458 FORMATION OF A SOCIETY OF PRACTICAL GARDENERS. 
A few Remarks on tiie Expediency of forming a Society 
of practical Gardeners, &c.—This is an age in which science of 
every description is advancing with rapid strides, and when every 
branch of professional knowledge is pursued with unceasing ardour. It 
is, therefore, rather to be wondered at that, notwithstanding there is 
in the neighbourhood of London such a numerous body of intelligent 
gardeners, they are generally almost utter strangers to each other ; nor 
have they among themselves any place or fixed time of meeting for 
social intercourse or intercommunication, so necessary for those em¬ 
ployed in a business which is ever improving. The advantages of such 
associations are manifold. There would be an interchange of opinions 
on important points of practice ; there would be various reports of past 
experience, or of present proceedings ; that which was obscure to one, 
might be elucidated by another; and that which one failed to under¬ 
stand, might be explained by others of the society. At all events, the 
young would be benefited by the conversation of their older or more 
experienced brethren, and the seniors would have an opportunity of 
expounding what they knew by way of answer to the questions of their 
juniors. 
The advantages arising from such a society would conduce to the 
advancement of gardening, by the remarks which would incidentally 
occur in conversation, as well as from the reports made by such mem¬ 
bers as are always as generously inclined to give as to receive instruc¬ 
tion. From such a company of intelligent men, meeting occasionally to 
discuss professional questions, much mutual benefit must necessarily 
accrue, as well in a business point of view, as for fostering that 
friendly feeling which should always subsist among those engaged in 
the same pursuit. 
Such a society would, in my opinion, have another good effect, 
namely, by bringing into play those intellectual powers which are now, 
perhaps, lying dormant. Questions to be proposed to the society may 
either be written or propounded verbally, and answers or comments the 
same. Such voluntary tasks would not only be amusing, but would 
call for the exercise of those mental powers, the command of which is so 
necessary in our progress through life. 
I trust these few remarks will suffice, for the present, to show my 
brethren around what I should be very happy to see instituted. 
Chelsea, November 14 th, 1835. A. Walker. 
QWe quite agree with our friend, Mr. Walker, that such a society 
would be of much service to those who, like himself, are anxious to 
improve themselves by that mutual interchange of opinions to which 
he alludes. We can only sav that the Horticultural Register shall be 
