106 [Assembly 



the matter of ornamental designs. I must also notice several 

 very beautiful Baskets of Flowers, most tastefully arranged. It 

 seems to me tliat this is by far the most effective way of display- 

 ing tlowers, as it presents facilities for combining color and form 

 afforded by no other mode. In conclusion I must pass over a 

 number of pretty things with a bare mention if their names, such 

 as PassiJIoras, Aristolockias, Salvias, Pansies, &c., &.c. 



I have tlius endeavored briefly to give some idea of the moro 

 important articles exliibited in the Horticultural Department. 

 To notice every tiling, would be impossible, and, even if po.ssi- 

 ble, would not be desirable. Tlie subject of agriculture, in its 

 widest sense, is one of great importance, and naturally suggests 

 many thoughts to the reflecting mind; indeed, I am not sure 

 that it is not the most important subject, in an economical point 

 t)f view, which can occupy the attention of mankind. It is tlie 

 most important, because all others are in a peculiar manner de- 

 pendent upon it. This is so self evident on reflection, tliat no 

 sane man will pretend to deny it. Is it not, then, a fit suliject 

 for study and experiment ? And yet how few of us have studied 

 it as it sliould be studied. It is a remarkable fact, that tilings 

 the most abstruse and recondite, the fartliest possible removed 

 from tlie real wants and necessities of mankind, have occupied 

 the deepest thoughts and most profound research of the best 

 talent the world has ever produced; while those things which 

 are nearest to us, by which we really "live, and move, and have 

 our being," and whicli so deeply concern our very existence, 

 have been comparatively neglected since the day when Adam 

 first " tilled the ground by the sweat of his brow." So prone 

 are wc to neglect vital interests for those which concern us re- 

 motely, if at all. 



Eut a better state of things is beginning to dawn upon us ; and 

 for this wc are indebted in great measure to associations like the 

 American Institute. I had thought that the age of progress and 

 discovery began sometime since, but it w^ould seem that we are 

 now only on the threshold of it. What a scene do we behold ! 

 Discoveries the most startling are announced, which, if true, 

 will revolutionize the world, annihilate space, give us a univer- 



