8 



this evening, it appears to have fallen to my lot, as 

 ■well as to be an appropriate occasion, to make a few- 

 remarks as to our present condition and history, and 

 likewise of the science itself. The subject is one that 

 can inspire the most commanding eloc[uence, and 

 awak^ the most deep and absorbing interest, and it 

 would have been far more gratifying to be a hearer 

 than to be heard ; for we have those within our city 

 whose eloquence would have created an interest so 

 pervading, and an impulse so spontaneous, that all 

 would have been led to exclaim, "the germ that we 

 have planted shall never die ;" we will water and nur- 

 ture it, until it becomes a huge tree, and its umbrage- 

 ous branches cover our city. We would renew our 

 teachings to our children in the beauties of horticul- 

 ture ; we would also associate with it the teachings of 

 our most holy religion, and direct their thoughts to 

 him who has bid us look at the lillies of the valley. 

 To him who figured himself under the symbol of a 

 vine, and in his deepest sorrow sought a garden in 

 which to give vent to his anguish and sorrow — and 

 this is a high authority and example to sustain us in 

 the progress of our cause. In the unfinished portrait 

 which I shall present to you, I trust that we shall find 

 some person of oratorical eminence this winter, to 

 do that justice to the subject which I have failed to 

 accomplish. 



It is with pleasure I avail myself of this opportuni- 

 ty of returning to you my unfeigned acknowledge- 

 ments for the honor, as well as the confidence you have 



