38 



of flowers is extending in families and in gardens. As men and 

 women become more intelligent and refined, they are more at- 

 tracted bj the specimens of the Creator's handiwork, which dwell 

 beside our paths and in our homes ; and they feel that their ad- 

 miration and love are justified and repaid. God reveals his over- 

 flowing goodness in these humble tokens of his presence. 



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

 Each cup a pulpit, and each leaf a book, 

 Supplying to my fancy numerous teachers, 

 From lowliest nook !" 



Nor did the Saviour consider them beneath his notice, assuring 

 us that Solomon in his glorious apparel was not arrayed in such 

 attractive loveliness. He appeals to our sense of the beautiful, — 

 a sense developed in some of us with exceeding difiiculty. Cir- 

 cumstances, indeed, have much to do with this. 



At first our people's energies were fully occupied in procuring 

 the means of sustaining life ; then in settling their political insti- 

 tutions ; then in enlarging the domain of material civilization, by 

 agriculture and commerce. " Under such considerations the love 

 of utility must be expected to predominate over that of beauty." 

 But when increasing means allowed a more thorough and generous 

 cultivation, a pure taste grew up, and found expression in flori- 

 culture. It is seen in the humble ornaments of the garden, and 

 the splendid beauties of the conservatory, and indicates a heart 

 open to impressions from the works of the Divine hand, and an en- 

 lightened intellect capable of appreciating them. 



" The enamelled earth, that from her verdant breast, 



Lavished spontaneously ambrosial flowers, 



The very sight of which can soothe to rest 



A thousand cares, and charm our sweetest hours." 



It is true the most beautiful fail and fade ; but not till they 

 have answered their purpose, exciting our admiration, and our 

 thankfulness to the Creator. It may be, too, that we prize them 

 more, knowing how little time we may retain them. 



" Loveliest of lovely things are they 

 On earth, that soonest pass away ; 

 The rose that lives its little hour. 

 Is prized beyond the sculptured flower." 



The Committee, after careful examination of the flowers and 

 bouquets offered for premium, make the following awards : — 



Best Collection Cut Flowers — First premium to G. & C. Craft, 

 Brookline, $4. 



Second premium to Macey Randall, Jr., Sharon, $3. 

 Third premium to John H. Adams, Milton, $2. 



