Hort. Soc. of the Valley of the Hudson. 233 



number of persons who visit the city, from the East, the West, and 

 South, it would be indeed singular, if the annual amount of sales was 

 not very much greater than that of Boston; even if the collections in 

 the latter place were much more extensive. But these sales are not 

 composed of rare plants, excepting new and fine geraniums, but rather 

 of a great quantity of the more common kinds, for which there is, we 

 well know, a very good demand. 



Passing over the remarks of our correspondent, wherein he doubts our 

 possessing the organs of vision, "merely for argument's sake," as 

 we do not feel disposed to discuss that point, we leave the subject to the 

 judgment of our readers. — Ed. 



Art. v. Great Horticultural Society of the Valley of the Hudson. 



By the kindness of our correspondent, A. J. D., of Newburgh, N. Y., 

 we have been furnished with a circular, proposing the formation of a Hor- 

 licuUural Society, to embrace the whole river counties of the Hudson. 

 We some time since were informed that a society of this kind was con- 

 templated, and would, if possible, be carried into operation the present 

 spring. We are exceedingly happy to learn that it is likely to succeed, 

 and that, from the number of practical and scientific gentlemen engaged 

 in its cause, it will constitute, by far, one of the most useful societies in 

 the country. We have no room now to make any further remarks, but 

 present to our readers the circular, which we are confident will be read 

 with great interest. It will be seen that in addition to the objects which 

 generally come within the scope of such an institution, that of furnish- 

 ing essays and practical information is among the most important. We 

 anticipate rich results from the society's labors, and trust that through our 

 Magazine, we shall be enal)led to assist in disseminating the great mass 

 of useful and important information which will be brought together. 



"It is proposed, during the present season, to organize and establish an 

 association for the promotion of horticulture, on a more extensive scale 

 than has yet been attempted in this country, the whole of the river 

 counties of the Hudson being the boundaries intended to be embraced 

 within the sphere of its influence, and its active members to be compos- 

 ed of gentlemen residing in all these difterent counties. 



" The advantages of such an association, to the country at large, and 

 to the individual members, are highly obvious. The culture of the soil, 

 and the enjoyments flowing from rural pursuits, are in themselves so 

 important and so delightful, as almost to appear to be, the natural taste 

 or inclination of the mass of mankind. The pleasures of a country life 

 are so innocent, so alluring, and so natural, that sooner or later, they en- 

 ter into every man's scheme of happiness. And horticulture, in particu- 

 lar, ministering as it does both to the necessities and the refined luxuries 

 of life, pouring out before its votaries its rich and abundant stores, num- 

 berless vegetables, wholesome and nutritious, a vast profusion of fruits 

 highly flavored and delicious, and an endless variety of singular and cu- 

 rious plants and flowers, of surpassing beauty and fragrance, is certain- 

 ly one of the most rational and agreeable of all pursuits or recreations. 



VOL. IV. NO. VI. 30 



