88 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



We annihilate sjiace and are not satisfied. In this restless advancing 

 indomitable spirit of our people there is danger — danger that our mate- 

 rial wants and objects will absorb oureesthetic and liner tastes. Wealth 

 is now accumulated rapidl}', and by millions, and it finds its outlet, not 

 so much in the country as in the busy city. We are uneasy in the quiet 

 retreat of the suburbs, away from the commotion and turmoil of the 

 great marts of trade, and the pleasant occupation of planting, as well 

 as the contemplation of Nature's handy work, becomes, after a time, labo- 

 rious and wearisome, or ceases to attract our attention. The shady 

 groves, the brilliant flowers, and even the ruddy fruits, the product of our 

 own hands, are neglected. The fresh air of the dewy morn, and the 

 gentle breeze of the summer eve lose their pleasant and invigorating in- 

 fluence, and we sigh for the excitement of the busy city, where we can 

 join in the bustle, bask in the exchange, or particijjate in the chances of 

 the gold-room. 



It cannot be denied that a purely horticultural taste, — not a mere love 

 of show, the frequent appendage of wealth alone, — is diminishing rather 

 than increasing. I say this with deep regret, and perhaps you will dis- 

 sent from my opinion. By this taste I mean a real genuine love of the 

 country, of pleasure grounds and verdant lawns, of gardens and conser- 

 vatories, and all the accessories of a rural home, where ai'e gathered to- 

 gether the representatives of every clime, and Avhere, amid the noble 

 palms of the East, the fragrant orange trees of the South, or the gigan- 

 tic evergreens of the far West, we can always find, summer and winter, 

 new and unceasing sources of pleasure, instruction and delight. This 

 may be an extreme view; but it will serve to illustrate the idea I wish 

 to press upon you, to labor for the dissemination of a true, hearty love 

 of nature, and the thousand objects which contribute to the happiness 

 and comfort of a highly civilized and refined people. Induce our culti- 

 vators not to be content with the ephemeral beauty of the summer gar- 

 den, but to bring here and place upon your tables the rich and varied 

 products of every region of the globe, and the magnificent specimens 

 which the art of the cultivator has enabled him to rear. Ofter large 

 prizes, and create a laudable spirit of rivalry which shall not cease, but 

 continue to extend, until liberal wealth and cultivated taste shall be 

 usurped by sordid aims and gross desires. 



It is not, said Gen. Dearborn, in his address to the Society in 1829, 

 " until the imperious demands of man — the multiplicity of riches — the 

 embellishment of letters, and discoveries of science — legislation and 

 jurisprudence — the honorable profession of arms — the love of music 

 painting, sculpture and architectui-e, — it is not until all these various ob- 

 jects of immediate interest, or of contingent and associated importance, 

 have been zealously pursued and successfully attained, that horticulture 

 unfolds her endearing: and exalted beauties. She forms the wreath which 



