THE CULTURE OF FLOWERS. BOTANY. 401 



London, which, for their extent, and in some parts for their 

 beauty, can scarcely be too much admired, these places are not 

 open to the public. The splendid exhibitions of the botanical 

 societies can be shared only at an expense quite beyond the 

 means of the great mass of the community j and are thus arranged 

 with an evident intention to exclude them. If the acquisition 

 of money for the payment of premiums, to encourage emulation, 

 be the object, this object would not be defeated by admitting 

 the public on succeeding days, or on other occasions, freely or for 

 a small fee. The squares in London, full as they are of beauti 

 ful shrubs and flowers, are nevertheless all kept under lock and 

 key, and the public are wholly excluded. I must except from 

 these remarks the magnificent grounds of the Duke of Devon 

 shire at Chatsworth, to which access is free ; the Arboretum at 

 Derby, of which I have spoken in another place, and which the 

 liberality of a spirited merchant has expressly consecrated to 

 public use the Royal Gardens at Kew, and the charming 

 grounds at Hampton Court, near London, which are open to the 

 public under proper restrictions. There may be many others, 

 which have not come within my knowledge. A spirit is evi 

 dently growing up in England, which will presently show itself 

 in the most ample provision for the gratification of the masses. 

 This great people are not wanting in philanthropy ; and though 

 highly conservative in all their arrangements, and phlegmatic 

 and slow in coming to their convictions, are sure to follow them, 

 when they are once determined. 



I am aware that most of these squares are private property ; 

 but it would be a noble charity, small to those who give, but 

 great to those who receive it, to allow the poorer classes to enjoy 

 them, at least at fixed times, and under proper restrictions. The 

 admirable police of London would easily guard against any irreg 

 ularity or nuisance ; and, indeed, where people are accustomed 

 to such indulgences, no person thinks of committing a trespass. 

 I believe the English people have as high a sense of honor and 

 justice as any people living, where confidence is reposed in them. 

 It is for want of this confidence that persons are often led to do 

 wrong. No better use can be made of wealth than to multiply 

 the rational and innocent pleasures of the poorer classes, to im 

 prove their taste, and to elevate their characters. A philanthropic 

 mind can find no higher gratification than in giving pleasure to 

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