14 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



assertion that it is not worth while to try to have flowers without unlimited 

 means, that they are "so much trouble" and "do not pay," etc. '"God might have 

 made the earth bring forth enough for great and small, the oak tree, and the 

 cedar tree, and not a flower at all." 



That he did not so organize vegetation proves that a better way was His,^ 

 and that the dainty blossoms and the magnificent floral beauties have a mission 

 in the world besides that of propagation, and that the wondrous coloring which 

 bedecks the carpet of the earth was with a purpose woven there. 



But neither the veriest utilitarian nor the shrewdest philanthropist has any 

 objection to flowers in their native growth, nor stops to wonder why they live ; 

 they cost nothing, and time is too precious to waste in any argument or apprecia- 

 tion; and when wealth makes splendid floral displays, and science and art are taxed 

 to produce the most marvelous and entrancing collections, when language is too 

 meager to describe the bewildering glories, scant disapproval comes, even from 

 those who would not so expend their means. This is but a legitimate method of 

 expending large incomes, a commendable decoration an unselfish picture for one's 

 gazing friends, a cultivating and refining influences for the vulgar passer-by. 



But, should some one ^of moderate means wish to adorn her home with 

 flowers, an adverse feeling is forthwith expressed, and sharp criticism wonders 

 that any one with limited funds^will fritter away the precious stufl" on useless 

 flowers. 



Perhaps this censure falls from friendly lips, and the sensitive soul is 

 wounded and reproached, and forbears to obtain the coveted plants, and 'tis counted 

 a victory won by common sense ; but is it not too dearly bought ? 



Have flowers no mission but to gratify the taste of the rich, or please the eye 

 of the chance observer ? 



Truly these decorations of a Master's hand are wisely adapted to even a higher 

 purpose than simply charming and satisfying the innate love of beauty ever exist- 

 ing, though sometimes latent, in every heart. 



Let those ^hose object is a gorgeous display of color or a limitless wealth of 

 odorous sweetness, open their purses and speak their behest, the results are won- 

 drous and enchanting; but to the genuine flower or plant lover these qualities of 

 color and fragrance are but incidental features in study of development. 



Surely every woman should be encouraged to grow a few plants, if but for the 

 "fresh air" treatment it involves, for the busiest woman soon learns that the vi- 

 tiated air will not suffice for her plants, and though she is indifferent for her own 

 sake, for theirs the life-giying breath of heaven is admitted, even in cold weather, 

 and before Jack Frost is fairly put of sight in spring, the plants are relegated to the 

 open air, and in ministering to them comes added vigor. » 



But some thoughtful man, who fears lest a button be forgotten, or a favorite 

 dish be neglected, says, "To the weary woman these plants are but an added care , 

 leave them for those who have leisure and help." True, they are a care ; so is the 

 little child, but more fondly twine the affections around it for this reason. The 

 care, and growth responding to the care, is solace to a weary soul, bringing a 

 change of thought, an ever increasing interest in improvement and development, 

 a constant outlook for results to come, that help one to forget the burdens that 

 harass and disturb the every-day life of the average woman. 



The many and unavoidable failures and accidents that worry and perplex are 

 wisely ignored or forgotten, when the watchful eye is surprised by some thrifty 

 shoots, or some new form of aestivation, or some unexpected coloring in the longed 

 for bloom. 



