Chester County Horticultural Society. 545 



years — the gay and joyous throng increasing at each succeeding anniversary. 

 It has in some measure supplied that, in which it is said we were deficient — 

 sources of innocent amusemenl. — (pp. 20 — 22.) 



We might quote much interesting matter from. Mr. Dilhng- 

 ham's address, but we have only space for his closing remarks, 

 which we particularly commend to some of our amateur cul- 

 tivators, whose ideas in regard to the cultivation of flowers 

 are altogether too narrow and utilitarian : — 



We would not, if we could, have every object in life merely utilitarian. 

 This might lead us to become sordid, selfish, and narrow-minded. These 

 flowers were not made in vain. This pleasure which we experience at the 

 sight of beautiful objects, and our enjoyment of their fragrance, are bless- 

 ings conferred upon us by a bountiful Providence, purposely designed to 

 lighten the burthens of life, alleviate its cares, and cheer us on our way. 

 What would become of us if there were nothing to divert the thick crowd- 

 ing memories of all that is sorrowful in the past, or prevent still darker fore- 

 bodings of the future? It is right to cultivate these tastes and to multiply 

 objects for their enjoyment. Nature invites it — 



" Where wild flowers breathe their rath perfume ;-' 



Scripture teaches it — 



" Consider the lilies." 



In Flowers we find the highest perfection of beauty, and fragrance most 

 grateful to the sense, — beauty of form, and color, and texture, and combi- 

 nation, in never ending variety; and equally endless variety of perfume, 

 each challenging comparison with the rest. The highest perfections of art 

 pale before the beauties of Flora — Art can but catch the breath which 

 Flowers exhale, to form its most exquisite perfumes. Horticulture comes 

 in aid of Nature to develop these perfections and multiply our delights. 

 The gardener's skill has achieved wonders. Witness the Rose, the Carna- 

 tion, the Pelargonium, the Camellia, and the Pansy ; compare each splendid 

 variety with its humble original. 



Happiness is what we all seek. But there is no true happiness to be 

 found without a constant recognition of the Author of these beautiful things 

 around us, the observance of his laws, contemplation of his works, love of 

 his perfections, and awe of his power. Where can we learn the lesson 

 better than in this department of the volume of Nature ? Here we shall 

 be certain to find constant exhibitions of infinite w'isdom and infinite good- 

 ness, — here we discover that " order is Nature's first law." We seek to 

 imitate these perfections and to conform our own lives to the dictates of that 

 wisdom and goodness which engrosses our aflfections and our thoughts. We 

 see and feel that it is impossible for such beauties and perfections to have 

 originated without design. Thus we may find in the rose of Sharon and 

 the lily of the valley, emblems of flowers that never fade, — thus, by means 

 of " a well-watered garden," we may hope to attain a final resting place 

 under the shadow of the tree of life. — (pp. 33 — 34.) 



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