

 timents upon the subject of our mutual pursuits. 



We have invited the cooperation of the several 

 Horticultural Societies in our own country, to par- 

 ticipate with us in extending the influence, and im- 

 parting a taste for rural employments. W^e have ex- 

 pressed a desire to be identified with them in the 

 general design of our labors. We founded this insti- 

 tution for purposes of public utility, and we wish to see 

 its benefits become coextensive with the limits of our 

 land. W^hatever of good may result from our indus- 

 try, or be achieved by our exertions, must be seen and 

 3 



