124 



ticularly by his friend Jervas. As a portrait painter, Mr. 

 Jervas was far from eminent. Pope's attachment to him, 

 however, has enshrined his name in glowing lines to future 

 generations. The portraits of Pope which Jervas drew, 

 were done con amove. Mr. Jennings, of Cheapside, has pre- 



success. In that borough, possessing far less advantages than Wakefield 

 offers, a horticultural society was established, which, in its four annual meet- 

 ings, assembles all the rank and fashion of a circuit of more than ten miles, 

 and numbers more than a hundred and twenty subscribers to its funds. 

 Those who have not witnessed the interesting sight, can form but a faint 

 idea of the animating scene which is presented in a spacious and handsome 

 room, tastefully adorned with the choicest exotics from various conservato- 

 ries, and the more choice, because selected with a view to competition : deco- 

 rated with the varjed beauties of the parterre, vieing with each other in 

 fragrance, hue, and delicacy of texture; whilst the tables groan under the 

 weight of delicious fruits and rare vegetables in endless variety, the joint 

 produce of hot-houses, stoves, orchards, and kitchen gardens. Figure to 

 yourselves, gentlemen, this elysium, graced by some hundreds of our fail- 

 country women, an absolute galaxy of animated beauty, and that music lends 

 its aid, and you will agree with me that a more fascinating treat could 

 hardly be devised. New flowers, new fruits, recent varieties of those of 

 long standing and established character for excellence, are thus introduced, 

 in lieu of those whose inferiority is no longer doubtful. New culinary 

 vegetables, or, from superior treatment or mode of culture, rendered more 

 salubrious and of exquisite flavour, will load the stalls of our market-garden- 

 ers. I call upon you, then, gentlemen, for your zealous support. Say not 

 that you have no gardens, or that your gardens are inconsiderable, or that 

 you are no cultivators; you are all interested in having good and delicious 

 fruits, nutritious and delicate culinary vegetables, and in procuring them at 

 a reasonable rate, which will be the results of improved and successful culti- 

 vation. At our various exhibitions, let each contribute that in which he 

 excels, and our object will be attained. Gentlemen, I fear I have tres- 

 passed too long on your patience and indulgence. I will just urge one 

 more motive for your warm support of our intended society; it is this: that, 

 by diffusing a love of plants and gardening, you will materially contribute 

 to the comfort and happiness of the laborious classes ; for the pleasure taken 

 jn such pursuits forms an unexceptionable relaxation from the toils of busi- 

 pess, and every hour thus spent is subtracted from the ale-house and other 

 haunts of idleness and dissipation." 



