200 West London Gardeners' Association. 



well-grounded confidence in the wisdom and benevolence of its Author. On 

 the other hand, man, when he is civilised, and illuminated by knowledge, per- 

 ceives the scheme of creation to be admirably adapted to support the mental 

 faculties in habitual activity, and reward him for the proper exercise of them. 

 That it was highly important for human beings to become acquainted with 

 every object around them, that they might discover its capabilities of minis- 

 tering to their own advantage. He recommended, in strong terms, the culti- 

 vation of the intellectual faculties; and showed that man must live in society 

 to be either virtuous, useful, or happy ; that man could not exist to virtuous 

 ends out of society, neither could he in a right frame of mind in it, if the moral 

 atmosphere with which he is surrounded be deeply contaminated with vice 

 and error. But, if we cultivate the powers which God has given us, and 

 employ them on the objects which he has placed within our reach, we not 

 only consult our own best happiness, but we render to him the highest tribute 

 of obedience. Mr. Russell further stated that, although the condition of our 

 existence on earth be such as to preclude an abundant supply of the physical 

 necessities of all who may be born, there was no such law in nature against 

 that of our moral and intellectual wants ; that the Creator never intended that 

 man should live on bread alone, but he has other higher and nobler wants. 

 In conclusion, he urged the necessity of the members' regular attendance 

 during the winter season, when they had time to spare, and lamented that 

 there was such a callous indifference among gardeners to support such a 

 useful Society. If an individual, in the course of a consistent life, may 

 modify the minds of many with whom he comes in contact, how much greater 

 must not an Association like this be : it is surely an ennobling conviction, 

 would that it were more generally held ! that the most insignificant amongst 

 us may aid in creating an influence that may ultimately tend to regenerate 

 society. 



Mr. Caie approved of the essay, with the exception of Mr. Russell's laying 

 so much stress on the number of books now published, many of which were 

 not on a right principle, neither calculated to enlighten the minds of men, nor 

 promote the happiness of the human race. But, on the whole, he con- 

 sidered the essay a work of genius. 



Mr. Gray contended that Mr. Russell had omitted the most material parts 

 of the subject ; as he expected that he would have pointed out more 

 clearly the best way for improving the mind. He (Mr. Gray) considered that 

 happiness depended chiefly on benevolence, and that the best moral precept 

 " Do as we would be done by." 



Mr. Keane disapproved of such subjects being discussed in a Gardeners' 

 Society, as he thought that subjects more connected with their own profession 

 would be better calculated to promote the interest of the Association ; in as 

 much as whatever a man's daily occupation in life is, he is always most anxious 

 to learn something relative to it; consequently, the mind must be more sus- 

 ceptible of receiving instruction on such a subject, than on one with which he 

 is unconnected. 



Mr. Ronalds stated that he felt disappointed by not hearing some subject 

 discussed in a Gardeners' Society bearing more on its profession ; and observed 

 that botany was a delightful study, and ought to be more generally cultivated 

 among gardeners than what it is ; and recommended those who wished to 

 become acquainted with such subjects as Mr. Russell had brought forward, to 

 read the works of the Greek and Roman philosophers. 



Mr. Caie briefly explained the object of the Gardeners' Association (with 

 which Mr. Ronalds was unacquainted) ; being to afford those means of 

 instruction to the young gardener whose limited circumstances deprived him 

 of the means of obtaining the works either of ancient or modern philosophers. 



Mr. Russell, in support of his essay, considered that Messrs. Keane and 

 Ronalds had taken a wrong view of the subject, as being unconnected with 

 a gardener's profession ; and showed that nothing was more wanted, or better 

 calculated, for the occasion, than moral and intellectual improvement. No 



