2 Jl Retrospective View of the 



given horticulture a respectable standing, and, by their influence, 

 rendered it a general, and, in a considerable degree, a fashionable 

 pursuit. 



In Great Britain the high state which horticulture has at- 

 tained — excelling every other nation — has been mainly owing to 

 the influence of the London Horticultural Society, and, subse- 

 quently, to the establishment of the numerous provincial ones 

 throughout the kingdom. These, by the emulation they have 

 created among gardeners — a desire to excel each other in skill in 

 cultivation — have done more towards spreading a taste for the 

 pursuit than all other causes combined. The same results will 

 follow the establishment of the horticultural societies of this coun- 

 try, if they are judiciously managed: and in no way will the inter- 

 ests of gardening be so much benefitted, as by liberal rewards, 

 either of medals, or other marks of distinction, upon those ama- 

 teur and practical gardeners who aim to show their skill in the 

 management of the various objects under their care. Such pre- 

 miums, however insignificant in themselves, awaken a desire 

 among cultivators to excel each other, and improved niethods of 

 operation, beneficial to the whole of society, are the ultimate result. 



In looking back upon the past year, we cannot but remark up- 

 on the depressed state of business, which has tended, in a very 

 great degree, to influence and retard the progress of gardening. 

 Although there has much been done, yet, had not the unexpect- 

 ed embarrassments in commercial affairs, which have been expe- 

 rienced throughout the country, taken place, there would have 

 been a much deeper interest taken, and many new gardens laid 

 out. In some sections of the Union these commercial troubles 

 have been more deeply felt than in others; but the whole country 

 has sufl^ered in a greater or less degree. Such a state of things 

 is very injurious to the florist or nurseryman; as, his articles be- 

 ing in a great measure fanciful and luxurious, they are not want- 

 ed, and his stock, consequently, remains upon his hands through 

 a whole season. We need but instance the dahlia to show the 

 correctness of our remarks; double the number of which were 

 sold in 1836, to what were disposed of in 1837. 



In speaking of the progress of gardening, we shall divide our 

 subject hito two parts, viz.. Horticulture and Floriculture. In 

 landscape gardening and arboriculture so little has been done, that 

 it is unnecessary to say any thing in respect to them. We hope, 

 however, that both will receive more attention than they have 

 heretofore. 



Horticulture. — In horticulture not so much has been effected 

 the past year as in floriculture. Very few new fruits have been 

 introduced from abroad, or produced from seeds in this country; 

 and the planting of fruit trees has been quite limited to what it 

 was in 183G. This, as we have before stated, has been owing 



