PROCEEDINGS OF THE HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION. G67 



reveals her attractions. The meadow and the forest teem with objects of 

 interest. Wherever the foot carries us we are brought in contact with 

 something to interest and instruct. The fields of nature instead of being 

 to us a barren wilderness, become a large store-house of knowledge and a 

 source of pleasure. 



In conclusion let me say to the j'oung that the pursuit of botanical 

 studies will bring them in contact with some of the best and grandest 

 minds who have lived before them, and this may prove a mighty shield 

 against n:any of the temptations which destroy, and many of the sorrows 

 that afflict others. Let me assure them that the enjoj'ment it gives far 

 transcends that which the gaj'^est scenes of folly can impart. 



When from the botanical excursion they return to the bosom of theii 

 families, carrying with them Flora's choice gift's, with serenity of mind 

 tliey can enjoy the sweets of social life and woo " kind nature's sweet 

 restorer" while wearisojne nights are appointed to the votaries of ple.'isure. 

 And when at last the weight of years may unfit them for such pursuits, 

 sweet reflection, springing from the knowledge they may have acquired, 

 will bless the evening of their days, and sinking into the too often cheer- 

 less winter of life, they will draw comfort from memory and find their faith 

 strengthed in the yet higher lesson of religion — that a spring time will 

 come, when, like the lily and the rose of nature, they too will burst from 

 their confinement in the grave to enjoy an endless spring in the paradise 

 of God. 



On motion of Prof. Tillman it was resolved that a vote of thanks be pre- 

 sented to the Rev. Dr. Campbell for his interesting discourse this evening, 

 and that he be requested to furnish a copy for the use of the As.sociation. 



Mr. William S. Carpenter. — ^The three varieties of apples on the table 

 this evening are sent in for the Greeley prize. 



Mr. Ambrose Stevens. — I present to the Association a seedling apple. 

 It is a very hardy sweet apple, and will keep until July. They never rot, 

 but dry away, and they never become mealy. The orchard in which the 

 specimen grew belonged to my father. I never knew the orchard culti- 

 vated; the tree has been utterly neglected, and has not been pruned or 

 trimmed for twenty years. The tree bore two barrels of apples last season, 

 and bears a crop every year. Insects have not been known to affect tho 

 fruit. 



It is said that the Newtown pippin will not grow in Western New York. 

 That is a mistake, for I have them growing on my place; the fruit is of the 

 medium size. Twenty miles from Rochester, on a strip of land underlaid 

 with limestone, the Newtown pippin grows with great luxiiriance. If this 

 tree is removed South it becomes an autumn apple. In Tennessee its 

 character is all gone, while in Kentucky it is neither an autumn or winter 

 variety. 



It is an astonishing fact, but nevertheless true, that more apples are 

 grown in Western New York south of 44 deg. than on any other section 

 of the same size on the face of our globe. 



The Vanderveer, a well known apple, grows well with me. It seems to 

 have the power to resist the efiects of climate as far south as 36 deg. This 



