STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 405 



I have been informed by a person who was an intimate acquaint- 

 ance of the lady, that she was passionately fond of flowers, and I 

 imagine that, with the additional pleasure of seeing the efforts and 

 results of children, who no doubt also loved them, and who she had 

 aided— and who had only been able to produce very imperfect imita- 

 tions — were the two causes why she gave them so conspicuous a place 

 among her costly works of art. 



Mr President, if you and your associates think this an unwarranted 

 digression, it only proves the great mistake you made in inviting me 

 to prepare a paper. 



Pinally, whatever conduces to the pleasure and happiness of the 

 people, if useful and elevating, and which will elevate the aims and 

 purposes of life, should be encouraged. Such, to me, is the aim of 

 your association, and the result of the untiring labors of your Society; 

 for the twenty-one years you have devoted to it, will be felt long after 

 your work has been finished. I may be permitted to say, that I am 

 well aware, in this rigorous climate, much has to be done beside culti- 

 vating the beautiful, and few can spare the time to do very much; 

 but the example on a small scale, and by a small proportion of the 

 people, will exert a far greater influence than many people believe, 

 Many people, at this time wholly occupied in business afi'airs, appar- 

 ently think it a small matter, and beneath their notice, to give time 

 or attention to the adornment of homes. Whoever entered the parlors 

 of a friend, wTiere but a few old fashioned flowers are seen on the 

 mantel, but were pleased. No marriage ceremony can be consummated 

 without beautiful flowers; nor the last rites of burial of dear friends 

 without them. They are beautiful at all times, and everywhere, and 

 exert a powerful influence for good. 



My eyes have never beheld a more beautiful and inspiring sight 

 than is seen on the table in front; no artist was ever born that can 

 equal nature; they may, and do, approach very near. The God I 

 worship is as beautiful and lovely as the most beautiful of his works, 

 which surround us on every hand — with no hate or revenge, but who 

 would have all His children as good and pure and lovely as these beau- 

 tiful flowers. 



" Look dt the liliies, how they grow." 



'Twas thus the Savior sud, and we, 



E'en in the simplest flowers that blow, 



God's ever watchful care might see. 



" Shall He who paints the liliies' leaf. 

 Who gives the rose its scented breath, 

 Love all His works, except the chief, 

 And leave His image, Man, to death." 



