112 Wisconsin State Horticultural Society. 



cultivation of flowers, without any apparent profit arising there- 

 from. To the lovers of flowers and all that is grand and beautiful 

 in nature, the problem is easily solved. They can readily appreciate 

 the happiness and rewards derived from association with God's 

 beautiful gift the flowers. It has a refining, ennobling, christianiz- 

 ing influence ; it teaches humility and a firm, confiding reliance on 

 the Great Creator, who provides the necessary conditions for the 

 growth and perfect development of our loved and cherished 

 friends, the flower plants. 



The experienced florist well knows the amount of care and 

 labor required in the cultivation of flowers ; he knows that his 

 plants need almost as much care and watchfulness as a fond 

 mother gives in the guardimship of her lovely child, but if his 

 heart is in the work, he accepts the responsibility, well knowing 

 that he will be richly rewarded for all the labor bestowed. 



One of the most enjoyable experiences of the florist consists in 

 observing the gradual and perfect development of the various 

 plants and shrubs of the garden. Changes occur every day, so 

 that he is constantly instructed and entertained, from early spring 

 until late in the autumn, in beholding the wonderful workings of 

 nature's laws in its tireless course, " without haste and without 

 rest," patiently bringing forth the leaves ajid buds, and unfolding 

 and perfecting the lovely blossoms. Surely the culture of flowers 

 is a pleasant and profitable employment. Ladies, on account of 

 their more refined and cultivated taste, enjoy the sight of flowers 

 more than men, but they do not always have the time and strength 

 to battle with the weeds, and protect the plants. Let those of us who 

 are able and have leisure, do our share in aiding nature in the pro- 

 duction of the beautiful flowers God has provided as a token of 

 His goodness towards us, and enjoy the rewards resulting from the 

 consciousness of having done something to add to the attractive- 

 cess of this beautiful world. Then as we sit in our cozy homes, 

 looking out on the world clad in its pure white wintry garb, we 

 will long for the return of spring, when the earth shall be again 

 clad in a mantle of verdure, when the buds will burst forth, and 

 the roses will bloom again, to gladden our hearts and make the 

 pathway of life purer, brighter and happier ; and when the loved 



