18 
dreaded potato disease has at last been successfully treated we 
are encouraged to experiment with other diseases, in order to dis- 
cover aremedy. The day is now past when such inflictions are 
regarded as dispensations of Providence, something to be endured 
and not to be cured. : ‘ 
I have already referred to the fact that the whole subject of 
botany will be properly graduated, and the more advanced topics 
reserved for the latter part of the course. Among these will be 
included such subjects as the geographical distribution of plants, 
and the origin of cultivated plants. Such studies will be useful 
in showing the natural conditions under which certain kinds of 
plants grow, where they are likely to thrive here, and the kind of 
treatment most suitable to the peculiarities derived from their 
environment, 
In the introduction and cultivation of new products this 
knowledge forms a valuable guide as to the best mode of treat- 
ment and management. 
ConcLusion. 
I have thus endeavoured to show very briefly, but still I trust 
successfully, that scientific knowledge may be brought to bear on 
the art of horticulture with the happiest and most beneficial 
results, that such knowledge is a power not only to relieve the 
tedium and monotony of mere mechanical labour, but to invest it 
with an interest which it would not otherwise possess, to increase 
the charm of rural pursuits, to suggest improvements and modi- 
fications where otherwise dull routine would bear sway, and thus 
to produce ‘the result which is, or ought to be, the reward of 
faithful and intelligent toil, a bountiful return of the fruits of the 
earth. 
The Horticultural School is now about to be fairly launched on 
its career of usefulness, and may be likened to a noble ship about 
to set forth on what we all hope will be a prosperous voyage, 
commanded as it is by a veteran in the service. Carrying out the 
simile, I am sure the words of the poet express the feelings of 
us all on this auspicious occasion :— 
Sail forth into the sea, O ship! 
Through wind and wave, right onward steer ; 
The moistened eye, the trembling lip, 
Are not the signs of doubt or fear. 
Sail on, nor fear to breast the sea ! 
Our hearts, our hopes, are all with thee ; 
Our hearts, our hopes, our prayers, our tears, 
Our faith triumphant o’er our fears, 
Are all with thee, are all with thee. 
