280 Catalogue of Works on Gardening, ^c. 



training plants in pots, in preference to the fanciful and grotesque patterns 

 generally in use. A decided contrast is required between the support and the 

 thing supported, not only in strength and substance, but in form and cha- 

 racter. 



The last article is the Report of the Committee for the first half-year of the 

 Society's existence, ending Feb. 28. 1843, from which we make the following 

 extracts : — 



" The success which has attended the exertions of those who have willingly 

 contributed to the usefulness of the Society, becomes a forcible argument to- 

 wards inducing a more generally diffused spirit of industrious exertion on the 

 part of the whole body of members, which could only result in the attain- 

 ment of the objects which we set before us at our formation as a Society', 

 namely, our mutual instruction. In no other profession are its members so 

 entirely dependent on each other as in that to which we belong ; because, in 

 no other profession, or scarcely in any other, is the same amount of mental 

 exertion found to be requisite ; and this circumstance, more than any other, 

 may be regarded as the cementing bond, the point of union, which is visible in 

 its effects, if we look around us on either hand. Mutual wants create mutual 

 dependence ; and in no way can these wants be so well supplied, in no better 

 manner can these obligations be returned with usury, than in the opportunities 

 afforded at meetings such as ours, in societies such as that to which we belong. 

 This feeling of unity, a union of wants, a union of interests, a union of reme- 

 dies for existing evils, a union of preventives against new ones, this unity is 

 so universal and so apparent, that it is scarcely possible to conceive a member 

 of our profession who can stand aloof from the common interest ; and in no 

 way can this feeling be more strongly encouraged than by societies like our 

 own, through whose medium much of the required aid and information can be 

 obtained. Surely, with such numerous requirements, and in a profession where 

 so much is to be attained, no opportunity of imparting or of receiving inform- 

 ation ought to be omitted ; and the committee earnestly hope that the ensuing 

 half-year will be characterised, not only by a more strict attention and interest 

 in the meetings, but also by more personal and direct exertions to render them 

 v.'hat they should be, what we trust they will be." 



" One of the most important objects of our Society, and one from which the 

 committee flatter themselves much good has resulted, is that of the naming of 

 specimens : some idea of its importance, and a tolerable key to the amount of 

 benefit resulting from it, may be gained from the fact that during the half-year 

 upwards of 1220 specimens have been brought for naming ; the whole of which, 

 with a few exceptions too insignificant to be further noticed, have been named 

 by Mr. Bevis. Too nmch praise cannot be bestowed on those who, in a true 

 spirit of enquiry, have exerted themselves towards the establishment of an 

 herbarium, for the purpose of gaining instruction in the highest walks of their 

 profession ; and such as these the committee would commend to a more ex- 

 tended and persevering application to their studies, assuring them that their 

 exertions can have no other termination than their advancement in their pro- 

 fession. 



" In addition to these, upwards of 1100 species of ferns, 900 species of 

 grasses and allied plants, and 300 species of stove plants, have been exhibited 

 to the members bj' Mr. Bevis. 



" The committee would venture to hope that the Society may meet with 

 some support from their superiors in station, and thus be enabled to make 

 one important advance v/hich they have ventured to hope will ultimately be 

 accomplished ; they refer to the establishment of a horticultural library, for 

 the use of the members. 



" In conclusion, the committee would especially, and again, remind the 

 members of the advantages of union of feelings and of action, in securing those 

 interests which our Society professes to have in view : they trust that the ex- 

 ertions of each member may increase more and more ; and, if such be the case, 

 they confidently predict a full realisation of those high expectations of utility 



