RECORD OF HORTICULTURE. 



I. 



NEW BOOKS. 



There is probably no better method of estimating our 

 progress in Horticulture than by examining the various 

 books that are published upon the subject. Our horticul- 

 tural journals are certainly an index of what is being done, 

 as well as great promotors of the science ; still, Avhile Ave 

 acknowledge their importance, it must be borne in mind 

 that many of them, mirror-like, reflect whatever is brought 

 before them, whether it be that which elevates and pro- 

 motes the cause, or that which checks the ardor of its vo- 

 taries. In journalism, we look for the great thoughts of 

 mature minds in company with the jinglings of thought- 

 less scribblers. 



Books should be the concentrations of best thoughts, 

 the results of a fixed purpose to do good by advancing 

 that branch of science to which they are devoted. A book 

 may be fictitious, dealing entirely with the imaginary, 

 still it can be truthful. No theories will be accepted at 

 the present day, no matter upon what subject they may 

 be advanced, unless they can be demonstrated. Assertions 

 have become unpopular ; truths only are in vogue with all 

 thinking people. 



The books issued during the past year are sufficiently 



