SEPTEMBER. 221 



the gradations of vegetable life, from the Daisy to the lofty Pines on 

 mountain-tops, or the Cedars of Lebanon, sweet voices are uttered in 

 the ear of the observers of divine Providence. 



" Oh, chide not at the simple theme which wakes the minstrel's lay. 

 Earth were less bright without the flowers which blossom by the way ; 

 He at whose word the universe her ancient might did yield 

 Hath taught proud man a lesson from the flowers of the field ; 

 I thank thee, God, for every boon thy hand in mercy showers. 

 And oh, not least among thy gifts, the beautiful wild flowers !" 



Perhaps our observations may by some be thought too serious ; 

 but we ask. Is floriculture to be subservient only to mere amusement, 

 or is it to perform a part in our highest mental and moral training } 

 It would ill become us to trace the influence of a love of nature on 

 refining and civilising outward life, and not to dwell on its capacity 

 for ennobling the finer powers of the intellect and the heart. We 

 have discharged a duty which has been profitable to ourselves in its 

 performance, and we hope it has not been fruitless in reference to 

 others. We have only to dwell on the subsidiary results of flori- 

 culture when combined with the social principle, either in public ex- 

 hibitions or in private life, and our task will be done. 



Henry Burgess. 



AN ESSAY ON FLOWERS. 



BY H. T. TUCKERMAN, NEW YORK.* 



Floral apostles ! that in dewy splendour 



Weep without woe, and blush without a crime. 



Oh, may I deeply learn, and ne'er surrender, 

 Your lore subhme. 



Horace Smith. 



I ATTENDED church OD a fine day of midsummer, in one of the most 

 beautiful villages of New England. The structure, though exter- 

 nally attractive from its retired situation and the pleasant grove 

 that surrounded it, like most places of worship in the country, had 

 a very bare and unhallowed aspect within. I suddenly, however, 

 beheld a vase of flowers on the communion-table. They were most 

 inartificially and tastefully arranged ; the brilliant tints judiciously 

 blended, the shadowy green naturally disposed, and the base of the 

 jar which contained them wreathed with trailing blossoms. The 

 sight of this vase of flowers was like enchantment ; it seemed to fill 

 that forlorn church with its presence ; it spoke of nature, of beauty, 

 of truth ; it atoned for the meagre altar, the homely edifice, and the 

 ungarnished pew. 



Science and sentiment have rather formalised than illustrated the 

 association of flowers. The one by its rigid nomenclature, and the 

 other by an arbitrary language, profane the ideal charms of the floral 



* Somewhat abridged from the Horticulturist. 



