AND HIS PLANT SCHOOL 93 



One of these, the dahlia, seemed to shrink from con- 

 tact with others, and did not care to be touched; for it had 

 long since learned that it lacked the one crowning quality, 

 fragrance. 



In fact, it had often heard remarks like this: "What a 

 pity the dahlia has no perfume !" "What a delightful 

 fragrance the violet has!" "How refreshing these sweet 

 peas are !" 



Naturally, it was a little jealous and envious; but it 

 was seemingly so helpless that it must be pardoned this 

 weakness. 



Year by year Burbank had noted its development in 

 becoming more beautiful and hardy; and from time to 

 time dahlias from other lands had been introduced to 

 assist in improving the style of dress and its rich colorings. 



One day she heard the teacher say: "The dahlia is such 

 a fascinating child to teach. I wish I could persuade her 

 to become fragrant. She is very obedient, so I am still 

 hoping that she will follow my instruction in this." 



Then this little discouraged pupil took courage, and 

 began to do all she could to help herself. She was surely 

 a delight to look upon. Her dress, fine and rich, was 

 neatly made, and its colors were always pleasing. Single 

 dahlias were too fine in appearance to be compared to any- 

 thing. So she was known as a coarse flower only because 

 she lacked fragrance. She would be so happy and useful 

 if this fault could be corrected. You know the bee is the 



