12 



is precisely the branch of agricultural industry which, in 

 our country, needs the most attention. It is the one in 

 which we are the most deplorably ignorant. We feel only a 

 sentiment of hniniliation when we reflect that countries 

 which the sun never heats produce the most luxuriant 

 fruits, while our sun wastes its powers in many parts of 

 the country on a rich, productive soil, which in most cases 

 is applied to the production of vegetables which our Indian 

 predecessors bequeathed to us." 



And on another occasion, when speaking of the impor- 

 tance of the introduction of new fruits and the culture of 

 trees, shrubs and flowers : " Let those who please laugh 

 at the absurdity of talking seriously of the importance of 

 rearing ornamental trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants ; 

 let them ridicule the zeal which would furnish us with all 

 the varieties of fruits which grow from Palestine to Arch- 

 angel, which would supply our tables with lettuce in 

 February and green peas in March; yet there are few 

 of these laughing gentlemen who would not gladly see 

 and taste these varieties, and they must be had and will 

 be had in spite of ridicule. They are in truth as rational 

 sources of pleasure, and as just objects of pride and dis- 

 play, as a fine carriage or superb dresses. They in truth 

 give more pleasure ; for while the coach and the muslin 

 robe are chiefly gratifying to the owner, those who cannot 

 aflbrd the one or the other, can feel, and often do feel, more 

 exquisitely, the pleasures derived from the display of the 

 beauties of flowers, or the taste of the delicious fruits of 



