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                          [GENERAL HOST LETTERHEAD]





                                                                June 3, 1996



BY EDGAR TRANSMISSION
- ---------------------

Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20549

        Re:  General Host Corporation
             Registration Statement on Form S-3
             (Registration No. 33-58803)
             ----------------------------------


Dear Sirs:

        General Host Corporation,  a New York corporation (the "Company"), has
determined not to proceed with the registration of the securities covered by
the above-referenced registration statement, which has not been declared
effective and, accordingly, hereby requests the withdrawal thereof.  The
securities have not been sold or disposed of pursuant to the registration
statement.

        If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call (collect) 
the undersigned, at (313) 366-8400, or our outside counsel, Claude A. Baum, at 
(212) 326-3576.

                                        Very truly yours,


                                        /s/ J. Theodore Everingham

                                        J. Theodore Everingham
                                        Vice President, General Counsel
                                         & Secretary