BOOK OF FLOWERS. 



ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CULTIVATION 

 OF FLOWERS. 



" How exquisitely sweet 

 This rich display of flowers, 

 This airy wild of fragrance, 

 So lovely to the eye, 

 And to the sense so sweet ! " 



11 And round about he taught sweet flowers to grow." 



" FLOWERS ! The cultivation of flowers," say some ; " of 

 what use ? It gives us neither meat, drink, nor clothing." 

 Well, supposing it does not? Shall we not turn our thoughts 

 to something else besides corn and potatoes, and the produc- 

 tions of the earth which only keep soul and body together? 

 Is there no mind to feed and delight ? Shall we always be 

 plodding ? Will it always be the inquiry, " What shall we 

 eat, and what shall we drink, and wherewithal shall we be 

 clothed ? " Must care and business always engross the whole 

 mind ? The earth, the seas, and skies, are full of the wonders 

 of God's beautiful creation. Shall we close our eyes, stop our 

 ears, and be dumb, when there is such an endless profusion 

 around us, to delight, to cheer, and soothe us ? We need not 

 compass sea and land for our gratification ; the means for 

 innocent and healthy relaxation are within the reach of every 

 one. It lies around us ; it is at our feet; " it may be found 

 in the garden, where, in the beginning, everything pleasant to 

 the sight " was congregated. 

 2 



