38 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



So the care of flowers sustains and strengthens many an aching- 

 heart, and lifts it above the grossness of earth to purer air and to a 

 higher life. And beautiful surroundings influence very powerfully a 

 life to be beautiful also. As we look around on these lovely flowers 

 we must say : " Even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like 

 one of these." They sweeten the air, rejoice the eye, and link us with 

 nature and innocence Though they are all beauty, they have no van- 

 ity, but live purely to afford pleasure and do good. As Horace Smith 

 has so beautifully written : 



"Not useless are ye, flowers, though made for pleasure, 



Blooming in field and wood by day and night, 

 From every source your presence bids me treasure 

 Harmless delight. 



In the sweet-scented pictures, heavenly artist, 



With which thou paintest nature's widespread hall, 

 What a delightful lesson thou impartest 

 Of love to all! 



Your voiceless lips, O flowers, are living preachers; 



Each cup a pulpit, every leaf a book, 

 Supplying to my fancy numerous teachers 

 From loneliest nook. 



Were I, O God ! in churchless lands remaining, 



Far from all voice of teachers or divines, 

 My soul would find in flowers of thy ordaining, 

 Priests, sermons, shrines." 



"Beautiful flowers, beautiful flowers! 

 Filling with sunshine our earthly bowers ; 

 Breathing of heaven, when fainting we lie, 

 Lifting our hearts to the Giver on high ; 

 Covering hU footstool with brightness and bloom, 

 To deck for the bridal, or robe for the tomb ; 

 Teaching us faith when a dark cloud lowers, 

 This is jour mission — beautiful flowers! " 



