CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

An Address Delivered before the
Brooklyn Horticultural Society

Cornell University

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AN 3 :
ADDRESS 5

DELIVERED BEFORE THE. |

Brook pn Horticul tural Sai

BY THE PRESIDENT,

JOHN W. DEGRAUW, B80.

DECEMBER 79n, 1854;

ALSO

THEH REPORT

OF THE TREASURER,

Ww. S. DUNHAM,

WITH THE

REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE,

“The He dy of Horticulture under any of its fo orms is delightful, and cannot
‘ail to yield instr acti ie and i ee oa inment to every one that
desires to enquire into its angements, or examine
ae its bewwth les.

PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE SOCIETY.

BROOKLYN :
J. W. HEIGHWAY, & CO., PRINTERS,

1855.

Sa
los

D4

55°

ALBERT R. MANN
LIBRARY
AT
CORNELL UNIVERSITY

REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

The Brooklyn Horticultural Society having passed
through the ordeal incident to all new enterprises, and
closed a successful year, is now become one of the in-
stitutions of our city and as such now presents itself
to the consideration of the citizens of Brooklyn,

The able address of its President, delivered before
the Society at the annual meeting, gives the outline
of the transactions of the past year, and a full state-
ment of the objects and purposes of the Society.

Every citizen of Brooklyn should feel an interest in
the existence and prosperity of such a Society, and
each can contribute his share to its efficiency and
growth.

The terms of membership are three dollars, yearly,
in advance, with admission for members and their fam-
ilies to the regular Fall and Spring exhibitions, as well
as to the monthly exhibitions, which during the last
winter attracted great attention, and gave universal
satisfaction. It is proposed that addresses on Horti-
culture shall be delivered before the society during
the winter, to which also members will have admission.

DELOS W. BEADLE, Secretary,

Executive Committee.

BROOKLYN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

—Oo-—

The following resolution was offered by John Maz-
well, Esq. :

Resolved, that the thanks of the Society be returned
to John W. Degrauw, Esq., for his able address deliver-
ed before them this evening: and that one thousand
copies be printed in pamphlet form for distribution,
by the members of the society.

This resolution was seconded by the Corresponding
Secretary, Delos W. Beadle, who made some appropri-
ate and eloquent remarks on the objects of the Society
and the end they were striving to attain in the future,
after which the resolution was unanimously adopted.

MILTON ARROWSMITH,
Recording Secretary.
Brooklyn, December 7th, 1854.

ADDRESS.

—n—_

GENTLEMEN:

We have been assembled here this evening for the
purpose of electing officers of the Society for the en-
suing year. This should certainly be a season of con-
gratulation, for it carries with it the conviction, that
we are preparing our energies, and renewing our zeal
for its successful promotjon in the future. It should
also be a source of congratulation that, amid all the
melancholy and trying vicissitudes through which we
have passed—amongst which has been the cholera,
that dreadful scourge of our race, which has thrown its
dark shadow over our beautiful city ; and blighted the
hopes and happiness of many who were looking to the
future with joyous hopes and flattering expectations
—still we are here to-night, rejoicing that it has not
found a victim in our ranks; and it should exert our
piety and awaken our gratitude to the great dispenser
of all our mercies. We have quite recently lost one
member by death, and one on board the ill-fated Arc-
tic, which is all since the existence of the Society.—
The first I refer to is the much respected name of Mr.
Z. Griswoitp: he had arrived at a time of life—several

6

years beyond three score and ten—and was for many
years engaged as a Merchant in New York. It appears
but yesterday that I saw his smiling face within these
walls, enjoying his taste for plants and flowers. He
then appeared, amid the frost of years, as firm in con-
stitution as in earlier days, and looked like one that
might be with us for years to come; but Providence
in its wisdom has ordained otherwise. He has passed
from earth, and his spirit has fled to that bright land
arrayed in eternal beauty, where the flowers he loved
will never fade. To his family, in this afflicting dis-
pensation, we tender our deepest sympathy.

On the memorable 27th day of September last, a
steam-ship, in all the majesty of Architectural strength
and beauty—the pride of our country, and the admira-
tion of the world—was wending her way with more
than rapid speed to her destined port. She had
swiftly steamed her way over the wide expanse of

Ocean; and the observations of the skilled marimer
led to the assurance that in three days she would be
gliding on the waters of our spacious bay and harbour.
On board that ship were many whose hearts were filled
with the blissful hope that in the lapse of a short
interval of time, the pangs of absence would be more
than repaid by a joyous meeting with kindred and
friends; but in an hour,when hope and expectation
were the most animated, they were suddenly overta-
ken by a most awful and unlooked for ¢alamity, which
carried terror and dismay to the hearts of all on board.

Among those on that unfortunate Arctic, was James
B. Lenorz, a member of this Society. He had been
with his family to pay a last visit to the home of his
infancy and early associations. Having passed over the
hills and valleys of his boyhood, he was on his way re-
turning with his family, to spend his days in the land
of his choice and adoption; but the result showed how
futile are the castles that men build, and how uncer-

tain their realization.

.

The last time that he was seen, was on the deck of
that noble ship, as she sank beneath the swelling bo-
som of the sea. The Ocean surge murmured his
funeral requium; and he and his family rest in a sep-
ulchre in the caverns of the mighty deep. Here no
cypress moans his funeral dirge; no willow weeps
responsive grief, and no gentle flowers bloom over his
last resting place. We can lament bis melancholy and
unexpected fate; but we cannot recall him from the
Ocean’s deep abyss. We can rejoice in the science he
has adorned with his genius, and which will survive
fresh and vigorous, associating with it the remem-
brance of his worth, integrity of character and untime-
ly destiny.

“Weep for the death pang of the heart,
Ere being from the bosom part;
But never be a tear-drop given,
To those that rest in that blue Heaven.”

From the position with which I have been honored

8

this evening, it appears to have fallen to my lot, as
well as to bean appropriate occasion, to make a few
remarks as to our present condition and history, and
likewise of the science itself. The subject is one that
can inspire the most commanding eloquence, and
awaken the most deep and absorbing interest, and it
would have been far more gratifying to be a hearer
than to be heard; for we have those within our city
whose eloquence would have created an interest so
pervading, and an impulse so spontaneous, that all
would have been led to exclaim, “the germ that we
have planted shall never die ;” we will water and nur-
ture it, until it becomes a huge tree, and its umbra ge-

ous branches cover our city. We would renew our
teachings to our children in the beauties of horticul-

ture ; we would also associate with it the teachings of
our most holy religion, and direct their thoughts to
him who has bid us look at the lillies of the valley.
To him who figured himself under the symbol of a
vine, and in his deepest sorrow sought a garden in
which to give vent to his anguish and sorrow—and
this is a high authority and example to sustain us in
the progress of our cause. In the unfinished portrait
which I shall present to you, I trust that we shall find
some person of oratorical eminence this winter, to
do that justice to the subject which I have failed to

accomplish.

It is with pleasure I avail myself of this opportuni-
ty of returning to you my unfeigned acknowledge-
ments for the honor, as well as the confidence you have

i]

manifested, in conferring upon me the distinguished

position which I have held during the past year, as
your presiding officer. And I find myself, by your suf-
frage, presented with the renewed assurance of your
partiality and regard, in requiring me to resume the
same duties for the ensuing year. Please accept my
most grateful feelings for this renewed instance of your
confidence and respect; and it will be my constant
study and care to discharge the duties that devolve
upon me, with the utmost fidelity and impartiality.

With these assurances, I enter upon the duties for
the approaching year, and feel fully sensible of my
want of talent and ability, to enable me to perform
them to your satisfaction. Therefore, I must claim
your friendly aid and assistance, as well as indulgence,
in carrying out the important object for which we are
united, and in which we all feei such absorbing interest.
It is some years since a HorricurruraL Sociery was
organized in this city, and we have reason to regret
that its existence was not of long duration—the cir-
cumstances which led to its dissolution we are not
familiar with. But we rejoice that the impulses it had
awakened for the love of the science, did not expire
with it. The energy it has inspired has been constant
in beautifying the abodes of the living, and covering
with flowers the resting place of the dead. Impelled by
the desire to create and extend a more general diffu-
sion of horticultural beauty, a few gentlemen assem-
bled together on the evening of the 27th of January

10

last, for the purpose of discussing the propriety of or-
ganizing a Horricutrurat Socrery; and I feel gratified
in having enjoyed their friendship through the past
and flattered with their presence on this occasion—
At this meeting and the one following, arrangements
were made which perfected the organization of the
present “Brooxiyn Horvicutturan Society.” In view of
this announcement, circulars were disseminated through
this city; respectfully soliciting all that felt an interst
in the science, to unite with us in carrying out the
views therein contained; and it was a source of great
pleasure to find that it met with a most enthusiastic
response. A most essential and important consider-
ation that presented itself, was to obtain a suitable
building for the purpose of holding our exhibitions, as
well as for conducting the business of the Society.—
The subject was referred to a Select Committee, who,
after mature deliberation, reported that they had
unanimously arrived at the conclusion, that the Brook-
lyn Atheneum, from its central locality, as well as
the purposes for which it was errected, was the most
desirable situation that could be obtained. The So-
ciety concurring in these views, application was made
to the officers in charge of the building, and arrange-
ments perfectly satisfactory to both parties were made
without delay. I should not do justice to myself, or the
feelings of the society, were I to omit on this occasion
to notice the many obligations we are under to these
gentlemen; they have always been ready to most lib-
erally furnish us with all the facilities that the wants

id

of the Society required ; and we are happy to say that
we have had their personal exertion and influence in
carrying out our leading designs, both of utility and
beauty. In this building, erected for the noble pur-
pose of disseminating the arts and literature, we trust
that we have added one more gem to its adornment.
And while within its walls the orator was dissemina-
ting the most thrilling sentiments, and his eloquence
enchanting every heart with its pathos and truth, we
were furnishing fresh from the fields of nature, the liv-
ing symbols and metaphors that adorned his subject.

The two earliest exhibitions were given on the first
Thursdays in March and April, and comprised a most
beautiful show of hot and green-house plants, as well
asa great variety of boquets, most artistically arranged.
The chief contributors were—Mr. Humphrey, Gardner
to Fisher Howe, Esq.; Mr. Callopy, Gardner to James
H. Prentice, Esq.; Mr. Hamblin, Gardner to William C.
Langley, Esq.; Mr. James Weir, Florist, Bay Ridge;
Mr. George Ingram, Greenwood; also Messrs. Graef,
Parks, Pointer, Benton, and J. E. Ranch, Third Avenue.
At one of these exhibitions, the Society was gratified
with the display of seedling camelias, from the Green-
house of Noel J. Becar, Esq.,and being the productions
of an amateur, added largely to their interest; the
admiration they excited, was nothing more than a just
tribute to their beauty. The Society feel indebted for
the marked attention from this gentleman, and the
compliment associated with it the reminiscence of the

12

first Horticuntura. Socrery established in this city, of
which he was its President, and one of its most effici-
ent promoters.

Our spring exhibition was given on the 10th, 11th,
and 12th of May. A large and extensive variety of
the most rare and valuable plants were on exhibition,
the contributors were not only from our city, but from
Albany, Philadelphia, New York and other localities.
The names of many of the contributors within our
borders, were the same as I have previously noticed,
and I presume it is not specially necessary to refer to
them again, further than to say that these productions
reflected great credit on their abilities. There cannot
be but few that were present during that occasion, but
will recollect the rich and rare specimens exhibited
by Mr. Manan, of Albany. His Ericas were of the most
splendid growth and beauty, and would compare with
those of any other country. His other specimens all
partook of the same high character. The world ad-
mired Victoria Regia, from the green-house of Caleb
Cope, Esq., of Philadelphia, was an object of great
attraction and wonder, and it surely received no more
attention than it merited—lIt displayed one of nature’s
gigantic productions, and being connected with a great
historical design, added largely to its peculiar interest.
Without a personal examination of the internal struc-
ture of its leaf, it would be difficult to comprehend,
how the architectural design of so magnificent a struc-
ture as the Crystal Palace, could have been imparted

13

from so frail a structure as aleaf. We are not only in-

debted to Mr. Cope, for his kindness on this occasion,
but for the continued liberality evinced at our recent
exhibition, and he has not only the thanks of the So-
ciety but of thousands who feel indebted to him for
the opportunity of witnessing one of the greatest
plants that has been presented to the curious in their
researches into the great work of nature.

The specimens exhibited by J. E. Ranch, contained
many rare and exotic plants, among which was the
Pitcher Plant, which attracted the attention of every
observer, not so much for its beauty, as showing how
aptly Providence had provided for the sustenance and
support of all its works, in every condition and cli-
mate.

The large collections exhibited by James H. Pren-
tice and W. C. Langley, Esqrs., were of the most sur-
passing beauty, and did much to give a character to
the entire exhibition; the Spice Plants, exhibited by
Mr Robert Buist, of Philadelphia, excited much atten-
tion,and were entirely new to many an observer. The
roses from the nursery of Mr. W.A.Burgess, of Glenwood
LL, consisted of several new varieties, and attracted
much attention. To all the contributors we feel under
many obligations. They have not only promoted the
future success of the Society, but they have done
much in increasing a taste for horticultural pursuits.

The exhibition closed by a truly eloquent address

14

delivered by the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, and his
subject was diversified in the treating of the beauty of
the science. He remarked that we had spread before
us a rich display of Horticultural education, and
showed by comparison what these various specimens
were in their normal state, and quite elaborately to
what perfection they had been brought by skill and
culture, and an application showed, that a like
array of mental beauty could be produced in the entire
intelligent creation by similar apphances. It would
be like a very imperfect artist improving a highly
finished picture, to attempt a description of all his
remarks. The enthusiasm of the audience showed
that his sentiments met with a warm response, which
undoubtedly will be remembered with pleasure and

instruction.

On the 15th and 16th of June the Hall was opened
for the Rose Exhibition. It was the original intention
of the Society that it should continue but for one day
and evening, but from the urgent solicitation of a num-
ber of ladies and gentleman it was continued through
the day following. This exhibition was much larger and
far more extensive in the variety of its display than
it was first purposed to be. One of the great objects
of the exhibition was to give the growers of roses and
herbaceous plants in our city, an opportunity of dis-
playing to the gratification of the many, the gems
of beauty that were disseminating their fragrance and
presenting their loveliness only for the enjoyment of

15

the possessor, and it was truly gratifying to see a
number of ladies and gentlemen presenting their gifts,
nurtured by their own skill and care, evincing their
taste and love of floral beauty. It is from these con-
tributions made manifest, that Horticulture need not
only be confined to green-houses and conservatories,
but can be enjoyed by the possessor of a city resi-
dence. Ina climate as variable as ours, the difficulty
must be very evident of naming a time that will be best
suited for an exhibition of the character of the one I
am noticing; yet, it is indspensable that a definite time
should be fixed, as much preparation is necessary pre-
vious to its consumation; and the result may prove to our
disappointment, that our calculations were not correct.
On this occasion we most conclusively felt the force of
that difficulty, but still, when we take into view the
large number of plants on exhibition, and the character
of them, as wellas the large collection of specimen
roses and bouquets, it was one in which all should
have felt gratified in witnessing. Still, we regret that
it was continued over one day, for cut flowers will not
appear to advantage for a longer time at this season
of the year, and it defeated in part the great object
the society had in view, for it was meant to be truly a
Rose Festival, and all present to have returned to their
homes with a garland of flowers. At this exhibition
there was a fine show of hothouse grapes from the
grapery of Mr Stetson, of Massachusetts, presented by
Mr Joseph Lees; likewise from the grapery of Roswell
8. Colt, of Paterson, New Jersey, pesented by Messrs.

16

MclIlvan & Orr, of New York; also from the graperies
of Henry A. Kent and William C. Langley, of Gowanus.
These were all pronounced by the Judges as superior
and well grown specimens.

The Delegates to the Pomological Congress assem-
bled in Boston inSeptember last, made a valuable and
interesting report to the Society, from which it
appears that much interest pervades in every section
of our country, in the promotion of the growth of
fruit, and that many new and valuable specimens have
been introduced with the most gratifying results. The
Exhibition was held in a large tent erected on the
Boston Common. The display of fruit was magnifi-
cent, and contained the greatest number of varities
ever exhibited in this country or in Europe. Our
Delegates express their thanks for the marked atten-
tion paid them by the officers of the Pomological Con-
gress, as well as to those who forwarded specimens of
fruit to our fall exhibition.

We feel much indebted to William Lawton Esq, of New
Rochell, for some fine specimens of his Lawton black-
berries; these were pronounced by judges of fruit to
be far in advance of the finest of our ordinary black-
berries, and were recommended as worthy the atten-
tion of all that would desire this most delicious fruit
to abound in their gardens.

The fall exhibition was announced under the most
unfavorable circumstances; the long continued and

Lg

extensive drouth had parched the earth, and the usual
golden fields of autumn with their abundance, had
become barren and desolate, but even amid this sad
and afflictive dispensation, it was resolved that the
effort should be made to redeem the last pledge given
by the society, and the result showed that there really
existed no great cause for apprehension. It was true
the earth had not produced her usual abundance—that
the golden fruit did not present her usual yield—that
the bloom of the flowers had not come forth fully for
the want of the gentle dew, and fertilising rains; but
still there was an abundance, sufficiently promising
for our wants, as well as for exhibiting the finest and
most luxuriant specimens, both of fruits and flowers,
which were useful not merely to interest alone the
casual observer of beauty, but also for the higher pur-
pose of Comparsion and classification. It would be
useless at this time to recount or particularise all that
this exhibition displayed, butit may be well to remark,
that it contained a table over seventy feet long and
nine wide, with over five hundred specimens of the
offering of Pomona: another large table filled with the
most choice varieties of hot house and hardy grapes,
some of the clusters weighing over five pounds; hun-
dreds of specimens of roses and daliahs; a large num-
ber of the most fanciful arranged bouquets ; as well as
a great variety of green and hot-bouse plants, with a
large display of vegetables, enibracing every variety
of the season. The plants, flowers and fruits were so
arranged, that not one object only presented the

18

signs of the beautiful, but all were blended in such
perfect harmony, that it combined in its effect the
panoramic view of a most splendid and perfect whole.
The minature landscape garden exhibited by Mr Graef,
was a most perfect model of the kind, and displayed
great taste in its architectural arrangements, as well
as great elegance of design.

Amid such a scene, who could view the beautiful
productions before them without the eye being
charmed, the smell greeted with fragrance, and the
imagination enriched with the feast. Here stoic
apathy must awaken from its cold indifference, and in-
fidelity be lost in the majestic contemplation of a God
supreme :

Nature’s great parent! whose unceasing hand
Rolls round the seasons of the changeful years,
How mighty, how majestic are thy works;

With what a pleasing dread they swell the soul.

If my limits would admit, I should feel pleased to
notice all the contributors to this exhibition; but their
names will be found as contributors to our previous
exhibition, with the exception of James Dundas, Esq.,
of Philadelphia, to whom we were indebted for some
fine specimens of foreign ferns, as well as avery friend-
ly communication to the corresponding secretary, ex-
pressing his most ardent wishes for the success of the
Society. We aré also under many obligations to A. P.

19

Cummings, Esq., of Williamsburgh, for a large variety
of plants at this as well as at the spring exhibition.
The principal contributors of fruits were William E.
French, of Boston; Messrs. Hovey & Co., Cambridge ;
N. Stetson, Bridgewater; B. V. French, Braintree,
Mass.; Messrs. Bun, of Bingham; Messrs. Ellwanger
& Barry, Rochester, N. Y.; Mr. Graham, Philadelphia ;
K. M. Blackwell and R. Morrison, Astoria; Judge King,
Tlenry A. Kent, W. C. Langley, and J. H. Prentice, all
of Brooklyn; also Jacob Williams, Seiring Town, Long
Island, who presented a basket of rare and valuable
Pears. To these gentlemen, as well as the contribu-
tors generally, the Society feel under many obligations,
and hold in high appreciation their valuable aid on
this as wellas on other occasions.

It is no compliment to say that we feel much indebt-
ed for the able and efficient services of our Treasurer
W. 8. Dunham, as well as to our corresponding Secre-
tary Delos W. Beadle, to which all present will be
happy to respond. It has been a circumstance of deep
regret, that our late Recording Secretary, Milton
Arrowsmith, could not have been induced to remain
with us. We are all aware that his duties have been
arduous, and most ably accomplished, and in his retire-
ment he carries with him the assurance of our most
friendly feelings, and our earnest desires for his future

welfare and happiness.

To R. R. Scott, of Philladelphia, we feel under many

obligations for his prompt attention in forwarding the
different specimens from that place, as well as for his

personal attention at our exhibitions.

We certainly have reason to rejoice at the success
which has attended our effort thus far. It has been
more than our most sanguine expectations could have
realized. In the course of a few brief months, we
have reached the large and respectable number of over
four hundred and fifty members. It will be seen from
the report of the Treasurer, that notwithstanding our
expenses have been necessarily much larger than they
will be during the approaching year, that all claims on
the Society have been met with the utmost prompti-
tude ; amd may we not, in the mirror of the past, see
the precursor of a much brighter future. After years
of the most unexampled prosperity and success, dark
shadows have cast their gloom over our commercial
horizon, and dilapidated fortunes and blighted expec-
tations follow in the train of consequences. These
are events that during such times are inevitable, but
they are not matters of utter despondency. It never
was intended that man should become a mathematical
machine, and all his enjoyments arise from a heavy
balance sheet. More elevated objects and pursuits
have been provided for him by his benificent Creator,
and they are the architect of his own hand and muni-
ficence. We have thrown open the portals into which
all may enter, and learn wisdom from Nature’s great
design. It is a bank that is coequal in date with the

hills and vallies, and has never been bankrupt, or its
currency been doubted, as seed time and harvest have
fully proved. Weask all to enter, it will afford far
more pleasure than is to be found in many baseless
fabrics that do not leave a wreck behind. We desire
all to be enrolled on our Society’s books, and to par-
take of all the advantages that are spread before them,
even your children will feel its influence, and their
minds become elevated by its teachings. The rough
winds of heaven will soon destroy the marble tablet and
towering dome, and its records be effaced forever. Let
us endeavor to leave behind a more enduring memorial,
the warm affections of our children, and a love for the
beautiful; then, on each opening spring and summer,
our graves will be covered with beautiful flowers, and
watered with affection’s tears.

Permit me to urge you to renewed energy and ex-
ertion, in procuring means to purchase a suitable place
for a Horticurrurat Garpen within our city borders.—
The time has arrived when this most desired object
should have its accomplishment. Cities of far less
note than ours, and enjoying but few of its advantages,
are far in advance of us. We have within us all the
elements that we could desire to secure success. Our
woodlands and fields abound with every variety of na-
tive plants, and they only require the genius of the
cultivator, and the liberal patronage of our wealthy
and influential citizens, to be presented in suitable
grounds, to the gratification of the entire community,

22

without reference to station or condition in life, dis-
tinguished strangers in search of science, should not
consider our city a village plot to our overgrown neigh-
bor. This proposed garden, filled with indigenous as
well as exotic plants, would be a garden to which the
city of palaces would become tributary, and would be
sought as one of the most valuable of our city adorn-
ments. Let us then appreciate the advantages we pos-

sess. It is our bald cagle in sight of Niagara’s sub-

limity—soars beyond the flight of her companions.
It would be supposed, in the attainment of so desira-
ble an object, all would be ready to take a part. With
many, the question would arise—how can it be accom-
plished? there is no difficulty in the way, if a proper
interest can be «awakened; and could three hundred
persons be induced to become life members of our So-
ciety, by paying °S50 each, the work would soon be in
the way of speedy accomplishmciut. Undertakings of
this kind always require energy and perseverance.—
One of the most enduring public works of this State,
and which has added to its character, wealth, renown,
and glory, bad it not been for a few men of indomita-
ble force and energy, would at this day been without
an existence. Let us make 4 most strenuous effort,
and it will be crowned with success.

Perhaps there cannot be a more interesting season
than the present, for the contemplation of the science,
which we are united to cherish. The season of fruit
and flowers have passed away, the fields are disrobed

93

of their green vestinents, and the landscape that filled
the eye with beauty, presents a barren and leafless
waste; nature has done its work, and the reward for
the toil of the husbandman has been gathered into the
garner for the support of all God’s creation. From the
past, our intelligence becomes enlarged to develope a
brighter and more hopeful future; new discoveries
have been made by chemical apphances, for fertilising
the soil, and new inventions in mechanics, have tended
to lighten the burdens, and labor of the agriculturist ;
and horticulture has presented its claims in the great
work of progression; new specimens of plants and
flowers have added their beauty to the already brilliant
gallaxy, that are so grateful to our senses, and so
necessary for our happiness; still with all their array,
and most endless varieties, our productions are but in
their infancy; a wild and uncultivated waste is still
before us, and it remains for our science to beautify
and adorn, and every new specimen that is discovered
by the genius of the cultivator, tends to lessen the
work to be accomplished; and we rejoice that an en-
larged taste is pervading through all classes of society,
to produce a more perfect, and truthful field of beauty ;
new societies are constantly organising, and new ele-
ments are uniting, in making great, and untried dis-
coveries. The extremes of north and south, have lost
their measured distance, by the invincible speed pro-
duced by motive power, and already the genius of the
sunny south is in communion with the more rugged
north. Inthe great work of development and pro-

—— |

24

gress, the rich fragrance of the magnolia may not shed
its perfume around us in our more northern aspect; or
our fields of golden fruit, cheer the more genial south ;
but notwithstanding the difference of production, pro-
duced by difference of climate, they only tend to make
an interchange of views more interesting, and add to
the enlargement of science, and all that is required for
its continued encouragement, is the fostering hand of
a liberal and discerning community. It cannot be ex-
pected that a work of such magnitude can be accom-
plished single handed. The gardner cannot devote
his genius for months in propagating a new specimen,
without some remuneration, worthy of his time and
labor; his pecuniary means are seldom adequate for
the task; and through necessity, as well as the claims
of justice, he asks for his reward, if he does not re-
ceive it, the germ that would have made a noble plant,
is suffered to perish, and the arm that could have
brought it to perfection, falls palsied at his side;
therefore it remains with us to encourage the perfec-
tion of genius; and one of the methods by which it
can be accomplished is by the dispensing of liberal
awards.

At the present time every branch of science is re-
ceiving the most generous support, and why should
not ours, that dates from the bright morning of cre-
ation, and whose charter was sealed in the Garden of
Eden. The grower of every new specimen is no com-
mon man, he is a benefactor, and has given increased

25

evidence of the great works of nature, and their en-
during beauty. In this age of progress, when science
and learning are its daily companions, we have a right
to seek for the accomplishment of what we so much
desire, and all should be engaged in throwing into the
future, a higher and more exalted destiny. In pro-
ducing this most desired result, we trust that we have
added our feeble effort in its promotion. Our period-
ical exhibitions have certainly been eminently success-
ful; amid these public displays have been offered a
large variety of nature’s brightest gems, and collected
from localities far remote from each other, and they
have been the offering of the amateur, as well as
those engaged in public green houses and conservato-
ries; and if it were not for this mode of congregating
them together, the progress of science would be slow
in its advancement, and many would remain unac-
quainted with many of the varieties with which the
vegetable kingdom abounds. At our exhibitions we
are often greeted with the enthusiastic exclamation,
“how truly beautiful,” and perhaps this was nothing
more than a deserving commendation of the object
which excited their pleasure; the contributor no
doubt felt gratified with the laudatory approval, but
still the interest with him was far beyond the momen-
tary effect; it was buried deep in the causes that had
brought it to its present state of perfection. There is
a two-fold object to be acquired by exhibitions, the
one is immediate, and founded on our admiration; the
other is more remote, and its tendency is to produce

26

an increased degree of taste and refinement, and a
more ardent desire to become familiar with the great
and pervading influences that are so closely allied
with the subject. It would not be considered a flat-
tering enconium to any Horricutruran Socimry, that
they were merely exhibitors. The display is only
intended to sow the seed which is calculated to pro-
duce an enduring love of the science, and to show in
what perfection nature can appear by the gifted hand
of the cultivator. There is nothing in creation but
has its design and use, and is bestowed for some valu-
able purpose, and yet it may not create our admiration
or fill the eye with its beauty, and from these causes
it may never have met with a proper appreciation.
The rock whose base is in the deep, and whose sum-
mit reaches to the clouds, may present to the mind of
the observer, as he casts his eye on its rugged peak,
or the angry surge that dashes around its fretted base
far more of the terific than the beautiful, and yet it
is the most potential subject he can discover to illumi-
nate his mind with a proper conception of the sublime,
and the grandeur and magnificence of creation. It is
often a source of regret, that by familiarity with that
which is constantly before us, it loses not only the
charm of curiosity, but frequently its moral as well as
its natural sublimity. We may daily pass the deserted
highway, and amid its rustic hedges, not notice the
beautiful wild flowers that cluster in our pathway, and
forget that they are watered by the same hand that
gives life and vigor to the huge oak. As well as that,

these humble and lowly blossoms are nurtured and
protected by the finger of heaven for the happiness
and enjoyment of the entire creation. Our concep-
tions are frequently quite limited, and do not enter
into the full history of what our science presents, and
without a due regard to a more general knowledge, our
enlightenment will be very superficial. There are
many plants that it is their peculiar history that con-
tain and furnish the most attractive interest. We ad-
mire the pitcher plant, not so much for its beauty, but
for the wisdom of its architectural design. The fur-
ther we trace its history, the more our. curiosity is
awakened by its novelty. We see the pitchers, and
they appear rather out of place as they hang suspend-
ed from the boughs, but as we trace and become inter-
ested in its history, we find that it is the native ofa
climate passing through changes of extreme humidity
to extreme drouth, and that the receptacles become
filed during one season to sustain it during ano-
ther. With the increased intelligence, we become
more deeply interested in our research, and our
thoughts become not only fixed on the plant, but are
led forward to the contemplation of a much higher
source—Nature’s great author and his governing laws.
Many will recollect the magnificent helitrope exhibi-
ted at our fall exhibition. It stood three feet high,
its head presenting one beautiful mass of flowers and
perfume. As well asthe manner in which it was so
happily referred to by the Rev. Dr. Farley, as well as
many other most beautiful allusions, which the speci-

28

mens that surrounded him inspired. He observed in
this helitrope, as far as the variety, it certainly pre-
sented nothing new, for they abound in every garden
and greenhouse in our city, where their growth exhib-
ited generally a small and spindle plant, while the
specimen before us presented a stock that showed its
growth in the appearance of a tree, and this was all
the accomplishment of skill and science; and in his
illustrations showed that by the same appliances the
entire department of horticulture could be brought to
the same high state of improvement and beauty.

It would be a difficult task to find a person that
does not love flowers; the very acknowldgement would
show a distaste for everything that is lovely; as well
as great want of refinement. Our manufacturers look
to nature and its floral beauty for patterns to beautify
their varied productions; they associate and blend
their influences through every department of lite; their
fragrance is dispensed amid the gaudy attired palace ;

as well as the humble and rustic cottage. They are
the companions of the rich, the learned, and the elo-

quent, as well as the humble, the illiterate, and the
poor; they are symbols, administering consolation to
the sorrowing, furnishing delight to the joyful and
happy heart; they point out the abode of taste and re-
finement, and the home of peace. A distinguished
clergyman, traveling in the western part of our far ex-
tended country, in the performance of his ministerial
duties, related, that when the time for seeking an asy-

29

lum for the night was approaching; he began to look
around for a house, with a neat door-yard, and showing
a display of flowers. When he found that spot, he
alighted for the night, and was always sure to meet a
cordial reception, with all the comforts of a quiet
and peaceful home. There is something so touching
in this truthful representation, that I could not for-
bear the pleasure of alluding to it, and must ask your
indulgence to relate another incident. A few months
since, I called with a friend on a much respected min-
ister of the gospel in this city, our attention was direct-
ed with considerable interest to a picture that hung
suspended on the wall; the design was a basket of
flowers, made from a collection of dried varieties ; this
we were informed, was the artistical arrangement of an
anonymous young lady; the melancholy circumstance
it intended to symbolize, was the death of two inter-
esting and beautiful children; two buds had fallen
from the basket, and in their descent they carried with
them the sad conviction that this was the abode of sor-
row; and asa father’s eye rested on these truthful
flowers, I could see the emotions of a deeply afilicted
heart. This small tribute, the workmanship of female
genius and refinement, was a gift of the beautiful—a
priceless gem; it clustered around it the associations
of the past, and presented a memorial of the purest
friendship and sympathy; even these dried leaves that
have long since departed their fragrance, are silent
monitors; but they convey language that gives joy in
sadness, and direct our thoughts from earth tothe pu-
rity and beauty of that brighter world.

30

Ina most classical and learned anniversary discourse,
delivered before the New York Horticultural Society
in 1828, I find the following elegant and remarkably
prophetic laneuage: “Could I move the authorities
of our city in the cause which I espouse, our public
squares and parks should become pleasure grounds,
disposed and decorated to regale our citizens. Within
their walks should be no fumes of the intoxicating
deity, but the pervading pure and salutary influence
of Nature’s God; and in the suburbs of our metropolis
should be a cemetery where the ashes of the departed
might repose in peace, where children might be liter-
ally gathered to their fathers, and where rural beds
and summer fowers, and the seared leaves of autumn
might teach lessons of morality, and speak of the
resurrection and life to come.” How truly its verifica-
tion has taken place, in part, in our own city, (but
without the aid of city authority.) Greenwood, our
pride and ornament, stands unequalled for the pur-
poses it was designed, abounding in rural beauty ofthe

most picturesque character.

“From the proud woods whose heads the sky assail,
To the low violet that loves the dale.’’

And we trust that the time may soon arrive when
our Parks, that are laying, uncultivated wastes, may be
adorned and beautified to promote the health and hap-
piness of our largely increasing population. Vast as-
sessments have been collected for these improvements,

and, notwithstanding they do not abound with trees,
or even the green grass rest on their bosom, they teem
with the reminiscences of revolutionary history, all of
which must be forgotten by our City Fathers, except
when an appropriation is asked for a trifle of powder
for the Fourth of July celebration. We have reason to
feel a deep interest in the science of Horticulture, it
has occupied the attention of the most intelligent
and learned in every age, and in our own times we
have had a Hosack, Mitchell, Floy, Bridgeman, Par-
menter, Downing, Hoge, and Lanore :—they have all
passed away, but their works will ever remain “ green”
with us.

“Our course is not only noble but benevolent; it ex-
érts a salutary, intellectual, and moral influence. It
has rich resources in the future, while it instructs and
edifies, ennobles and exalts; it awakens feelings of
philanthropy; its motto is “good will to man.” It in-
scribes above its portal what was written at the en-
trance of that memorable garden into which the very
Patriarch of Botany allured his followers, “Enter, for
God is here.”

LIST OF OFFICERS.

The following is the List of Officers of the
Society for 1855.

President—John W. Degrauw.

Vice Presidents—John Maxwell, Stephen Knowlton,
Henry A. Kent, Smith J. Eastman, John W. Towt.

Treasurer—W. 8. Dunham.
Corresponding Secretary—Delos W. Beadle.
Recording Secretary—Joseph Lees.

Executive Committec—M. L. Schaefer, Ira Smith, H.
A. Graef.

Finance Committee—Joseph H. Lester, John A. Nex-
sen, A. J. 8. Degrauw.

Library Committee—M. Arrowsmith, John Maxwell,
Hi. A. Graef.

Premium Commitiee—John W. Towt, George Ingram.

Committee on Fruits—J. EK. Ranch, James Weir, Wil-
liam Poynter.

Committee on Plants and Flowers—George Gamegee,
Joseph Lees, M. Brandigee.

Committee on Vegetables—George Hamlyn, D. W.
Beadle, W. Park.

Che Brooklyn Borlicultural Society in orcount with W. S. Donbam,
Creasurer.

Me.

Cr,

1854, To

« Do.
& Dos

© Do;
«Do.
«Do.
“ Do.
“Do.

Cash Paid for Furniture for Office and
Exhibition Rooms, gga we
Stationery, , . es a er
Advertising and Printiag, a *
Suadry Comtingeat HExpenses, 2
Premiums, . .. . i. Mato
Postage, 2. 1. 2 6 se ee
Rene. se 3 ges 5 ORS HB

Balance in Treasurers Hands. . .

$378
101
269
510
502
37
810
16

$2,184 72

1854, By Cash received for Members Tickets,
“ Do. For Exhibition Tickets, ae
© Do. From other Sourees,. . on

W. S. DUNHAM, Treasurer.

Brooklyn, December 81st, 1854.

We lave examined the above account and find it correct,
THO’S H. LESTER, t Finance

December 31st, 1854.

J. E, RANCH.

$1,306 00
770 72
108 00

$2,184 72

Committee.