PRACTICAL HINTS IN FLORAL ADORNMENT. 



EEAD BY CHAKLES W. GARFIELD BEFORE THE ADRIAN FARMERS' 



CLUB, FEBRUARY 22, 1876. 



It is with some misgiviugs that I come before a matter-of-fact Farmers' Club, 

 the discussions of which, as I have read them from time to time, are character- 

 ized by good, practical, sensible ideas upon farm and dairy management, care of 

 stock, arrangement of farm buildings and kindred topics, ■\vith an address upon 

 a subject that flavors so strongly of the ornamental. But when I consider ho\r 

 little of home adornment finds its way into the deliberations of our agricultural 

 meetings, and how largely the happiness of our lives depends upon practical 

 taste in the embellishment of home and its surroundings, I am glad of this 

 opportunity to present a few thoughts upon a topic that lies close to my heart, 

 the careful consideration of which brings light into the loneliest hours, and gives 

 food to a part of our nature tluit is too often neglected, because it is not ^villing 

 to sacrifice every thing upon the altar of the almighty dollar. 



However philosophers may attempt to account for it, however they may theor- 

 ize and speculate about the matter, the fact remains jiatent that all in greater or 

 less degree enjoy beautiful things. This is noticeable in infancy and old age, and 

 in the savage as well as civilized man. The babe in its mother's arms reaches 

 eagerly for the lighted taper or the bit of scarlet ribbon, and is never so delighted 

 as when presented with a rich color or delicate form. Since we find this element 

 of appreciation implanted in man everywhere, unless we give it scope, oppor- 

 tunity for growth and material to feed upon, we say in as plain a language as words, 

 that we doubt the wisdom of the Divine author in planting within us so charac- 

 teristic a quality, and the proj^riety of placing in this world so many objects that 

 seem to serve no higher office than to satisfy in us the desire to see, and hear, and 

 make beautiful things. 



Yet many people seem to have so lost all relish for these things, in which they 

 once took the greatest delight, — to have become so materialized as no longer to 

 find any pleasure in them. >Some even appear to think it a Avicked waste of 

 time to cultivate flowers, and adorn their premises with shrubs and trees, or to 

 show any taste in the construction of their houses, and in the arrangement of 

 their gardens and fields. They have risen above such things, — have become 

 men and put away childisli matters ; never seeming to think that, perchance, 

 these were the very things designed to help make them purer and better men 

 and women, preparing them for a higher influence, and thus make them more 

 profitable workers in the field of the Master. 



As a prefatory remark to immediately precede my practical remarks njoon 



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