ON GARDENERS’ SOCIETIES. 
61 
are improving, although slowly. Nearly four years ago this subject 
was adverted to in the Gardener’s Magazine ; more than three years 
since it was introduced into the Register, and not one remark was 
elicited upon the subject. No sooner has the matter been broached 
now , however, than it has immediately been supported by two intelli¬ 
gent correspondents, and, what is most cheering of all, one of them the 
secretary of a society already in existence. Still, however, it must be 
evident that, for the formation of a society worthy of gardening, and 
worthy of the age of improvement in which we live, private individuals 
can do but little. If gentlemen fond of horticultural pursuits would 
give such an institution their countenance, approbation, and support; 
if nurserymen would impress the importance of it upon their young- 
men, and, although unable to take much part in its transactions, 
become at least its honorary office-bearers ; if the editors of the garden¬ 
ing periodical press would give it their sanction and support, and 
become at least honorary or corresponding members ; then, with such 
assistance, the institution would succeed; without such aid, it will 
never progress beyond mere agitation. The approbation of individuals 
like myself just goes for nothing. It is melancholy to review the many 
gentlemen’s establishments and nurseries round London, where many 
men are employed, and yet not one vestige of an approach being made 
to a system of mutual instruction—no, not to the formation of a 
library, as at Clapton, which, to young men, must be of very great 
importance. 
But can nothing be done now ? ' Cannot you give your advice ? 
Cannot your experience of the world enable you to determine whether 
such an institution is likely to succeed ? One exists, and a flourishing- 
one too, at Acton. I am glad its articles are not exclusive. Perhaps 
the want of young men, the monopoly to which W. P. A. refers, may 
be more owing to their apathy and indifference, than to any desire of 
the members. Could not this society be considered as a central one ? 
Mr. Stapleton has promised every information. Would the Society, in 
the meantime, admit to its meetings all those from a distance who feel 
interested in such matters, as honorary members ? I submit these 
hints to Mr. Stapleton’s attention, and conclude this long letter with 
expressing my conviction that, when such institutions become generally 
prevalent, not only will a new era appear in gardening, but a new era 
in the moral and intellectual character of gardeners, by the expansion 
of mind to which they will give rise, and the subversion of the struc¬ 
ture of narrow-minded selfishness, for raising on its ruins the beautiful 
edifice of uncompromising justice, based upon impartiality, and cemented 
with flowing benevolence and brotherly affection—Yours, &c. 
Hyde Park Corner , -Jan. 15, 1836. Robert FiSH. 
