THE UTILITY OF FLOWERS. 21 



Man was not made to rust out in idleness. A degree of 

 exercise is as necessary for the preservation of health, both 

 of body and mind, as his daily food. And what exercise 

 is more fitting, or more appropriate for one who is in the 

 decline of life, that that of superintending a well ordered 

 garden ? What more enlivens the sinking mind ? What 

 more invigorates the feeble frame? What is more con- 

 ducive to a long life ? What can be more grateful to the 

 mechanic or merchant or professional man, than to recreate 

 for a short time in a well selected garden of flowers, neatly 

 arranged and well cultivated? 



In reply to the question often asked, " what is the use 

 of flowers ?" William Cobbett asks another, " what is the 

 use of anything ?" There are many things in this wide 

 world pleasing to the eye of man ; many of them expen- 

 sive and not in the power of all to obtain ; but flowers 

 may, without much or no expense, be obtained and pos- 

 sessed by the most humble individual. Their cultivation 

 may be made one unfailiug source of happiness to the 

 family. Let j^arents gather around them every source of 

 innocent amusement and recreation for their children. 

 They should endeavor to make their home attractive and 

 lovely, both within doors and without. 



