.::^z 



I.Il i: IN IIIE COUNTKV. 



mnny of them brought from a distance, and such as had never been seen in the ncigh- 

 borhootl before. Tlio young man attended this exhibition, and looked at tlie display 

 witli \vonder and surprise. Notliing astonisliecl him more than the lively, joyous inter- 

 e!>t, those engaged took in the arrangement of tlioir several collections. AVhile he had 

 looked upon everything connected with the cultivation of the soil as a heartless drudg- 

 crv, here even the ladies appeared to engage in it with a zeal and a pleasure he could 

 hardly account for. One class of flowers particularly attracted his notice ; he procured 

 a few plants — planted them, and nursed and watched them, and waited anxiously and 

 impatiently for the coming bloom. In due time his plants blossomed, and their extra- 

 ordinary beauty repaid him for his toil. lie carried off the prize at the next show. 

 Elated at his success, and the pleasure it afforded him, he increased his collection — for- 

 got all about the sea and strange lands — and became one of the most enthusiastic and 

 intelligent cultivators, and the most successful competitor for prizes at the shows of the 

 Uorticultural Society. He now takes hold of farming in earnest — aims at the finest 

 crops ; and the parents reap in the society, perhaps, the salvation of their son, and in the 

 better management of the farm, the happy influence of flowers upon the young mind, 

 and the benefits of horticultural societies. 15ut for this society, sir," he continued, "I 

 should not have had the pleasure of your acquaintance, nor you the benefit of my 

 advice." 



"When my friend bade me adieu for the evening, I felt I had gained some new 

 ideas — some food for thought and reflection. 



