84 ON THE PLEASURES AND ADVANTAGES OF FLORICULTURE. 



to replenish it. By this means every plant may thus have, its 

 peculiar food and nourishment. Floriculture is not, then, the mere 

 toy and pastime of a few Dutch boors or Spitalfield weavers, as it 

 was of yore, but an art and a science worthy the attention of every 

 inquiring mind. 



And, lastly, I recommend it " as inducing habits of industry, and 

 productive of health and happiness." The continued progress of 

 floriculture, and the encouragement given to it by the formation of 

 floral societies, exhibitions, &c, while they excite the enthusiastic 

 florist to praiseworthy and honourable emulation, also" prompt him to 

 the most unwearied industry and perseverance for its accomplish- 

 ment. His hands are always in employment, and his mind as actively 

 engaged in forethought and providence for the future. Thus habits 

 are early inculcated which will also attend him in all the walks of life. 



As to the healthfulness of the pursuit, there is none but will admit it. 



On this point all doctors agree ; for, although fresh air and exercise 



may be obtained by other means than that of gardening, yet to men 



of active minds, and particularly men in business, some stimulant — ■ 



some attraction — is necessary to draw them from the all-engrossing 



cares of busy life, in order to lead them in the more still and quiet 



paths of nature. Floriculture furnishes this stimulant ; for, while it 



gives health and recreation to the body, it also affords to the mind new 



and pleasant subjects to think upon, enlivens the spirits, and produces a 



cheerful and contented disposition. To the artizan and working man 



it is especially beneficial ; for, while yielding to him a solace and a 



balm after his hours of daily labour and toil, it at the same time 



keeps him aloof from those low and debasing practices which so often 



corrupt the morals of his fellow-mortals. Instead of returning home 



at night, fierce and besotted from the beer-house, he comes with a 



cheerful countenance to receive the welcome of a still more smiling 



wife; and he is thus far a happy man. To those, therefore, that are 



strangers to this source of happiness and enjoyment, I recommend, 



for once, the trial of it. Let them try it at its most captivating and 



propitious season; let them go forth at balmy morn, and behold the 



beauties of the garden on a morning in spring ; let them for once 



forsake their "falsely-luxurious" ease, and — 



" Springing from the bed of sloth, enjoy 

 The cool, the silent, and the fragrant hour." 



