PREFACE. 



I n completing the Second Volume of their Transactions, the 

 Horticultural Society of London cannot but contemplate with 

 satisfaction the progressive advancement of their Institution. 

 Being founded, originally,* by a few private individuals, it 

 has, by degrees, acquired the character of a publick esta- 

 blishment, which is likely to do some service to the country. 

 Much credit is due to those persons, who, in its early period, 

 supported and cherished it ; and no less to others, who, in its 

 progress, contributed, by their exertions, to the attainment of 

 that flourishing condition, in which we now find it, and which 

 is at once gratifying, for the present, and encouraging for the 

 future. 



The Society can hardly be said to have emerged from its 

 infancy ; yet it already displays a degree of vigour, which is 

 not only calculated to render its present labours beneficial, 

 but holds out the most flattering hopes of what it may accom- 

 plish hereafter. The approbation, which it enjoys from the 

 publick, may be seen in the remarkable increase of its Mem- 

 bers, especially for the last two years : among whom persons 

 of the highest rank have been elected. 



* In the year 1S04. The Charter was granted in 1809- 



vol. 11. a 



