III. 



INFLUENCE OF HORTICULTURE. 



July, 1847. 



TI1HE multiplication of Horticultural Societies is taking place so 

 -L rapidly of late, in various parts of the country, as to lead one 

 to reflect somewhat on their influence, and that of the art they 

 foster, upon the character of our people. 



Most persons, no doubt, look upon them as performing a work 

 of some usefulness and elegance, by promoting the culture of fruits 

 and flowers, and introducing to all parts of the country the finer 

 species of vegetable productions. In other words, they are thought 

 to add very considerably to the amount of physical gratifications 

 which every American citizen endeavors, and has a right to endea- 

 vor, to assemble around him. 



Granting all the foregoing, we are inclined to claim also, for 

 horticultural pursuits, a political and moral influence vastly more 

 significant and important than the mere gratification of the senses. 

 We think, then, in a few words, that Horticulture and its kindred 

 arts, tend strongly to fix the habits, and elevate the character, of our 

 whole rural population. 



One does not need to be much of a philosopher to remark that one 

 of the most striking of our national traits, is the SPIRIT OF UNREST. 

 It is the grand energetic element which leads us to clear vast forests, 

 and settle new States, with a rapidity unparalleled in the world's 

 history; the spirit, possessed with which, our yet comparatively 

 scanty people do not find elbow-room enough in a territory already 

 in their possession, and vast enough to hold the greatest of ancient 



