394 EUROPEAN AGRICULTURE. 



for sale in these different markets, not less than 30,000 pots of 

 flowers, the value of which is estimated at full 9000 dollars, or 

 1800 sterling. With the strict notions of utility entertained by 

 some persons, such facts may seem scarcely compatible ; but, if 

 we may judge that to be useful, which gives us a pure and per 

 fectly innocent pleasure, certainly there is no luxury whatever 

 which should be looked upon with more favor. There are dis 

 tinct markets, held likewise at proper seasons, for the sale of 

 trees, ornamental and fruit-trees, and flowering shrubs and plants, 

 presenting an extraordinary and beautiful variety. 



CXXL THE CULTURE OF FLOWERS. BOTANY. 



Perhaps I have already said, in other places, as much as my 

 readers will bear, with patience, of the cultivation of flowers. 

 Yet I must crave a further indulgence. I must urge it on 

 grounds of utility, on grounds of taste, and, above all, on moral 

 grounds. My words will reach many dwellers in the country, 

 who, amidst their daily severe labors and toils, are sighing for 

 some relaxation, and some refreshment of the soul. They want 

 something which shall relieve the dull monotony of their daily 

 toil ; something which shall interest their cares, their thoughts, 

 their imaginations, I will add, their affections. They require 

 that which, so far from wasting, shall invigorate their strength. 

 They require a pleasure which shall be inexpensive, and easily 

 attainable, and innocent, and which, enjoyed to its utmost extent, 

 so far from satiating and exhausting either the body or mind, 

 shall not weary the former, and shall enlarge, recreate, and ele 

 vate the latter, and fill it with the purest delight. All this is at 

 hand in the cultivation of flowers. The taste which leads to it 

 is among the most pure and the most innocent which can be 

 indulged, and where it does not interfere with imperative duties, 

 is unexceptionable. 



I cannot say that, as a science for study, botany is ordinarily 

 presented in a form interesting to general readers. The general 

 classification of plants, and the scientific distinctions which are 



