1 1 8 Notes and Gleanings. 



HIGH AIMS OF HORTICULTURE. — GRAPES. 



A WOKD TOUCHING DR. GRANT'S ADDRESS I5EFORE THE NEW-YORK-STATE 

 grape-growers' SOCIETY. 



My dear Tiltofi, — Seeing that you have the ear, and, I may add, the sympa- 

 thy, of nearly every horticulturist in the country, and that in your desire to serve 

 them, and to aid the cause in which they, with you, are embarked, you offer 

 tlirough your excellent Journal a wide range for discussion, I beg leave to sub- 

 mit a few remarks in the line above indicated. 



Horticulture is doubtless the most elevated and elevating pursuit known to 

 the civilized world. 



In embarking in the culture of fruits and flowers, we approach nearest to the 

 threshold of primeval purity and innocence. Whoever is thereunto inclined (as 

 I rejoice to know thousands of our best and noblest citizens are, and that to 

 every one of them it is a source of purest delight) gives evidence of high moral 

 aims. Kindness and courtesy are the prominent characteristics of their nature. 



Hence a combination of such persons, a "horticultural society," or organized 

 body of fruit-growers, has come to be regarded as an association of the highest 

 rank. 



These associations, their pleasant and profitable discussions, are very attrac- 

 tive to the fruit-grower ; and there are but very few of them of any note who are 

 not members of one or more of the many organizations of this character now 

 permanently established in our country. 



To be counted a useful and worthy member of such a society is to possess 

 a passport of the highest character; a substantial guaranty of high bearing, and 

 purity of purpose. 



You have chosen these to be your associates and companions, and on their 

 behalf, and for the advancement of the cherished enterprise that combines their 

 sympathies and occupies much of their precious time, have established a much- 

 needed "Journal of Horticulture " of high grade, worthy the name it bears and 

 the interest it proposes to represent. For such substantial benefits, timely ten- 

 dered, you will continue to receive tlieir highest regards. 



In this, my first communication for " Tilton's Journal of Horticulture," I have 

 felt constrained to offer this feeble recognition of your noble efforts in behalf of 

 American horticulture. 



To me it is a source »f great comfort and satisfaction to be able to realize 

 that grape-culture, after so many years of heroic experimental labors, is at 

 length permanently established in this countr)'. Particularly gratifying, too, is 

 it to know that it has its foundation in vines indigenous to American soil, and 

 that the key to final success was embraced in a proper appreciation of their 

 providentially-provided resource. 



Culture, — that's the word. A gracious Providence prepares the needed 

 elements, and sets forth the material upon which our labor and skill are to be 

 expended, suggesting our duty, tempting us to activity. 



Of the Vitus vinifera we have now little need ; none indeed. Wiiy go to 

 Asia for scions, when better, in great numbers, are found all around us ? 



