CHAPTER XX 

 THE JOY OF A FLOWER HOBBY 



IF you would add joy in the flower garden, 

 make a hobby of some particular flower or 

 flowers. Here is the crowning touch that raises 

 garden pleasure to the last degree of height. To 

 the ordinary joy of the collector any garden is a 

 collection, pure and simple it adds the joy that 

 can come only through selection, as distinguished 

 from mere aggregation. 



The aim may be, but generally is not, the ex- 

 clusion of all save the subject of specialization. 

 The usual plan is likened fairly to the way of a man 

 who collects books, but makes Burns his hobby ; who 

 collects paintings, but prides himself on the accumu- 

 lation of Corots, or who collects postage stamps, 

 but lays chief stress on United States issues. Cer- 

 tainly there is no need of exclusion; it is possible to 

 have numerous friends and yet prefer one, or a few, 

 above others. 



A peculiarly happy note to this hobby is the fact 

 that it is open virtually to all; rich and poor, in 

 some way, may ride it to their heart's content. Prob- 

 ably none who has played the game with much 



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