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cniplo} ments. To deprive a fine tree or vigorous plant 

 of its leaves and branches, those curious laboratories 

 by which its great vital operations are effected — with 

 violence to tear its no less curiously formed roots and 

 delicate spongioles, and then bid it grow in undimin- 

 ished strength, for a long time obtained among us, 

 and too many there are yet who lend a deaf ear to 

 any other doctrine. With what absurd theories do 

 we not daily meet, in regard to the functions of the 

 sap, and the part it performs in the vegetable econ- 

 omy ! What amazing errors are transmitted, with 

 faithful care, from generation to generation, respect- 

 ing the influence of this or that plant, insect or an- 

 imal ! How little is known of the true theory of 

 nutritious substances to the living plant, and of the 

 manner of their operations ! What mistakes occur 

 from some false theory originating in prejudice ! How 

 many are there, who can refer to first causes the 

 occurrence of the insidious mildew, or the rapidly 

 destructive blight, spreading like a baneful fire over 

 the fairest productions of the garden ! How many 

 questions, which some strange development of fruit 

 and flower call up, are still unanswerable ! What is 

 known of the secretory and excretory functions of 

 plants, and their influence on vegetation ? Nor is it 

 necessary to multiply examples or adduce illustra- 

 tions ; they are familiar to every scientific cultivator. 

 It may, perhaps, be improper to speak of the ad- 

 vantages, which have arisen from the past labors of 

 this Society in the promotion of horticultural knowl- 

 edge. Let rather its deeds proclaim its due praise. 

 Tint, connected with one of its primary objects should 



