1891.] TRANSACTIONS. 25 



seen, in ever variant coloring, the glory of Spring Bulbs in all 

 the diversity which the advance of Floriculture has developed. 

 In this pleasant rivalry Public Parks are not behindhand ; the 

 people coming to insist upon the provision for themselves col- 

 lectively of that which they are unwilling to do without as indi- 

 viduals. They take an outing in their leisure moments for air 

 and exercise : and feast their eyes upon nascent foliage and bud- 

 ding bloom. Why should they confine themselves within four 

 walls, where they are liable to be crowded for space ; and are 

 sure to be deprived of that enjoyment, actual, if perhaps subtile 

 and inexplicable, that is drawn in with every inspiration of the 

 open air ; and which can only be experienced in fullest measure 

 under the free canopy of heaven ! Do we not attempt an almost 

 hopeless rivalry ? California and Florida surrender their treas- 

 ures and even the remoter islands of the sea pay tribute to that 

 vigilant commerce which at least on land seeks no bounty, ever 

 anticipating and outstripping the w'ildest of human desires. 

 What do our people care to inspect home-grown fruit, or flower, 

 when a novel temptation is ofiered in the Banana ; a strange 

 fascination presents itself in the gorgeous, if scentless. Chrysan- 

 themum ! Long since was it determined that the average 

 Yankee would sell the fruit that he grew and get sustenance 

 from the pork or beef of Illinois and Texas. But, — when the 

 market fails him ? What then? Eat the fruit and find that it 

 nourishes bone and sinew, invites no trichina, conduces to health 

 and by so much at least, repels disease ? Forbid it thrift ! which 

 relucts at parting with Apples or Pears at a price low Ijecause of 

 a glut ; yet continues to feed a perverted craving upon sirloin 

 at thirty cents per pound. Why should Horticulture care 

 whether there is a market for fruit, so long as it knows there is 

 a stomach for it ! What is it to Horticulture, if no one will buy 

 its Roses and Pinks? Their beauty abides with us, does it not? 

 And is not their fragrance a joy forever? Horticulture is one 

 thing : trade in its products quite another. 



Pardon a suggestion ! Suppose, by way of variety, that you 

 were to adopt some such policy as this : commence with an Ex- 

 hibition of Roses, Strawberries, &c., about the 24th or 25th of 



