6 PREFACE. 



so of Watermelon seed. A gentleman in Barnwell, S. 

 0., wrote me a few days ago for Watermelon seed, for 

 his own use, sufficient to plant one hundred and fifty 

 acres. Such a man could afford to pay a high price for 

 seed, that was known to he good, rather than to accept 

 common seed as a gift. Seedsmen, as a rule, are hon- 

 orable men, and would cheerfully pay good prices to a 

 careful seed-grower, whose seeds always proved to be as 

 represented. 



I would particularly urge some of my young friends 

 to turn their attention to seed-growing. They should 

 make it the business of their lives, and the earlier they 

 commence, the better. They need the best of education, 

 the highest moral character, a good stock of patience 

 and common sense, the best of land, and above all, a 

 hopeful disposition, that will enable them to persevere 

 amid manifold discouragements. I know of no industry 

 which promises greater success. None of us, however, 

 wish to see American Horticulture degenerate into a 

 money-making business. It is preeminently worthy of 

 attention for its refining and ennobling influence. I 

 have often thought of the words of Hooker, written 

 more than three hundred years ago: " The beauty of trees 

 when we behold them, delighteth the eye." The beauty 

 of flowers elevates the taste, and their cultivation gives 

 health and pleasure. J. H. 



