162 [Assembly 



clear of the dust of cities. We speak only of those who 

 are deprived of the blessings of tlie gifts of nature which the 

 rural population enjoy, who strive to cultivate the home feeling 

 and multiply the objects of attraction and comfort in the " coun- 

 try residence," well knowing that the quiet and resistless beauty 

 of a sweet country home is most favorable to the development of 

 the good qualities of the heart. It improves the mind, invig- 

 orates the body, and gives to the human constitution vigor and 

 elasticity. 



Your committee cannot too much admire the refined and cul- 

 tivated tastes of the gentlemen of this county who have led the 

 way in " rural improvements." We owe them a debt of grati-. 

 tude, and we hope soon to see the beneficial effects of their noble 

 example- 



The spirit of useful improvement is onward. W^o see it most 

 aptly illustrated in agricultural and horticultural developments. 

 The taste once created knows no bounds. Those who love to see 

 the productions of the farm, likewise love to see the elegant and 

 spacious mansion. A well arranged and laid out garden, as well 

 as ornamental trees, with all the luxuries that appertain to a well 

 arranged " country seat." 



It may be urged that " country seats" are expensive, and but 

 few of our farmers can afford the expense of such an establish- 

 ment. This, in the main, may be true, but the beauty of a 

 " country seat" consists in the trees, shrubs, and grounds, which, 

 if arranged with the least regard to beauty or utility, are of them- 

 selves the sum total of an establishment. Forest trees cost the 

 farmer little or nothing — shrubbery is not expensive, and two or 

 three acres of ground appropriated for the house, yards, garden 

 and flowers, or orchard, will yield more in value of fruits and 

 vegetables than any other portion of the farm. 



Your committee are of the opinion that this society cannot in 

 any manner, better promote the cultivation of choice and supe- 

 rior fruit, than by the encouragement of rural tastes and rural 

 refinement. Few people, after having taken pains and exerted 

 themselves to plant trees and shrubs and beautify their grounds, 



