162 THE MATRIMONIAL GARDEN. 



them altogether, lest, as sometimes happens, a total separa- 

 tion be the consequence, and you take different paths the 

 rest of your lives. Near this spot you will meet with a 

 rough, sturdy plant, called Obstinacy, which bears a hard 

 knotty fruit that never digests, and of course must injure the 

 constitution ; it even becomes fatal, when taken in large 

 quantities. Turn from it ; avoid it as you would the cholera. 



Just opposite to this grows that lovely and lively shrub 

 called Compliance, which, though not always pleasant to the 

 palate, is very salutary, and leaves a sweetness in the mouth ; 

 it is a most excellent shrub, and produces the most delicious 

 fruit. Never be without a very large sprig in your hand ; 

 it will often be wanted as you go along, for you cannot be 

 happy without it in any part of the garden. 



In one of the principal compartments stands a very im- 

 portant plant, called Economy; it is of a thriving quality; 

 cultivate this fine plant with all your care, for it adorns and 

 enriches at the same time. Many overlook it, some despise 

 it, and others think that they may never want it ; it is gene- 

 rally overlooked in the gayety and levity with which people 

 enter this place, but the want of it is generally deplored 

 with bitter repentance. There are two other plants of the 

 same species, which are very closely connected, called 

 Industry and Frugality, and I must take leave to tell you, 

 that unless both the male and the female "partake largely of 

 their branches, very little success can be expected ; in this 

 they must both unite. Take care that you provide yourself 

 and partner with a supply of each as soon as possible after 

 you enter the garden. 



There are two or three paths which run much into one 

 another ; in them you will find growing interspersed three 

 plants, which deserve the closest attention of the softer sex; 

 these are called Regularity, Exactness, and Simplicity.! 

 Do not think, as some do, that when you have once got into 

 the garden, you may be neglectful of these plants. Remem 

 t In deportment as well as in dress. 



