234 HoH. Soc. of the Valley of the Hudson. 



Its promotion, either as an art, a science, or an elegant taste, conduces 

 greatly to the happiness and enjoyment of country life. And while it 

 adds largely to our comforts, it contril)utes also to tl>e improvement and 

 embellishment of the country generally; tending at the same time, to 

 attach us more closely to our homes, and to elevate and refine the char- 

 acter of our population. 



"The great and incalculable advantages of societies for the promotion 

 of such pursuits are now too well known, to require detailed enumera- 

 tion here. By presenting stinmlants to improvement, by comparative 

 exhibitions, by eliciting and diffusing information, and by the dissemina- 

 tion and interchange of rare and valuable fruits, plants, or vegetables, 

 they further more powerfully and more constantly the objects aimed at, 

 than is possible by individual exertion. 



"Most of the horticultural societies hitherto formed in the U. States, 

 and especially in this State, have probably been too local, in their char- 

 acter and influence. Embracing but a small extent of soil and surface, 

 the objects and im])rovements coming properly within their scojjc were 

 too scanty, and too easily exhausted, to keep up a constant interest in 

 their proceedings, and they have consequently perished, or yet linger in 

 imbecility, for want of support. 



"It is confidently believed, by a considerable number of gentlemen re- 

 siding on the banks of the Hudson, that the region of fine and diversi- 

 fied country, composing the fertile valley of this river, presents a grand- 

 er and more favorable field for the active and prosperous exertions of a 

 horticultural association, than can elsewhere be found in the Atlantic 

 states, or even in Europe. 



"The numerous fine country residences; the variety of climate, soils 

 and productions: the large number of persons here situated who take a 

 lively interest in the arts of culture, united with the unparalleled facili- 

 ty with which the various articles can be rapidl}^ transported, to any 

 given point throughout the whole river; — all these together distinctly 

 point out this section as one admirably adapted to furnish both the ma- 

 teriel and the members, for a great, important and flourishing horticul- 

 tural association. 



"It is proposed, that when the society shall be fully established, there 

 shall be three great annual meetings for the purposes of exhibition, &c. 

 The vernal meeting for early vegetation, the smaller fruits, &.C.; the 

 summer meeting for those of a more advanced period; and the autumnal 

 meeting, at which the richest treasures of Pomona and Flora shall be 

 brought together. These meetings should take place at three principal 

 points on the river, in succession, viz: Albany, New-York, and some 

 inteniTediate town, as Newburgh or Poughkeepsie. At these thrice- 

 yearly meetings, not only would large and splendid exhibitions take place, 

 but addresses would be delivered, essays read, and practical information 

 brought forward, on various subjects in horticulture. Seeds, plants and 

 grafrs of valuable new varieties of fruits and vegetable productions, 

 could also be distributed among the members, thus disseminating over a 

 large territory, valuable articles now oidy locally known. Attempts at 

 the acclimation of various exotic species of vegetation, and the intro- 

 duction of desirable new species, that might become valua))le to the 

 country at large, could also be brought about by means of such an as- 

 sociation, in an energetic and vigorous manner. 



"Pomology would undoubtedly be one of the leading subjects, to which 

 the attention of the association would be devoted. The valley of the 

 Hudson abounds in the finest fruits, native and naturalized here. Many 

 fine varieties have had their origin here, which are now celebrated both 

 at home and abroad. And many others are to be found in several of 

 the counties, but little or scarcely at all known, which are highly deserv- 



