236 



THE MATRIMONIAL GARDEN. 



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 will never -want it ; 

 it is generally overlooked in the gaiety 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 mnst 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 pos- 

 sible after you enter the garden. 



There are two or three paths which run much into one 

 another, and deserve the closest attention of the softer sex ; 

 I mean 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 paths. Remember 

 that your companion will see your neglect, which will affect 

 his eye, and may alienate his heart. Enter on these depart- 

 ments, then, as soon as you enter the garden, and when 

 you are once fairly in, you are in for life ; the danger is 

 that if you do not get into them at an early period, you will 

 not find them afterwards. Near these walks is to be found 

 that modest plant, called HUMILITY i 



It is the Violet, " born to blush unseen, 

 And waste its sweetness on the desert air." 



It appears of little worth in itself, but when joined with 

 other virtues, it adds a charm to life, and spreads a fragrance 

 around its wearer. Cultivate, then, with all your care, this 

 sweet little plant, and you will find it prevent the growth of 

 all poisonous and noxious weeds. 



Allow me also to drop a hint on the subject of CULTIVA- 

 TION, as connected with PROPAGATION, as that most probably 

 will be your employment in this garden, sooner or later. 

 Should you have the rearing of a young plant, remember 



* In deportment as well as in dress. 



