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the pleasures of life, as well as greatly cheapening both its neces- 

 saries and its luxuries — and this in spite of enormous and in- 

 creasing competition, both foreign and colonial. As a class the 

 market gardeners of to-day may claim a high and meritorious 

 standing amongst their fellow citizens, benefiting alike them- 

 selves, their employes, the many trades allied to their business, 

 and last, but not least, the public generally. That the industry 

 will still further advance there can be no doubt, and from a 

 public point of view this is most desirable ; but I would wish to 

 add a word of caution in this respect. 



The agricultural crisis through which we are still passing 

 has been not only due to the decrease in the value of produce 

 trought about by enormous foreign importations, but it was also 

 partly caused by the fictitious value attached to farms through 

 the competition of retired mercantile men and other capitalists, 

 who regarded farming as a healthy, profitable, and a pleasurable 

 investment for capital. I have seen signs of a similar feeling 

 with reference to market gardening, and particularly to cultiva- 

 tion under glass, and though I still believe there is room for 

 further judicious extension by competent practical men, I feel it 

 a duty to advise a cautious policy, and, above all, a thorough 

 business acquaintance with the details of this work, before rashly 

 venturing upon outlay which may bring trouble and loss, instead 

 of pleasure and profit. 



I have seen at the Victoria Era Exhibition some very inter- 

 esting illustrated comparisons showing the differences between 

 things as they exist to-day and as they were sixty years ago. 

 I regret I have no diagram of this description to offer you, but I 

 am much indebted to Mr. Tucker for some very excellent en- 

 larged photographs of a few of the best of his many horticultural 

 erections for market garden produce, which will give you a better 

 notion of the progress the trade has made than any mere words 

 of mine. 



If I might venture on a comparison between our market 

 gardening operations in 1837 and 1897, 1 would say, Compare this 

 huge palace of glass in which we are assembled and its outlying 

 grounds with the small conservatory and vinery in the garden of 

 a retired suburban amateur, and you will not be very far out in 

 the contrast. I beg, in conclusion, to thank the kind practical 

 friends connected with the market trade without whose valuable 



