proceedings of the horticultural association. 611 

 Flowers. 



The subject for the evening was then taken up, when Mr. John Ilcuder- 

 son read the following Essay: 



Subject, "Flowers." Why I proposed it. Because the culture of flowers 

 is the highest attainment of horticulture; consequently they ought and do 

 take precedence in all Horticultural Societies. For this reason, I con- 

 sidered it the most fitting subject (or its first discussion; but in proposing 

 it, 1 did not expect to be called upon to speak of it myself, for I am well 

 aware there are not only among my own profession, but also among ama- 

 teur florists, many more capable of doing so, more especially at this season 

 of the year, when, so dii^tracted with business, I have no time to think the 

 subject over, although dwelling, as it were, among flowers. But it is a 

 subject so intimately connected with our future existence as a society, and 

 of so great a scope, that I trust it will afiord us very many more discus- 

 sions, when others more able will favor us with their views. 



Flowers have been more or less connected with man from the earliest 

 period. Indeed, the opening chapters of the Bible inform us that when 

 God had created man, he planted a garden in Eden, and caused to grow 

 every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, and therein he 

 placed Adam, our first parent, thus typefying what is necessary for man's 

 most perfect happiness. Nor has this changed in our day. Although man 

 has so degenerated, yet, when he emerges from his sunken state, and 

 strives to regain his original lofty nature, he does it in the garden; for here 

 he finds in the cultivation of flowers, that true happiness which the highest 

 honors of the world cannot give him. 



Let us take man in his most degenerate condition, and we shall find that 

 when he arrives at the highest point of civilization, it centers, as in our 

 first parents, in a garden. For instance, the savage, when emerging from 

 his wild state, commences with agriculture; that is, growing corn and 

 cereals, and 'getting together herds of animals. Then, in order to facilitate 

 the more easy culture of the earth, he fashions rude instruments of hus- 

 bandry, thus bringing the mechanical arts into use. This very soon leads 

 him to barter and exchange, when commerce begins, and commerce we all 

 know by its wealth; when ambition shows itself in building splendid man- 

 sions, and adorning them with the most costly paintings, and beautiful 

 pieces of sculpture, art and science can bestow. 



When these are all obtained, horticulture asserts its sway. He surrounds 

 his mansion with magnificent groves of trees; he plants an orchard, and 

 makes a vegetable garden; but yet it is not perfect. He still feels a want, 

 and that want is only supplied by flowers. He adds these to his otherwise 

 beautiful dwelling, and his Eden is perfect. 



As I before observed, flowers have been more or less associated with 

 man in all ages. The ancients paid great attention to their culture. 

 Flower markets existed in ancient Athens. India, China and Mexico have 

 been famous for the cultivation of flowers from the earliest periods to which 

 their history can be accurately traced. They were in great request by the 

 ancients at all their entertainments. They scattered them before the 

 triumphal cars of returning conquerors. They adorned the browa of their 



