366 MASSACHUSETTS IIORTICULTUKAL SOCIETY. 



in itself, man}' of them of great value and of absorbing interest to 

 all beholders. The mystic goddesses of horticulture, Pomona 

 and Flora, held high court, displayed their rich treasures, and 

 received the homage of their votaries. 



"We have stood before the statue of one we have known, 

 honored, and loved ; so faithfully had the artist wrought, that the 

 cold insensate marble seemed instinct with life, and to our imagi- 

 nation the inarticulate lip and sightless eye would almost seem to 

 move in recognition of our presence. 



We have looked upon a picture of the great Nazarene, painted 

 b}' the hand of an old master with such perfection that the counte- 

 nance seemed so illumined with an expression of grace, pity, and 

 love that we could almost feel the influence of His personal 

 presence, and we have looked and turned away, only to return 

 spellbound with tender admiration. 



Who has not felt the mysterious influences and been moved in 

 the profound depth of consciousness by the "divine art "of 

 Mozart, Handel, and Beethoven? What an inspiration to deeds 

 of heroic self-sacrifice for real or supposed good ! And what a 

 source of comfort, pleasure, and happiness to mankind, holding 

 its power through the ages over all races of men ! 



Can we not properly claim a place as a companion of high art 

 for skilled Horticulture, which, directing the forces of nature, 

 evolves from the lifeless clod objects of utility and beauty, 

 crowned with blessings and delights far excelling in perfection 

 works of sculpture and painting, speaking to human hearts 

 through a silent language as suggestive and uplifting in influence 

 and culture as the finest music? Therefore is she not entitled to 

 at least honorable mention and high rank among the so-called 

 Fine Arts? 



" Your voiceless lips, O flowers, are living preachers, 



Each cup a pulpit, every leaf a book, 

 Supplying to my fancy numerous teachers 



From loneliest nook. 



" Wer(! I in churchless solitudes remaining 



Far from all voice of teachers and divines. 

 My soul would find in flowers of God's ordaining 



Priests, sermons, shrines." 



— Horace Smith. 



