HISTORY OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 239 
In October 1856 the Society made overtures (““Syd. Mag. 
Art.,’’ I, p. 2)’ to the “‘ Horticultural Improvement Society 
of N.S.W.’’ with the view to amalgamation. This was 
carried out on the 8th December following. 
The account in the ‘‘Syd. Mag.”’ contains the following 
statements:—“‘ The society ... seemed ina fair way of 
flourishing, and no doubt would have done so, but for a short- 
sighted policy in its early career, which excluded practical 
men from any participation in its government, and in a 
short time it dwindled down to nothing but an exhibition 
society’. . . 
This is a prejudiced statement, and refers to the old 
antagonism between the professional element and amateurs, 
which gave a great deal of trouble in subsequent horticul- 
tural societies. The ideals of both are, of course, per- 
fectly capable of adjustment in the same Society. 
7. The Horticultural Improvement Society of New South 
Wales, (15th January, 1855* —8th December, 1856). 
[Although it was stated that ‘the proceedings of the 
Society should date from ist July, 1856,’ that was a mere 
starting point from which subscriptions should run, for the 
rules had been adopted and a Council elected on the 15th 
January, and a business meeting held on the 15th May. | 
On 8th December, 1856, it amalgamated with the ‘‘Aus- 
tralasian Botanic and Horticultural Society ’’ to form the 
“Australian Horticultural and Agricultural Society.”’ 
In the ““Sydney Magazine of Science and Art,’’ Vol. I, . 
p. 2, (15th June, 1857), we read:—‘*The Australasian 
Botanic and Horticultural Society was established in July 
(should be 20th June.—J.H.M.) 1848. 
—. Referred to as “Australian” in the head-line, and “Australasian” in 
the text. The confusion was a common one. 
* This is a conservative date; perhaps November 1854, would be better. 
