266 A BOOK ABOUT ROSES. 



upon his vision, and his heart fails him. He steps, as it 

 were, from the warm stove, gay with orchids, into the ice- 

 house of chill despair. He is much too anxious and excited 

 to form any just conclusions ; and therefore, to engage his 

 thoughts more pleasantly, I will introduce him to his co- 

 exhibitors. 



Viewed abstractedly, these co-exhibitors are genial, gene- 

 rous, intelligent — men of refined taste and reverent feelings, 

 with the freshness of a garden and the freedom of the 

 country about their locks and ways. Viewed early in the 

 morning, as the novice sees them now, they are a little 

 dingy, without the freshness of the garden upon them, but 

 with something very like its soil. Some have not been in 

 bed since yesternight ; not one has slept his usual sleep. 

 Many have come from afar : — 



" They have travelled to our Rose-show 

 From north, south, east, and west, 

 By rail, by roads, with precious loads 



Of the flower they love the best : 



From dusk to dawn, through night to morn, 



They've dozed 'mid clank and din, 

 And woke with cramp in both their legs 



And bristles on their chin." 



" Piilvis ct umbra stivuis !'' they sigh — we are all over dust 



