THE PRINCIPLES OF HORTICULTURE. 
601 
value of a broad foundation of correct principles as guides for 
your future action. The little mistakes which you have made, 
the occasional failures which may have occurred, amidst your 
general success, have attracted your attention and you have al¬ 
ready done the best thing that could have been done in the 
premises. 
The first question is thus answered by reference to your 
good sense in desiring to come back to principles, to a sure 
foundation, to a scientific basis, rather than longer to be mis¬ 
led by the uncertain guess-work of ignorance or of untried 
and hastily formed theory. 
The second question is easily answered. A too exalted esti¬ 
mate of your admiring and sympathizing friend, has called 
him to your presence, only to make a frank confession that he, 
like yourselves, has met with failures, from which, like you, 
he has endeavored to draw comfort and advantage in the way 
of learning how to avoid a recurrence of similar disasters. 
* 
Like you he acknowledges himself but a learner, a beginner, 
a student in the great school of horticulture, which is ever 
open to all those who will but use their eyes and hands in 
scanning and testing nature, and in studying out the great 
problems that lie in every clod, in every dormant seed, in 
every living bud, in every expanding leaf, in every growing 
shoot, in every smiling flower, and in every melting fruit that 
he may have trained and cherished, or that his willing hand 
may pluck, and his grateful spirit may enjoy. But I am 
asked to entertain you by discussing the principles of horti¬ 
culture. 
Whether we consider under this general title, the elegant 
pursuits of landscape-gardening, the useful occupation of tim¬ 
bergrowing, on an extensive scale and as an important economy 
of the state, the propagation and culture of the orchard fruits, 
either to supply the needs of the family, or with a view to their 
profit when produced in quantities for commercial purposes, 
the culture of the various small fruits, which contribute so 
largely to the health of our citizens, the planting and treat¬ 
ment of the vineyard and the vine, so wonderfully productive 
