No. 124.J 21 



eye of the true patriot than these exhibilions ? Who such public 

 bciieiactors, as the tillers of the soil'? 



It has been well remarked that horticulture, from superior culti- 

 vation and great skill being enriployed, is the founiletion of perfec- 

 tion in agriculture. By good culture, wild and bitter roots become 

 ■wholesome and delicious esculents. Fruits before acid and dwarfish, 

 bend their branches with golden and delicious clusters, and flower- 

 ing trees, which in a wild state are stunterl and feeble, put on an 

 ampler and more diversified coronal of beauty. 



Half a century has not elapsed since the formation of the first 

 Plorlicultural Society in Lonchm. In this comparatively short period, 

 by the energy an i unaiiimity of its members, the most important re- 

 sults have been effected. J3y its proceedincs, the light of instruc- 

 tion has beamerl upon distant lands; the comforts of human life have 

 been augmented, and cultivation promoted in a most astonishinp- de- 

 gree. Tiie beautiful perfection whi( h we have witnessed in the va- 

 rious articles exhibited at this anniversary, is the best evidence that 

 can be adduced of what men can aciiieve, when they cordial! v unite 

 for the accomplishment of a great object. 



It is only within the last seven years that the American Institute 

 first attempleil to connect agriculture and horticulture with their 

 other designs. A votary in the cause, being confined at home by 

 sickness, sent a few articles to a frien<l of his in New-York, as a nest 

 egg to begin with, which were exhibited on a rude plank, in a seclud- 

 ed part of the lair. This individual, in pursuance of tlie same ob- 

 ject, sent a larger lot the year following,' and induced some of his 

 neighbors to associate themselves with him. On this occasion, they 

 were enabled to cover two planks, which were encircled by a wreath 

 made from a grape vine, attached to the scantling by way of decora- 

 tion. These were the small beginnings of that peiind. More en- 

 larged views were evinced the next year by enterprising gardeners. 

 A small room about twelve feet square, was allotted for their exhibi- 

 tion, which comprised a few varieties of garden products, such as 

 cabbage, potatoes, pumpkins, squashes, &c., with a meagre collec- 

 tion of flowers, and samples of inferior corn. A spirit of rivalry 

 was now created, and succeeding years have witnessed a becoming 

 emulation, which is destined to reclaim the wilderness and confer 

 inestimable blessings on mankind. 



At this sixteenth anniversary, the floral department, ever a source 

 of attraction to minds iu)bued with a love of the beautiful in nature 

 has afforded adilitional interest to those who delight in witnessing 

 these perfect specimens of Flora's delicate pencillings. The admira- 

 tion excited by the rich displays, evinced that the culture of flowers 

 has a most happy tendency to elevate the moral character. 



" Oh, ye are beautiful, sweet flowers to view; 

 Creative wisdom shines in every hue: 

 Ye raise the mind, improve the human heart, 

 And goodly lessons gracefully impart." 



From professional gardeners, specimens of American seedling 

 dahlias w^ere exhibited, decidedly superior to any before produced in 



