TRANSACTIONS OF THE SOCIETY. 39 



tural science. He alluded to the prejudice which existed in some parts of 

 New York State, against the clergy, on account of their attending cattle 

 shows and agricultural exhibitions, and occasionally taking part in the fes- 

 tivities of the day. This prejudice grew out of the want of a taste for such 

 pursuits. He was happy to know there were no such prejudices in New 

 England. Mr. Choules highly complimented the Society, and in connexion 

 ■with it related an amusing anecdote. In conclusion, he gave, — 



The Massachusetts Horticultural Society, — One of the best blessings 

 of a social community. From the arable ground of peace and union, its 

 members have brought forth the flowers of promise, and the fruits of good 

 fellowship. 



Col. Wilder, the President of the Society, replied. 



Mr. W. welcomed the delegates as representatives not only of Horticul- 

 ture, but of the great science of Agriculture, the means by which our race 

 subsist, and the foundation of all national and individual prosperity. He 

 stated that the cultivation of the soil in all ages had been esteemed honor- 

 able by the great and good, — that it was refining and ennobling, — that its 

 pleasures were of the purest character, and in support of this, gave as a 

 sentiment, in the language of Washington, — 



The Cultivation of the Soil, — " The most healthful, the most useful, 

 and the most honorable employment of man." 



The chairman next gave,— 



The Cincinnati Horticultural Society, — She has already given us a 

 good Ern'st of what she intends to do in the dissemination of horticultural 

 improvement. 



Mr. Ernst, of Cincinnati, Ohio, an intelligent and enterprising nursery- 

 man of that city, replied. He was highly gratified at being enabled to 

 be present on this occasion. He had attended the exhibition, and was as- 

 tonished at the great variety and number of fruits which were exhibited. 

 In the West, they were but yet in the infancy of horticulture, and looked to 

 the East for information; they had recently established a Society in Cin- 

 cinnati, and he trusted it would be the means of disseminating information 

 among the people, and instrumental in the introduction of the choicest 

 fruits. There was no soil or climate better adapted to the cultivation of 

 fruit than that of Ohio. He should return to his home, and give an ac- 

 count of what he had seen, and he hoped the Cincinnati Horticultural 

 Society would follow the example. Mr. Ernst concluded by offering the 

 following toast : — 



The Massachusetts Horticultural Society, — The mother vine, whose 

 fruitful branches have reached across the Alleghany mountains. May it 

 continue to spread until the whole land shall become a perfect garden. 



The next sentiment from the Chair was, — 



The Cultivators and Agriculturists or Gotham, — Well does that State 



