13 



nomenclature or the dry detail of species, nor yet to 

 the exclusive admiration of these alone. From th(j 

 patient research and splendid discoveries of modern 

 science we have arrived at new and unexpected results. 

 By these has Horticulture been materially improved, 

 both in England and France. Theoreiical and prac- 

 tical gardening have united in their labors. The re- 

 markable success, which has crowned the studies and 

 pursuits of scientific men, in both these countries, by 

 the introduction, and we may almost say, creation of 

 new valuable fruits and culinary vegetables, is an ar- 

 gument sufficiently strong in favor of such knowl- 

 edge. If the names of these early introducers of 

 fruits from foreign climes have been transmitted to 

 posterity for such deeds, rather than for other distin- 

 guished services, how much greater the debt of grat- 

 itude for that industry which has converted the acerb 

 and rude pericarp of many a tree, or the negative 

 quality of many a seed, into delicious and nutritious 

 articles of food ? Such was not the effect of accident : 

 these results were the reward of minute investiga- 

 tion of the secret operations of Nature. The world 

 will, no doubt, be slow in appreciating their merit, 

 because it is the very nature of things that the more 

 dazzling commands ready homage. Fortunately, such 

 truly patriotic actions need not the loud trump of 

 P^ame to sound their praise ; they bring an inward 

 and lasting satisfaction of greater value. 



Vegetable physiology is peculiarly the subject of the 

 skillful gardener's study. This, his various occupa- 

 tions will show. What errors have been committed 

 by the ignorant in every department of horticultural 



