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ECHANICAL imitation of our predecessors in tlie choice 

 and culture of favorite plants, for the most part borrowed 

 from abroad, is not worthy of our age or country. Powers 

 of independent observation should be cultivated by amateur 

 culturists, as nothing contributes so much to their enjo}-- 

 ment as what they disco\er for themselves. More espe- 

 cially is this applicable to the study of indigenous plants, 

 so frequently neglected by persons who pride themselves 

 upon their knowledge of the common exotics. Every 

 climate is esjDecially adapted to the growth of certain kinds 

 Z6 ^ij^SHSfP- °^ plants, which propagate themselves naturally in their 



-d{ (^ I^^^^SIkn. proper habitat, with little or no effort or labor on the part of 



the cultivator. A knowledge of these circumstances will 

 .ndtr easv the covering up of blemishes in the landsciipe, or unsightly 

 \ f/^ ^ pitches in a yard, lawn or garden. It is a fact not creditable to our exercise 

 -f ff "" *=^ of mdependent judgment or natural taste, that very many of the native Ameri- 

 \ can ^^ ild flowers find a cordial welcome in the gardens of the European 

 aiistociacy, while denied the smallest attention in their own home, republican 

 Ameiica. This is entirely wrong, as many desolate-looking homesteads could 

 be made quite cheerful by the presence of these neglected beauties. With 

 \ei\ little trouble, expense or attention, these wild flowers could in man)' 

 ' ^J' instances be made to rival or eclipse the imported favorites. Many species 

 of ^vlld intn e shiubs and plants are being pushed out of existence by the agricultural 

 needs or heedless unconcern of our advancing civilization, and like their human anti- 

 types and cotemporaries, the Indians, bid fair to be entirely overwhelmed and rooted 

 out, before many generations, if not rescued by timely interference. Possessing an indige- 

 nous Flora of great intrinsic beaut}-, no specimen that survives former neglect should 

 be allowed to perish bv the more enlightened flower-lovers of today. Nor should this 

 work of preservation be left to directors of botanical gardens, professional florists and 

 enterprising seedsmen; but all lo\ers of their country who cherish a friendly interest for 

 plants should labor in this neglected vineyard, assured of a pleasant, if not an enriching, 

 reward. Wild flowers are nature's jewels in emerald settings. 



