aside a moment from the confusion and anxiety of 

 the street, and look upon the beauty and bounty of 

 nature, upon the splendid array of " mingled blos- 

 soms." It is like the breeze that meets the wave 

 tost sailor, upon the Indian Ocean, when 



" GiF at sea northeast winds blow 

 Sabean odors from the spicy shore 

 Of Araby the blest." 



To the man of leisure and taste, what more pure 

 pleasure could catch his taste than a rare and choice 

 exhibition of flowers — with their wonderful economy, 

 texture and colors,: perhaps in the course of his search 

 for amusement he may find none that shall so rouse 

 and cheer his languid attention. What more graceful 

 and dehcate sight can meet the eyes of the young 

 — in what school of the philosophers, in what gallery 

 of art can they learn more of that which ameliorates 

 and refines ? I should therefore wish that in all cities, 

 but more especially in ours, a hall of good propor- 

 tions and accommodation, not remote from the paths 

 of business, might be open, where the public could 

 weekly visit an exhibition of flowers and fruits. I 

 beheve it would have an elevating eff'ect upon the 

 public mind, and be as attractive and worthy of sup- 

 port as a gallery of statuary or paintings. These 

 remarks concerning our weekly exhibitions seem not 

 inappropriate or beneath the dignity of the occasion, 

 that those who contribute, may feel that it is not a 

 selfish or narrow oflfice they discharge, but one of 

 generosity and high public service. 



It is said that in speaking of Horticulture as an 



