By Thomas Andrew Knight, Esq. 7 



they apply to that part in which the practice of the modern 

 gardener is conceived to be most defective, and embrace no 

 inconsiderable field of improvement. 



In the execution of their plan, the Society feels that they 

 have many difficulties to encounter, and some prejudices 

 to contend with ; but they have long been convinced, as 

 individuals, and their aggregate observations have tended 

 only to increase their conviction, that there scarcely exists 

 a single species of esculent plant or fruit, which (relative 

 to the use of man) has yet attained its utmost state of per- 

 fection ; nor any branch of practical horticulture, which is 

 not still susceptible of essential improvement : and, under 

 these impressions, they hope to receive the support and 

 assistance of those who are interested in, and capable of 

 'promoting, the success of their endeavours. 



