rberry and small evergreens, which will
require but little labor in pruning and would become handsome ornaments.
The purple barberry, for example, would present an attractive appearance
during a large portion of the year. A new value may thus be given to
hedges by rendering moderate growers and those easily kept in shape
efficient barriers for farm and fruit gardens.

YOUNG MEN WANTED.

Perhaps one of the greatest needs of horticulture at the present day, is
young men to engage in the work--intelligent, patient, energetic young
men, who will begin and make it a life-labor and study. What nobler
employment in which young men can engage? What field for study and
investigation can be found for them which offers a more gratifying and
pleasant pursuit, and promises richer and more substantial results?

There are so many open questions connected with the science; so many
points that need investigation, so many problems to be solved; so much
to learn that is yet unknown--that the needs for more laborers are great
and pressing; and the wonder is that more of our young men are not
entering upon the work.

That young men are needed, rather than the old or middle aged, is
because many of the investigations to be undertaken require a lifetime
to perfect, and can only be brought to a profitable issue in a long
series of years. Such, for instance, as the production of new varieties
of fruits; the relative hardiness and longevity of trees; the effects of
soil and climate, heat, cold, etc., upon plant life; the degeneracy of
species, etc.;--all of which require a long series of experiments to
determine. Older men, here and there, are engaged in these
investigations; but they are passing away in the midst of their work
only partially accomplished, and their labors are thus in a degree lost.

Our farmers' sons--stout, healthy, energetic young men--are the ones
upon whom this labor and high duty more properly devolves. To them
belongs, or should belong, the honor and glory of pushing forward this
noble work. Many of these, however, are mistakenly leaving the farms to
engage in trade and speculation; while others who remain at home mostly
incline to other branches. The agricultural colleges are doubtless
developing a few faithful workers for these too neglected fields; but
these munificently endowed institutions are believed to fall far short
of their duty in this respect.

I will close by recommending this matter to the thou