140 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



The mathematician looks upon the mountain that hides its sum- 

 mit in the clouds, and only thinks of measuring its altitude and 

 taking its dimensions. It is true that it requires equal, if not more 

 effort, and as much strength of mind, to stud}^ and comprehend the 

 fields of beauty, and the handiwork of God, than it does the proposi- 

 tions of Euclid, or the properties of conic sections. 



We do not doubt the mathematical proposition that the three 

 angles of a triangle are equal to two right angles, but how can this 

 or any other mathematical proposition affect the conduct or life of 

 an individual? In fact, all the books and processes that we get from 

 our schools give no more than a bare opportunity to the indispensi- 

 bles of a general education. 



We must, then, to a great extent, get our common education by 

 observation, and dint of industry. 



Whence is it that the fields and the valleys get their grace, and 

 the long hues of meadow, mountain, river, lake and shore, conspire 

 so much to make the landscape beautiful? In what mold were Na- 

 ture's flovvers cast? 



The winding stream is made beautiful by the rush of its torrent 

 for an age, and by its steady pressure upon its banks chiseling out 

 its course to the sea. Only by the passing years of the glacier's 

 crush, and centuries of storm and sun are the hills rounded, and the 

 meadows and plains prepared for the growth of the beautiful in 

 nature. 



The study of the flowers is the study of the beautiful, founded 

 on the still more evident axioms of love, joy, hope and truth, and 

 can never be subtracted nor made to give place to cold, mathemati- 

 cal problems. 



If the world was presided over by an intellect whose ruling pas- 

 sion was to revel in mathematical problems alone, and who had no 

 love or sensibility for the beautiful, it would present a bleak and 

 cheerless aspect. The tender plant and tiny flower would shiver in 

 the chilling blast, receive its farewell shock, and lay its head upon 

 the lap of earth, to bloom no more. 



Thousands, however have, in almost every age and clime, turned 

 away from the constant study of mathematics and other like sciences, 

 to wonder, admire, and study in the beautiful fields of nature. 



It is said that no botanist was ever an Infidel. God speaks by 

 flowers, plants, and trees, as well as by prophets. Lord Bacon was a 

 lover of flowers and always desired to have them around him when 

 exploring the mysteries of that divine philosophy which has made his 

 name immortal among men. 



From the earliest historic ages down to the present time, flowers 

 have mingled with the great deeds and events of mankind. The 

 mythology of all ancient civilized nations is full of them, and they 

 have been associated, not only with the great events, but have orna- 

 mented the festal board ; and often the most imposing part of state 



