82 TDE HORTICULTURE OF 



in the passing breeze, the willow weeps in respon- 

 sive grief, and Avhere the evergreen, breathing in 

 perennial life, is a fit emMem of those celestial fields 

 where the leaf shall never wither, and the flower 

 never fade. 



The general use of flowers, from the cradle to the 

 grave, affords striking proofs of a high state of civili- 

 zation and refinement. Within our own recollection, 

 the use of flowers at funerals or in the sanctuary was 

 deemed improper with the sanctity of divine worship. 



These have been too often considered as the mere 

 superfluities of life, but the more we are brought into 

 communion with them, the more will our souls be in- 

 spired with gratitude to Him who clothes the fields 

 with floral gems scarcely less brilliant than the glitter- 

 ing host above. Nor can we too highly appreciate 

 that wisdom and benevolence which surrounds us with 

 these beautiful manifestations of perfection and glory, 



" Mingled and made by love to one great end." 



But horticulture includes more than the finest fruits 

 or flowers, or the neatest and most skilful cultivation. 



From the time of the heathen mythologists, and the 

 wise King Solomon when u he made orchards and gar- 

 dens, and planted all kinds of fruits," the praises of the 

 garden have been perpetuated through all ages. 

 From scenes in the garden, from Eden to Geth- 

 semane, have been drawn the most exalted and 

 sublime conceptions, the most sacred and divine 

 communings that have ever moved the heart of 

 man the garden where man may commune with its 

 Maker and admire the beauty and glory of His works. 

 "The garden," says. Lord Bacon, u is the purest of 

 human pleasures, and the greatest refreshment to the 

 spirit of man, without which buildings and palaces are 



