Caledonian Horticultural Society. 219 



consequences will result both to the Scottish Clergy, and to the better cultivation oC every 

 parish in Scotland. 



" If it shall be the will of Heaven to protract my life till a Regius Professorship of Horti- 

 culture be established in the University of Edinburgh, I shall have lived to see the accomplish- 

 ment of my most sanguine wishes for the advancement of Horticulture in Scotland. Horti- 

 culture, as a relaxation from a laborious profession, has, during the whole course of a long 

 life, been my favourite amusement ; and I am firmly convinced, that it has contributed not a. 

 little to my health, as well as to my happiness. I shall only add, it is my earnest wish that, 

 with others, and especially with those nowhere assembled, it may be productive of the same- 

 good effects,"— (Disc. &c. p- 12.) 



Such are the ardent wishes of this henevolent man, and which, whether 

 a professorship of horticulture be established or not, will to a certain ex- 

 tent be realized with the increase of general knowledge, and the great 

 stimulus given by societies and publications, aided by times like the present, 

 of peace and leisure. 



It is gratifying to us to have received a letter (dated Feb. 18.) from so 

 amiable a horticulturist, in which, speaking of the Gardener's Magazine, he 

 says, " I highly applaud the plan of the work, and have no doubt that I 

 shall derive much satisfaction and much happiness from being one of its 

 constant readers." 



The quarterly meeting of the society was held on the 2d of March, 

 when ten new members were admitted, and various premiums awarded. 

 Among the latter was one for a fine pencilled variety of mushroom, of ex- 

 quisite flavour, to Mr. W. Reid, gardener to Sir John Majoribanks, of 

 Lees, Bart. That for the finest camellias, was given to Mr. John Barely, 

 gardener to Professor Dunbar, at Rose Park. Another premium was 

 awarded to Mr. Cunningham, of the Comley-bank Nursery, for a seedling 

 camellia raised by him. The prize for ericas was obtained by Mr. Macnab, 

 of the Botanic Garden. A report was read, detailing the advanced state 

 of the Horticultural Garden, and recognizing the appointment of Mr. James 

 Barnet to be head gardener, " a person of great experience in his business, 

 having been in the Botanic Garden at Edinburgh, the Royal Gardens at 

 Kew, and having held a situation in the garden of the London Horticultural 

 Society." 



Some animadversions on the management of the Caledonian Society 

 have appeared in the Scotsman newspaper, for Feb. 1 5th., which were 

 ably answered in the same paper of Feb. 25th and March 1st. Such a 

 controversy will rather be favourable to the cause of the society than 

 otherwise. Sound criticism is useful, by leading to improvement ; false 

 criticism or ill natured remarks at least put people on their guard. It 

 seems two minor societies have sprung up in Edinburgh, of which the 

 following accounts have been sent us. They cannot be considered rivals of 

 the great society; but rather as little offsets — let them all work their way 

 for their own gratification and the general good.. 



The Edinburgh Amateur Florist Society. In the summer of 1822, this 

 society was established by some distinguished amateurs, to promote the 

 cultivation of florist's flowers, and mutually to improve their taste by shows 

 and competitions. It is constituted on the model of the Lancashire 

 auricula clubs. No professional gardener is admissible, of consequence 

 the members are but few, and the number of prizes awarded limited. 

 Some very choice collections of auriculas, tulips, and ranunculuses are iii 

 possession of the members. 



The Edinburgh New Horticultural Society was instituted last summer 

 by a number of practical gardeners, resident in the neighbourhood of 

 Edinburgh. There appeared to be room for something of the kind. The 

 Caledonian Gardener's Lodge, along with its other functions, is a benefit 

 society; and as it was established long before the late excellent researches 

 into the principles of such institutions, which were made at the instance of 

 the Highland Society of Scotland {See High. Soc. Trans, vol. vi. p. 271.), 

 nearly all its funds are absorbed by the relief of the sick, and the widows 

 of deceased members. Hence the prizes for horticultural productions 



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