CULTIVATION OF FLOWERS. 15 



only please the eye and gratify the passing observer, but con- 

 tain a beauty in their structure, in the most minute parts and 

 coloring, that conveys a pleasing and natural lesson to the most 

 accurate and intelligent observer, with everything to please and 

 nothing to offend. 



Who, that was blessed with parents that indulged themselves 

 and children with a flower-garden, can forget the happy, inno- 

 cent hours spent in its cultivation ? O ! who can forget those 

 days, when, to announce a bud, or the coloring of a tulip, or 

 the opening of a rose, or the perfection of a full-blown peony, 

 was glory enough for one morning ? 



" Who can forget the vine planted by his mother's own hand 

 when he was a little child ? Its tendrils now cling to the top- 

 most branches of a tall tree in the front yard ; and he never 

 revisits the scene of his childhood, without gratifying some of 

 the holiest emotions of his nature, by sitting under its shelter, 

 and recalling the earliest and happiest associations of his life. 

 And there, too, clinging about the columns of the porch, is the 

 coral honeysuckle, shading the evening window with its rich 

 and delicate clusters of flowers ; and at every footstep along 

 the border, are the many-hued flowers planted by a sister. 



" It has been said by travellers that they could distinguish a 

 pure-minded and more intelligent family, from the appearance 

 of the house and grounds in this particular. The difference 

 was striking, the house of the more intelligent \vas sur- 

 rounded with flowers the windows displayed them vines 

 were twined with care and taste over the dwelling. Another 

 presents a different spectacle. The weeds and briers are 

 allowed to hold their dominion. In short, Solomon's picture 

 of the garden of the sluggard is exactly verified. 



" The cultivation and study of flowers appears more suited 

 to females than to man. They resemble them in their fra- 

 gility, beauty, and perishable nature. The Mimosa may be 

 likened to a pure-minded and delicate woman, who shrinks 

 even from the breath of contamination ; and who, if assailed 

 too rudely by the finger of scorn and reproach, will wither and 

 die from the shock." 



