28 OBSERVATIONS ON THE PROPOSED GARDENERS’ SOCIETY. 
It is to be regretted that much dissension still exists among both 
old and young, respecting the advantages and benefits of book 
knowledge, some contending that, because there are some things 
that cannot be learned from books, we ought to give up books alto¬ 
gether, while others assert that periodicals have done much injury to 
gardening, and that they will ultimately be the ruin of its professors. 
Without entering into any formal refutation of such sophistry , I feel 
no hesitation in asserting that the present improved state of gardening 
is wholly due to the dissemination of knowledge through the press. 
Books are the very soul of improvement. “ They enhance prosperity and 
alleviate adversity; they people solitude and charm away occupation. 
They, like flowers, equally adorn the humblest cottage or proudest 
palace. They can delight without the aid of selfishness, and soothe 
without the opiate of vanity ; please when ambition has ceased to 
charm, and enrich when fortune has refused to smile.”—It is books that 
enable us to— 
“ Sit and hold converse with the mighty dead, 
Sages of ancient times, as gods revered, 
As gods beneficent, that blessed mankind 
With arts and arms, and humanised the world.” 
In the first Vol. of the Register, p. 677* there is an excellent article 
on “ The advantages to be derived from the formation of a Gardeners’ 
Society,” by R. F., and as I have reason to believe that the same 'writer 
will again take the field, I shall not enter into any further detail, but 
leave the subject to his superior abilities, and in conclusion, I can only 
say that, as far as my humble abilities admit, I shall be most happy to 
render every assistance towards the formation and promotion of a 
society which has been long wanting, and in whose progress I foresee 
a new era in the annals of horticulture; and I am. Sir, yours very 
respectfully, W. P. A. 
The Gardens , Chiswick House , December 5th, 1835. 
* 
Sir,—For the information of your correspondent, Mr. Walker, or any 
other gentleman who may take an interest in such things, I send you a 
copy of the rules of a Gardeners’ Society which was established at 
Acton, on the 1st of October, 1832. Up to the 7th of September last, 
the receipts of the society were 251. 186-. 2d., and its expenditure 251. 
1060 7 d. The meetings are held at a private house, for which is paid 
11. 10s. per annum, the rest of the money, amounting to little short of 
20/., has been expended in useful books. 
