MAY. 105 



they feel that it is a something beyond the general reach, and look 

 upon its exercise on their behalf with a very different glance to that 

 which is bestowed upon the money-gift. Now, is it so very difficult 

 a matter in a parish to find a man who will give, one evening per 

 week or fortnight during the summer months, some general instruc- 

 tion on Floriculture in the village schoolroom, or elsewhere, to a few 

 of his brother-men ? The vicar — and there are few who would refuse 

 — perhaps might do it, and find therein a wondrous help to his more 

 spiritual teaching ; or the gardener of some neighbouring gentleman 

 might be induced to undertake it, in the absence of My Lord, Sir 

 John, or the Squire, neither of whom, if in earnest, and possessed of 

 the requisite knowledge, should refuse the task. They would find an 

 ample recompense in the estimation in which they would be held ; 

 and instead of detracting from their dignity, it would assuredly add 

 to their respect. 



Now let us glance at the expense part of the question. 



Village labourers are no more ubiquitous than their fellows ; and 

 if once, as I have before suggested, a sufficiently strong interest be 

 aroused to keep a man to his home and garden, and also with his 

 presence gladden the floricultural lecture alluded to above, we may 

 fairly presume that half the fight is won. For of a certainty, if he 

 be thus engaged, instead of discussing the materiel of the " King's 

 Head," or the inspiring qualities of the " Queen's Arms," he will be 

 enabled, poor though at best he is, to subscribe on the average a half- 

 penny, or even a penny a week, to form a sufficient fund to provide 

 the prizes ; for it is not the amount of money to be gained that 

 should form the ground of emulation, but something far higher and 

 more elevating. (In fact, I may observe, en passant, that I doubt the 

 propriety of having money prizes at all : would not a flower of a 

 superior sort, not likely to be attainable by the candidate for floricul- 

 tural honours, or a selection of first-rate seeds, garden-tools, or a 

 small frame, be much more appropriate and less objectionable? How- 

 ever, this by way of digression.) This money having been collected 

 weekly, say from twelve to twenty, or as many more as could be got, 

 of the village poor, and a committee formed, in which they should 

 take a share, with, maybe, the clergyman, or a friendly surgeon, for 

 the president, what is to prevent the carrying out of the independent 

 principle I propose ? 



And here, again, will the fixed stars of the neighbourhood effi- 

 ciently lend their aid ? Let the hall-lawn be the point of meeting, 

 and the hospitality of the Squire gladden the winners,, and cheer on 

 the losers to try again. Let the ladies of the several "families," too, 

 join the happy throng, that, while adding to the other beauties of 

 the scene, they may likewise spread the ennobling sentiment of sym- 

 pathy in the minds and hearts of their poorer sisters. Let the vicar be 

 there with his cheering words and approving smiles, but by no means 

 to the exclusion of any who may " differ" in theology, but agree in 

 striving to work out the true principles of charity, each in his own 

 way. Let the little children be there too, that they may learn their 

 early lessons in a school where love and harmony and goodwill to 



