28o The Ainerica?i Pomological Society. 



The suggestion shows the strong hold which the society has obtained on 

 the afifections of its members; and we like the idea so much, that we regret 

 to say that we fear it is impracticable. The time during which pomologists 

 can afford to be away from their orchards and nurseries is even now all 

 too short to do justice to the many subjects claiming their attention ; and 

 we believe, that, if a general horticultural society were once formed, but few 

 years would elapse before the absolute necessity would be discovered of 

 dividing the subject, and returning to the original plan. 



The hospitality of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and of other 

 associations, as well as individuals, was unbounded ; invitations to visit the 

 Academy of Natural Sciences, the Academy of Art, Fairmount Park, and 

 other places of interest, being received, and many availing themselves of the 

 opportunities offered. The reception of the members of the society in In- 

 dependence Hall by the mayor, with the short and appropriate speeches 

 delivered, was one of the happiest occasions of the kind we have ever 

 known ; and, on Friday evening, a fitting close was given to this pomologi- 

 cal festival by a grand banquet at Horticultural Hall. 



But, after all, perhaps the most profitable part of this meeting is that 

 which is most difficult to embody in words. The informal meetings, where 

 the contact of mind with mind is closest, in twos or threes, or in larger 

 groups, discussing the merits or faults of the different fruits over the speci- 

 mens on the tables ; the comparison of the different requirements of culti- 

 vation caused by different circumstances of soil and climate, — those who 

 have joined in them will have no difficulty in understanding our meaning, 

 — are at least of quite as much influence for good as the reported sessions, 

 and fulfil the design of the founders of the societ}', along with its other 

 objects, — " to promote a cordial spirit of intercourse among horticultu- 

 rists." 



The next meeting is, by unanimous vote of the society, to be in 

 Richmond, Va. ; thus realizing the hope expressed by the president, '' that 

 soon our meetings might be held in the cities of the South, and that to 

 them, to add to the fruits of Northern climes, men shall come up, like the 

 searchers of the promised land of old, laden with grapes and pomegranates 

 and figs." 



