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cognised. While everything that bore the impress 

 of a foreign original was sought after, admired and 

 eulogised without much regard to its intrinsic merits. 

 But these antinational prejudices and predilections 

 are fast receding before the beaming and unquencha- 

 ble light of intelligence and patriotism. 



I have spoken of the influence that our association 

 has exerted in relation to the primary objects of its 

 institution. There are other subjects connected with 

 its success and usefulness, to which I have adverted, 

 and which should interest our attention. A practical 

 acquaintance with the different departments of natural 

 history will be found to be highly advantageous in the 

 business of horticulture. I hope we may avail our- 

 selves of the facilities that will be afforded us, to ac- 

 quire a knowledge of this subject, when it will com- 

 port with the convenience of the gentlemen who have 

 been designated as professors and lecturers on botany 

 and vegetable physiology, entomology and horticul- 

 tural chemistry. I anticipate from those resources 

 not only much intellectual gratification, but that, 

 from their abundant stores of scientific attainments, 

 we may be instructed and encouraged to persevere in 

 obtaining a familiar intimacy with all that is essential 

 to our pursuits. 



The protection and preservation of useful birds is 

 a subject I would propose for your particular consid- 

 eration. To those whose souls are attuned to the 

 harmony of their music, who delight to listen to the 

 warbling of nature's choristers, little need be urged to 

 ensure them security in the peaceful possession of 

 4 



