76 THE FLOWER GARDEN. 



simple. Their rose-bushes and gilliflowers were dear to 

 them, because themselves had pruned, and watered, and 

 watched them had marked from day to day their opening 

 buds, and removed their fading blossoms and had cherished 

 each choicest specimen for the posy to be worn at the 

 christening of the squire's heir, or on my lord's birthday." 



In a like strain the wise and good author of 

 ' Human Life ' beautifully says 



" I would not have my garden too extended ; not because 

 flowers are not the most delicious things, speaking to the senti- 

 ments as well as to the senses, but on account of the intrinsic 

 and superior value of moderation. When interests are divided, 

 they are not so strong. Three acres of flowers and a regi- 

 ment of gardeners bring no more pleasure than a sufficiency. 

 Besides which, in the smaller possession there is more room 

 for the mental pleasure to step in and refine all that which is 

 sensual. We become acquainted, as it were, and even form 

 friendships, with individual flowers. We bestow more care 

 upon their bringing up and progress. They seem sensible of 

 our favour, absolutely to enjoy it, and make pleasing returns 

 by their beauty, health, and sweetness. In this respect a 

 hundred thousand roses, which we look at en masse, do not 

 identify themselves in the same manner as even a very small 

 border ; and hence, if the cottager's mind is properly attuned, 

 the little cottage-garden may give him more real delight than 

 belongs to the owner of a thousand acres. All this is so 

 entirely nature, that, give me a garden well kept, however 

 small, two or three spreading trees, and a mind at ease, and 

 I defy the world." 



Nor do we find anything contravening this in 

 Cowley's wish that he might have " a small house 

 and large garden, few friends and many books." 

 Doubtless he coveted neither the Bodleian nor Chats- 



