16 BRECK'S BOOK OF FLOWERS. 



" A taste for trees, and plants, and flowers, is the love an 

 enlightened mind and a tender heart pay to nature. It is a 

 peculiar attribute of woman, exhibiting the gentleness and 

 purity of her sex ; and every husband should encourage it ; for 

 his wife and daughters will prove wiser, and happier, and bet- 

 ter, by its cultivation. Who does not venerate and love some 

 tree, or rose, or honeysuckle, planted, it may be, by the hand 

 of some absent or departed mother, or sister, or brother ? and 

 who would not protect them with a holy reverence, as memen- 

 toes of a hallowed love as well as contributors to the gratifica- 

 tion of an elegant taste ? What can be more grateful to the 

 merchant, or man of any professional business, than to recreate 

 for a short time in a well-selected collection of flowers, neatly 

 arranged and cultivated ? Every one either engages his atten- 

 tion by its fragrance, color, or its peculiar character ; and many, 

 as the rose, white lily, &c., embrace everything to attract our 

 most ardent desires." 



In reply to the question often asked, What is the use of 

 flowers ? Cobbett asks another : What is the use of anything ? 

 There are a variety of things pleasing to the eye of man, 

 some of them expensive and not within the reach of all; but 

 flowers may, without much expense, be possessed by the hum- 

 blest individual. Their cultivation may be made one source 

 of happiness to the family. Let heads of families gather 

 around them every source of innocent amusement and recre- 

 ation for their children. They should endeavor to make their 

 home attractive and lovely; in doors and out, a paradise, if 

 possible. 



