588 FOREST CULTURE AND 
which we are surrounded anywhere. We can scarce- 
-ly cast our eye on any object without meeting some 
flower or foliage, from the humblest moss to the proud- 
est tree, about which an educated mind is desirous to 
be informed. A room, however modest, can be ren- 
dered more cheerful by a few flowers; the splendor 
and elegance which graces a ball-room would be de- 
prived of much of its charms without floral gayness. 
What can be more lovely than the buds of purest 
white in bridal wreaths, when they adorn the happy 
brow 2? Who did not admire, in the fétes for our 
charities, the garlands woven by tender hands, or the 
flower-bunches gathered with smiling faces? Or, if 
we wish to pay the last worldly homage to the depart- 
ed dear to us, do we not seek for a few snowy blooms 
to press into the cold hand, or to carry to the last rest- 
ing-place ? In all the changeable events of this ver- 
satile life, whether the saddest or most hopeful, we 
are longing to find in the floral world some emblems 
for our joyfulness, as well as for our deepest grief. 
Ever sought, ever admired, at the happiest hours 
chosen as the silent interpreters of affection, and in 
the gloomiest moments as the symbols of woe, flowers 
seem identified with all the tender feelings and all the 
gentle sentiments of mankind. Can there be, then, 
more noble objects for our studies ? or are we to rest_ 
satisfied with a mere instinctive recognition of their 
outer form, bare of real knowledge of any kind? One 
of the great objects which a scientific garden is to ful- 
fill for whole communities, indeed, consists in elevat- 
ing the traditionary notions or the simple conceptions 
of plants to scientific cognizance and the highest edu- 
cational standard. 
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