CHAPTER VI. 



THE LIBRARY OF THE SOCIETY. 



THE purpose for which the Society was established 

 implies original experiment and observation by the 

 members ; but it is evident that the record of what has 

 been accomplished or attempted by others may be of 

 great service in such experiments ; and when we con- 

 sider how many errors may be avoided, how much time 

 that would otherwise be spent in repetition of the ex- 

 periments of others would be saved, how many sugges- 

 tions pointing out the best course of experiment would 

 be gained, and how many new plants and fruits would 

 be made known, by the study of such records, we ap- 

 preciate the library as not merely an important aid to 

 the Society, but as absolutely necessary to its highest 

 usefulness. Such were the views of the founders of 

 the Society ; for Mr. Cook, in his address at the second 

 anniversary, September 10, 1830, said, "Industry, in- 

 telligence, and skill are indispensable agents in the 

 business of horticulture. A thorough acquaintance with 

 the views of eminent scientific and experimental writers, 

 as well as with the more legible and definite composi- 

 tions of nature, are essential to the formation of an 

 accomplished and distinguished cultivator. The infor- 

 mation we derive from study, as from the practical 

 observations of the workings of inanimate nature, will 

 administer to our success, and prevent, in a measure, 



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