116 A GUIDE TO FLORICULTURE. 



it will be found to possess more perfection than is generally 

 accorded to it, because the familiar intercourse we have 

 daily with this flower, deprives it of the attraction that 

 scarcity alone could discover, and then it would be indis- 

 pensable to the parterre. If the Anemone were placed 

 alongside of this flower, setting the color aside, the Ane- 

 mone would be considered the less attractive of the two. 

 What operates against this plant is, its being devoid of agree- 

 able ordor, and the color simple. Why should not cultivation 

 improve this as well as other plants ? Attention to this 

 particular has done much in many instances } but the 

 florist that would attempt to improve this flower, by taking 

 it from its rural state, would meet with derision. Popular 

 prejudice would be against him. While one might consider 

 it ornamental, another might hold the reverse opinion. I 

 cannot say my ambition would ever induce me to attempt 

 to establish it in my garden, whatever its merits ; still that 

 does not deprive the flower of any merit appertaining to 

 so common a plant. Education has established a con- 

 tempt that all the florists in the country cannot eradicate. 

 I remember, that when in the country on a visit, at dinner 

 there was a new variety of vegetables (so called) on the 

 table, and my opinion was solicited in regard to their merit. 

 I thought them quite agreeable, for early vegetables in the 

 spring, and was greatly surprised when informed that they 

 were the Dandelion. I found them much better than some 

 purchased in market at a costly price ; yet, notwithstanding 

 the agreeable flavor, my mind was so prejudiced, I could 

 never be brought to eat them in the city, so strong is the 

 effects of education. In this country, and in many other 

 parts, this plant is popular for its medicinal qualities, being 



