Progress of Horticulture in Rochester, N. Y. 17 



and will be improved to the utmost. Mr. S. has probably 

 bestowed more attention to the comparing of fruits, and as- 

 certaining their qualities, during the past two years, than 

 any other of our citizens ; he is determined to collect the 

 very best varieties for his new frnit garden, which he will 

 commence planting next spring. A handsome plot of ground, 

 in front, will be devoted to the ornamental part, which will 

 not be neglected. Such instances, together with the gen- 

 eral attention spoken of, mark our progress here in the city. 

 Throughout the several beautiful villages that stud the val- 

 ley of the Genesee, from Lake Ontario to the base of the 

 Alleghanies, and amongst the farmers too, there is a great 

 degree of improvement manifested, as well in the selection 

 of sites for buildings, as in the style of building. But few 

 are so negligent now as not to add, every season, a few 

 choice varieties of fruit to those already possessed. Flower 

 gardens and shrubberies are no longer objects of amazement; 

 avenues of forest trees are not uncommon sights in the vi- 

 cinity of dwellings; in fact the general neatness that per- 

 vades this beautiful section of country cannot fail to sug- 

 gest to the traveller the steady march of taste and refine- 

 ment, and the progress, though slow, of that art that trans- 

 forms the wildest forest into a very Eden. 



The natural beauty and advantages of the country here 

 are attracting thither gentlemen of taste and fortune, to en- 

 joy the retirement of rural life ; and nowhere throughout 

 the Union could their fortune or their taste be more pleas- 

 antly or profitably employed. Example is more powerful 

 than precept ; and their example will do more in one year 

 for the advancement of horticulture than the most persua- 

 sive tongue or pen could in twenty. 



In the course of a ramble up the valley in the month of 

 September last, toward the latter part, I made a hasty visit 

 to some of the best improved places on the way. 



Among them the residence of J. R. Murray, Esq. of Mt. 

 Morris, Livingston Co. stands first. Mr. Murray's place is 

 comparatively new, but much has already been done. His 

 elegant mansion occupies the most elevated position of the 

 grounds, and has a most commanding prospect ; several 

 beautiful villages, Moscow, Geneseo, &c., are embraced 

 within the view, and a large portion of the valley, with the 

 finely wooded hills that border it, receding far in the dis- 



VOL. X. NO. I. 3 



