292 On the Expediency of a System of Horticulture. 



system ; and by these we are directed to the division, or 

 subdivision, where it is to be looked for. In the lowest 

 subdivision the individual name will be seen. That such 

 is the nature of the systems which Linn^us has contrived, 

 is well known. They yield easy means of recognition, and 

 thus fairly open the avenues of science ; their excellence 

 can only be unndervalued by the ignorant. Botany, and 

 the other branches of Natural History, are in possession of 

 those benefits ; but we are differently circumstanced in 

 Horticulture. That the latter is capable of being regarded 

 as a science, few persons who are, in any degree acquaint- 

 ed with it, will be disposed to deny. Both the number 

 and variety of the objects which it embraces, and the utility 

 and importance of the researches, to which it may give rise, 

 qualify it for such a mode of treatment. Unfortunately, 

 however, we have as yet had no Linnaeus to distinguish, 

 sort, and arrange the mingled mass, and, by an aptly com- 

 bined method, to subject the whole to rule and order. It 

 admits of no doubt that such a proceeding is practicable ; 

 and if it be so, it ought to be adopted. If it were but for 

 the facility of acquiring the names of the objects, and thus 

 learning to distinguish them properly, one from another, 

 this alone would be to us of infinite value, and as satisfactory 

 and useful to the practical gardener, as to the theoretical 

 Horticulturist. 



It is not my purpose, at present, to enter into a detail of 

 my ideas upon this subject, and to show, in what manner 

 such a design may be carried into effect ; that may, per- 

 haps, be done at a future time. Some months ago, a paper 

 was transmitted to our President, by the Pomological Society 



