278 TEANSACTIONS OF THE ALTON-SOUTHEEN 



that well pays one for the time and labor expended in that direction^ 

 is beyond all question. Of all the luxuries which mortals enjoy, 

 none are more easily obtained, or more greatly to be prized. We 

 realize this when when we consider that in finding expression for 

 the deepest emotions we turn to the pure blossoms for aid. In their 

 beauty and fragrance they add to the blushing bride the one touch 

 of grace needed, and they alone are found worthy to be placed on 

 the breasts of our dead. One day of each year we, as a nation, 

 are united by them, as we reverently bedeck the graves of our sol- 

 diers with the one fitting emblem of our common love — a love that 

 broadens and deepens as time heals the rancor of party strife, until 

 the northern lilies shed their perfume o'er all that remains of the 

 martyred heroes in gray, and the southern roses creep through the 

 grass that covers onr own dear boys of the blue. The cultivation of 

 flowers also holds a fascination which few other occupations possess, 

 and they will furnish employment for many hours; though they in 

 their beauty " toil not," we must expend much labor in order to 

 obtain the desired results. 



As Pansies are the first flowers to greet us with their bright 

 faces on the return of spring, let us for a few moments consider 

 them. I sow the seed (about the first of March in a box, wetting 

 the earth with warm water before sowing, covering lightly with 

 sand, then laying a newspaper over it, which I keep moist and leave 

 on till the plants begin to appear, after which remove and force the 

 plants forward, not keeping too warm and wet, transplanting them 

 while quite small and as sooli as the weather will permit or the 

 ground is dry enough, in good rich soil, and where they have the sun 

 at least till noon. 1 prefer too much sun to a surplus of shade. 

 Keep the earth well worked around the plants, but not filling the 

 crowns with earth, and daring intense heat keep moist by mulching. 

 I usually pick off all buds while very hot, which enables them to 

 give large blossoms for fall; or fresh seed might be sown in July or 

 August, in a cool, damp ])lace, for fall blooming. Never let Pansies 

 make seed if you want blossoms, and the more flowers you pick the 

 more you will have. I next sow Sweet Peas (as soon as you do gar- 

 den Peas), in the place they are to remain in. I would say, by all 

 means have a few Sweet Peas. They will grow anywhere, only give 

 them sun and son]ething to twine themselves around; then pick 

 them without fear if you would have an abundance of bloom all 

 summer, not letting seed ])ods form. A vase of them will fill a room 

 with their fragrance. They should never be used with any other 

 flower if you would produce the best effect. Drop them in a tall, 

 flaring vase, and they will arrange themselves in a way to delight 

 the eye of anyone who loves beauty. The first week in April I sow 

 Verbenas, Phlox, Sweet Alyssuni, Candytuft, Mignonette, Snap 

 Dragon, Pinks and Dahlia seed; the first of May, i3alsams. Salvias, 

 Nasturtiiims, Asters, etc., transplanting as soon as large enough and 



