382 



CONCLUSION. 



Here ends the description of nearly five hundred 

 species and varieties of orchard and garden fruits ; 

 nearly all of which have been propagated and cul- 

 tivated by the writer himself, or under his imme- 

 diate inspection. He dare not pretend to say that 

 his opinions are infallible, or that his advice is the 

 very best that can be followed, because, in an 

 improving science like that of gardening, every day 

 brings forth something new and valuable to be added 

 to the old stock of knowledge ; but he can avow 

 with great truth, that the results of his own practical 

 experience are faithfully set forth ; and can promise 

 those, whoever they may be, and particularly the 

 young gardener, that in so far as the writer is con- 

 sidered a preceptor, his followers will not be dis- 

 appointed. He will not be accused of improper 

 vanity, if, on the principle — " in the multitude of 

 counsellors there is wisdom,^' he thinks that his 

 knowledge, gained during a patriarchal life of eighty- 

 three years, may be a useful addition to what has 

 been heretofore written on the same subject. His 

 great exemplar and friend, Philip Miller, trod the 

 higher walks of the profession, and enlightened 

 posterity with his pen. His humble follower took a 

 lower though not less useful flight, and has in the 

 preceding pages, in imitation of his far more exalted 

 prototype, endeavoured to leave behind him some- 

 thing to prove, he has not lived in vain. 



