260 THE FLORIST. 



tlon is a most interesting trait in their character, from which the 

 happiest results may be anticipated when it is encouraged and rightly- 

 directed. In the crowded streets of Spitalfields, the silk- weavers 

 grow Auriculas, Polyanthuses, &c. ; and in Lancashire the same order 

 of men is famous for skill in most horticultural operations. The 

 cottage of a spinner in that district was lately entered by a clergy- 

 man, who was surprised to see a number of bright copper kettles 

 hanging in a row, and he expressed his astonishment, and begged to 

 be informed whether he dealt in that article, as he could have no use 

 for so many vessels of a similar character. With a broad grin, the 

 mechanic informed the inquirer that these were prizes gained at 

 exhibitions of Gooseberries, Tuhps, &c. The idea seems ludicrous 

 at first, yet it is not really more so than that suggested by the side- 

 board of a great wool-leger or agriculturist, where we have seen a 

 number of silver cups and flagons, gained as prizes, of as little use 

 to the owner as the copper kettles of the weaver. In both cases an 

 honest pride may be properly felt, and around the respective vessels, 

 whether silver or a baser metal, associations of honest endeavour and 

 persevering industry will linger. 



Apart from the influence of these pursuits on the mind of a poor 

 man, they can scarcely fail to make his home more happy ; for whe- 

 ther the garden joins the homestead or not, the wife and children are 

 made to share in his labours, his ambition, and his triumphs. Many 

 a thrifty housewife has had to thank God that her husband took to 

 flowers and gardening, not only because they keep him from the 

 ale-house, but also on account of the facilities aff'orded for getting 

 the little ones out of her way when they accompany the good man to 

 his allotment. She may be sometimes a little vexed when too many 

 of the neighbours are brought over her clean floor to look at an 

 Auricula just being kept back for the show, or a Gooseberry larger 

 than was ever known in the memory of man ; yet, on the whole, she 

 is thankful. Her table is supplied with good fruit and vegetables ; 

 some comforts are purchased by the prizes received (for they are 

 often given in money as well as kettles) ; while an air of superior 

 intelligence is diff'used over the whole household by the intellectual 

 pursuit of its head. 



Then there is the intercourse created by these occupations be- 

 tween the lower, middle, and higher classes, — a benefit which cannot 

 be too highly prized. We are taught that, however we may differ 

 in outward circumstances, there are more points of resemblance than 

 of dissimilitude between all men. What philanthropist or right- 

 minded person who has learned on the highest authority to " honour 

 all men," will not rejoice in such a result as this ? 



Henry Burgess. 



