•230 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL 



During the reigu of Louis XIV of France, Le Notre laid out 

 the famous gardens of Versailles, and M. Fagon erected the first hot- 

 houses of France in the Jardine des Plantes. And from al)out 17()0 

 landscape gardening, and the adoption of the English style, rapidly 

 spread into France, Germany and Russia, where it still prevails. 



As we have shown, horticulture is of very ancient date, and with 

 the exception of certain modern improvements, such as glass houses, 

 etc., was in a high state of perfection two thousand 3^ears ago. And 

 as most of the elements of a modern architectural garden are alluded 

 to in connection with those of Babylon, see how we have followed 

 the early indications. 



The terraces no doubt were decorated with vases, parapets, etc., 

 and they are described as being furnished with groves, containing 

 fountains, seats, parterres and banqueting rooms, and as combining 

 the minute beauties of flowers and foliage with masses of light and 

 shade and extensive prospect. And the groves of Orontes must be 

 regarded as a park or large garden in the picturesque style. And as 

 with them the chief requisites were shade, coolness, fresh breezes, 

 fragrance and repose, for us we would use ( as we have more of vege- 

 table and fruit gardening) culture and inspiration, and then ask how 

 we differ? 



Ah, that's the question, and here lies the meat of the nut. Just 

 as in the spiritual plan of God we had Him in the beginning — then 

 the creation — the Mosaic dispensation, and now the Christian dis- 

 pensation with Christ, which is quickening, helpful, elevating, in^ 

 spiring, with God in all, through all. above and over all. 



So from our horticulture, with all its helping, stirring, ennobling, 

 filling, thrilling and esthetic tendencies, we must save our boys, train 

 our girls and win and hold the men in these sweet homes that have 

 come to us a precious afterthought under its sweet benedictions. 

 And as to the way to do this, we would say first of all, charm, and by 

 this charm hold the men and boys in the home, and commit to the 

 girls the keeping of all the bric-a-brac, the nick-nacks and the train- 

 ing of the tender vines and plants — give them and all the family 

 knowledge of all the household treasures — give all a share in them, 

 and then with care for them and conversation upon and about them, 

 look for evidences of growing love for, and such interest in, them as 

 can l)e trained into a real home conservative. 



Next to the love for those in the home comes the home itself, if 

 there be anything lovely there. 



One can scarcely imagine a man so degraded as not to take 

 hearty pride in a pure home, made fascinating and elevating by the 

 decorations and evidences of art and culture in wife and daughters. 

 In such a home expect like father, like son, and you will most likely 

 find a very chip of the old block. 



