The new position we find ourselves most unexpectedly placed in as conductor of this journal, has naturally induced more than ordinary reflection, not only on the existing state, but on the future prospects of American Horticulture; and it has occurred to us that it might be well to note here, as a starting point, the impressions which this reflection has suggested.

In taking a survey of the existing state of horticulture, the first thing that strikes us as noteworthy is, that Pomology - the study and culture of fruits - has advanced far beyond other branches of the art; and that in many respects it has already reached an importance here quite equalling if not surpassing what it has ever yet assumed in the oldest and most highly cultivated countries of the old world. This is what might have been naturally expected, for fruit culture is par excellence the useful of horticulture; and among a people so practical, so industrious, energetic, and money-making as ours, the useful, or that which offers an immediate and substantial remuneration, will always be in advance of the ornamental, or that which has more especially for its object the promotion of comfort and the gratification of taste. That very many have embarked in fruit culture to supply their own wants and gratify their own tastes, we do not of course deny; but what gives special prominence and importance to this branch of industry, and has latterly given such an extraordinary impetus to its development, is its commercial aspect - the planting of orchards for the production of fruit for markets.

East and west, north and south, orchards are being planted on so extensive a scale as to seem entirely chimerical but for our vast extent of country, and an immense population, increasing in a ratio which no foresight can calculate. This has given a corresponding impetus to the culture of nursery trees, and converted this within a few years from an almost unnoticed pursuit into what is very justly regarded as a great interest, in which a large amount of capital is invested and labor employed. There is haps no way in which we can so accurately estimate the number of fruit trees planted annually in this country, as to glance over the nurseries. The advertising pages of this and other kindred journals display at times a most imposing list; but what are these to the thousand other establishments throughout the country that do not resort to advertising as a means of making sales. We think we intent safelv sav that at one point alone, in the vicinity of one town, there are as many fruit trees grown and sold as in all England, or we might say the "three kingdoms." Withal, the supply has not been, so far, equal to the demand, and orders to Europe for some years past have been so numerous and so extensive as to materially affect the business there.

To our own knowledge the leading European nurseries have greatly extended their propagation on account of the American trade; and the inferior samples of many articles latterly sent out, show how closely their stock is annually disposed of.

It is unnecessary to examine more closely into these matters to become convinced that in the culture of fruit trees at least there is no lack of enterprise; and that as a branch of horticulture and profitable industry, it has become a great national interest, entitled to all the attention that can be given it by this and other journals devoted to the interests of horticulture. It is of great importance, not only to individuals, but to the country at large, that so much capital, labor, and skill as are absorbed by this pursuit, should be turned to the best possible account, and that every step be made in the right direction. The organization of an " American Pomological Society" was a timely and fortunate proceeding, and one which placed us, in this respect, in advance of other nations. No such society has yet been instituted in Europe, although greatly needed there as well as here, if only for the sake of reform in nomenclature. Those who import varieties from abroad well understand what confusion prevails there in regard to names. We look to this Society not only for a much needed reform in this respect, but for the collection of all useful information in regard to soils, climates, modes of culture, and in short everything pertaining to fruit and its culture.

We consider the last session as establishing its character for utility, and substantiating its claims to public support. It has now the benefit of a constitution and laws, and is placed under the guidance of a wise, experienced, and zealous head, with worthy coadjutors. American fruit growers and nurserymen far and near look to it as the nucleus of an institution that shall be to them a beacon light, and a monument of their zeal and intelligence. In addition to this national society, various state and sectional societies of a similar character are already organized, and have held very interesting and instructive meetings. These will be so many auxiliaries, and can not fail to be of great service in concentrating the experience of their respective districts, in promoting a taste for fruit culture and in collecting and diffusing information on the subject. Association is one of the most powerful aids of science and art in all countries.

In descending from a general to a more particular view of the condition and progress of fruit culture, we find that one of its most remarkable phases is the attention given to the pear. Until within a few years, Boston held undivided sway in pear culture; her exhibitions alone displayed extensive collections. Very few cultivators beyond the limits of city suburbs had thought of planting a respectable collection of pear trees; throughout Western New York, which has latterly been styled the "Belgium of America," there were but a few scattering trees of the Virgalieu, the Summer Bell, ( Windsor,) and the old Summer Bonchretien. How is it now ? The exhibitions of late years answer - collections of ten, twenty, thirty, fifty, and up to nearly two hundred varieties, grown in the highest perfection, and accurately named, are to be found at our fall shows. The exhibitions in Ohio and Michigan the past season, show how rapidly this spirit is traveling westward. Great pear orchards, ranging from one hundred to one thousand, and even to several thousand trees, are in all directions starting into existence; and every man who has a garden and regards himself at home, is planting pear trees.