721. The increasing culture of exotics, Dr. Pulteney observes, 'from the beginning of the eighteenth century, and the greater diffusion of taste for the elegancies and luxuries of the stove and greenhouse, naturally tended to raise up a spirit of improvement and real science in the art of culture. To preserve far-fetched varieties, it became necessary to scrutinise into the true principles of the art, which ultimately must depend on the knowledge of the climate of each plant, and the soil in which it flourishes in that climate. Under the influence of such men as Sloane, the Sherards, and other great encouragers of science, gardeners acquired botanical knowledge, and were excited to greater exertion in their art.'
