128 Concluding Observations. 



To have proposed ornamental gardening as a 

 popular recreation in Ireland generally, or even in 

 our city, in days which many of us well remember ,. 

 when all ranks were suffering from various causes, 

 and hosts of our people were emigrating to seek for 

 homes in strange lands, might have seemed puerile, if 

 not derisive. But, even in those worst of times, 

 many who could look below the surface, albeit they 

 were themselves sorely tried, somewhat confidently 

 hoped to see the country recover, knowing her re- 

 sources and the elasticity of the national mind, and 

 that whilst 



" The lamentable change is from the best, 

 The worst returns to laughter." 



She revived, and perhaps sooner than the most san- 

 guine expected ; and now all ranks are more or less 

 prepared to appreciate any rational enjoyment ; and, 

 amongst many within their reach, that one not the 

 least about which I have ventured to offer a few 

 rather discursive hints. 



