650. The botanic garden of the Dublin Society was established in 1790, chiefly through the exertions of Dr. Walter Wade. It contains upwards of thirty acres, delightfully situated, and very ingeniously arranged; and, unlike most of the other botanic gardens in Ireland, always excepting that of Trinity College, it is very perfectly kept up. There are a few private collections in Ireland; and one of the best flower-gardens is that of Lord Downes, at Merville, near Dublin; but, in general, it may be stated, that ornamental culture of every kind is in its infancy in that country. Something will probably be effected by the Dublin Horticultural Society, established in 1816. The origin of this society is thus given:-In the reign of George I, the Huguenots established a florists' club, for the promotion of the cultivation of florists' flowers, which was continued till the reign of George II. From that time the science of gardening was entirely neglected in Ireland, until a number of the principal gardeners in the vicinity of Dublin formed themselves into a horticultural society in 1816
