The Love of Flowers in America 



with which their windows, in winter, are 

 stocked. Even the humblest dwelling has 

 its row of flower pots, or tin cans, well 

 filled with slips of Geranium, or other 

 bright flowers ; and the hours spent over 

 their gardens by gentlewomen who can- 

 not afford a gardener, are the best proof 

 that the affection they have for them is a 

 real and ardent one. I have known many 

 a house mother, burdened with domestic 

 cares, to rise before day to snatch an hour 

 for weeding or watering her little border, 

 that its fragrant contents might be of avail 

 for a friendly gift, or an adornment for 

 her own table. It is the rarest thing, in a 

 New England village, to enter a room in 

 summer and find no flowers disposed about 

 it ; and in the winter the eager question, 

 " How are your plants prospering ? " often 

 comes before the conventional inquiries 

 after the health of the members of the 

 household. New varieties are discussed 

 and exchanged ; there are rare Chrysan- 

 themums to talk about in autumn, and 

 choice Tulips and Hyacinths to be com- 

 plimented in the spring, and each one 

 knows what her neighbor's garden is most 

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