26S A BOOK ABOUT ROSES. 



us that there are strong brains and gentle hearts within 

 those swart and grimy exteriors, and that he will find in the 

 brotherhood hereafter — so I prophesy from my own ex- 

 perience — many dear and steadfast friends. For me flori- 

 culture has done so much — quickening good desires and 

 rebuking evil — that I have ever faith in those w^ith whom 

 its power prevails. But let us never forget, while we con- 

 gratulate and commend each other as florists, that humility 

 on the score of our multitudinous weeds is more becoming 

 than pride in our little dish of sour wizened fruit ; that *' we 

 are the sons of women, Master Page;" and that the old 

 serpent hides still among our flowers. And now, to con- 

 firm such wholesome memories, I will present to the young 

 Rosarian one or two specimens of our weaker brethren, 

 that he may learn to check betimes in himself those infir- 

 mities W'hich are common to us all, and which, when they 

 gain the mastery, make men objects of contempt and ridi- 

 cule. I must add that, although I paint from the life, my 

 pictures are never portraits of the individual, but always 

 studies from the group — a group brought together by 

 memory from diverse parts and periods, but displaying in 

 its members such a strong family resemblance that I must 

 guard myself against a natural suspicion. 



