10 REPORTS. 



spring up all over the surface of the earth, ns rife as the stars in 

 the heavens. Man feels a glowing love within his heart for the 

 beauty which resides so supremely in the bud and blossom, which 

 is extinguished only with life. Even the babe, a mere human 

 blossom of itself, will notice a flower and reach forth its dimpled 

 hand to eagerly clasp the waxen stem. 



Since flowers are symbols of God's love, even used by the 

 blessed Jesus as an illustration of His teachings unto the Jews, 

 let us awaken within our souls, a tenderness, a parental care, and 

 an ardent love for them; until the homes of New England are 

 made attractive, by their introduction into every garden, yea, 

 until each window sill shall possess a beauty-giving, — a soul-re- 

 fifiing treasure, in the form of some fragrant exotic, — performing 

 a mission of love upon each beholder. 



SECTION II. 



Remarks on Flowers and their Cidtivation, 



It is not sufficient that we possess an eye for the beautiful, but 

 we should aim to create and cultivate the beautiful. 



Whoever is engaged in decorating his or her home, according 

 as means will allow, with artistic taste, may be justly termed a 

 benefactor to mankind. It requires industry, skill, perseverance 

 and taste to cultivate flowers. Flowers are as worthy of atten- 

 tion and cultivation, as are the grasses, grains and vegetables in 

 agriculture. Their careful cultivation often results in profit and 

 pleasure, as does the efforts, labor and scientific knowledge of 

 Chemistry when applied to the farm. For instance, how often do 

 we see some Floral dealer realizing more profit from a quarter of 

 an acre of ground that has been planted and sowed with choice 

 flowers, than as i^ough it had been planted with common grain, 

 and at the same time he gives pleasure to all who pass his 

 grounds and observe his flower-bedo. 



