26 FLOWERS. 
which Nature hands alike to all. It has been said 
that birds are the poor man’s music, so wild flowers 
may be said to be the poor man’s poetry ; for him, as 
for all, they open their gay petals, and exhale the 
sweetest odors; they smile upon his toils, and add 
new charms to repose. 
To children, flowers are an unfailing source of de- 
light; and the first blossom that flings its fragrance 
upon the spring air is welcomed by them as a har- 
binger of future joys. With what care may they 
often be seen nursing their little daisy-plants, when 
their whole happiness seems wrapt up in their suc- 
cessful growth! And the violets which they have 
dug from the woods, and transplanted into their own 
gardens, are watched with the greatest anxiety. This 
love of children for flowers is implanted in their young 
breasts by Him who created every blossom pure and 
beautiful, and a fit object of admiration and love. 
There is much that is interesting and worthy of 
our attention in flowering plants, besides their beau- 
tiful colors, and attractive and showy appearance; 
many of them possess peculiar habits which render 
Complete Stamensand Ovaryand Calyx and Ovary and 
flower. Pistil. Pistil. Corolla. Calyx. 
them objects of wonder. Even the simple parts of a 
flower, when separated, bear evidence of a superior 
