216 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. [Nov'r 



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we effect more; it is hoped an influence is encouraged which tends 

 much to benefit society. 



Spring shall return again. The seasons change, but their course 

 never changes. The leaves fall by the breath of Autumn, and why ] 

 Who can define, who has explained satisfactorily, with all the scien- 

 tific research accumulated into books and journals to the present day] 

 Who has satisfactorily explained this simple natural phenomenon] — 

 Who has traced the causes of the germination of the seed after remain- 

 ing for centuries quiescent! Who has yet shown the nature of the 

 force which impels the sap through the multitude of vessels in the 

 ligneous structure] We must not despair because we, created beings 

 ourselves, cannot read the mysteries of creation in detail. Progressive 

 creatures, it is our duty still to progress, though we may never reach 

 perfection. The humble gardener goes through the various opera- 

 tions of the season ; we wish to make him reflect as he proceeds that 

 he acts upon living organizations, susceptible like ourselves of good 

 and bad treatment. Towards the improvement of the science and the 

 operator, all our suggestions and researches tend ; and we here solicit 

 the aid of all interested individuals. 



Arboriculture— Indigenous Trees, 



The claims of the Indigenous trees of America have from time to 

 time been pressed upon the attention of those engaged in planting. The 

 reason and taste has been appealed to, and the subject is renewed at 

 intervals. It may not therefore, be considered injudicious in us to of- 

 fer a few remarks on the subject, which is of some importance as re- 

 gards the future character of the decorative portion of American Ar- 

 boriculture. We rejoice to see the claims of an}^ neglected portion 

 of nature's offspring presented and enforced, but not in antagonism 

 to some other equally worthy section ol the family. 



Let us enquire why Indigenous trees are not more cared for; may 

 it not appear that the people who plant trees have not been made 

 acquainted with the beauties and advantages of the indigenous pro- 

 ductions which flourish in every wood and forest, imparting to the 

 country an air of grandeur and freshness, which elevates the moral 

 feelings, and makes Americans feel proud of their country. Her 

 majestic children of the forest, stately in appearance, and profusely 

 scattered over the length and breadth of the country, are bulwarks of 

 prosperity ; even in their fall they form objects of interest and value, 

 ministering to household and national wants. The timber of any 

 country is an important item in its political economy. If American 

 A trees are not cultivated for their ornamental beauty, American ship 

 /T)Dins? constructed of them is valued and admired all over the world. 



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