1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA F LORIST. 183 



for Pomological, they are not at all clear as to its exact meaning. Ma- 

 ny jokes have originated on the matter, and some questions have been 

 asked and answered satisfactorily. Notwithstanding all that has been 

 said and done, we would like to give a little move to the subject in 

 what we imagine, of course, to be the right direction. America is a 

 rich country in fruits — no stranger who passes through our markets at 

 this season but is struck with the quantity of choice fruits exposed for 

 sale. Splendid Grapes, as Catawba, Isabella, Elsinburg, Madeira; 

 Peaches in endless variety and abundance; Plums large and choice ; 

 Pears large, delicious, abundant and cheap, rich in flavor and hand- 

 some in appearance, from the Seckel, the universal favorite, to Petri, 

 Moyamensing, Dearborn's seedling, Cabot, Kingsessing, Washington, 

 and many others of fine melting flavor, and abundantly produced, 

 even in our city yards. And as to those imported, their name is le- 

 gion, and their characters set forth in flowing style by the well 

 paid and fluent descriptive catalogue writer. But then the Apples! 

 Think of one hundred and fifty sorts and upwards, lying on the Con- 

 gress table, from the collection of one representative ! 



The utility of this newly formed body will soon be appreciated. — 

 Such an organization benefits the entire community. It examines in- 

 to subjects beyond the reach of ordinary discussion — it calls together 

 the best practical information in the country at its deliberations. The 

 character of certain fruits is discussed, and their fitness for cultivation 

 in certain localities ; and those are brought prominently forward which 

 are acknowledged to be fitted for general cultivation. After this so- 

 ciety shall have been properly organized, cultivators will be enabled 

 to procure reliable information as to what peculiar variety should be 

 planted in certain localities or soils, and the exact description of any 

 fruit, together with its peculiarities of cultivation, at once placed' 

 within the reach of those interested in such matters. From the quan- 

 tity of fruit cultivated in this country, every one will admit the ne- 

 cessity for sound practical information on the subject ; and such will, 

 we have no doubt, be made available by the National Pomological 

 Society when thoroughly in working order, by their reports and pro- 

 ceedings. The successful result of the labors of those who originated 

 the Pomological Congress is much owing to the indefatigable exertions 

 of the late President, Dr. W. D. Brinckle, whose enthusiasm in the 

 science, and affability of manner has gained for him the respect and 

 gratitude of all who are brought into contact with him in this pleasant 

 pursuit. No labor or pains were spared by him to render the late 

 meeting interesting; and his attention to the strangers who attended 

 the late Congress from a distance, was no doubt appreciated. A press- 

 ing invitation was tendered by the doctor to the delegates, and others 

 V interested in Horticulture, to partake of the hospitalities of his house, 



£ 29^ <&&& 



