AND HIS PLANT SCHOOL 95 



a long time to give it this long and strong but slender 

 stem." 



Some time after this, as he was passing the dahlia class, 

 there came to him a faint fragrance, which was very sweet. 

 He felt quite sure his hopes were coming true that the 

 dahlia would attain the perfume she so much desired, 

 and be promoted to the class of fragrant flowers. 



He sought out the one flower that gave forth the fra- 

 grance, and guarded it until the seeds should ripen, which 

 in due time were carefully planted. 



Some of the little seedlings gave from their first flowers 

 a hint of perfume like the rich magnolia blossoms. These 

 were carefully protected and cared for by the master. 

 For several years he gave them special attention, selecting 

 and planting only the seeds from the fragrant flowers. 

 Finally the full reward came the prayer of the dahlia 

 was answered, for one had the full, sweet fragrance of the 

 magnolia. 



The dahlia was thus given a rare and lasting perfume 

 by selection alone, under the direction of a great, under- 

 standing mind. * 



The verbena, which was scentless most often, but some- 

 times had an unpleasant odor, pleaded for fragrance, also. 

 It was a lovable child otherwise, always clothed in dainty, 

 delicate colors. 



At the close of a summer day, as Burbank was walking 

 among his plant pupils, he paused by the verbena plot, 



