34 WINTER GREENERIES AT HOME. 



to be followed up and found out sooner or later. "The 

 pursuit of knowledge," some one has said, " is better than 

 knowledge itself." In this case, it gives you the habits 

 and character of interested investigators ; and its very 

 difficulties enhance the profits. The genuine hunter finds 

 the keenest zest of his pleasure in the chase, when it is 

 literally a chase ; but of course he brings down the game. 

 So will you enjoy the very pursuit of information con- 

 cerning your plants ; and it may continue as long as you 

 live. 



But the knowledge thus acquired will itself add greatly 

 to your pleasure in caring for your plants. It will relieve 

 you of needless anxiety and apprehensions, and give you a 

 certain sense of power and confidence. It will be some sat- 

 isfaction to know even their scientific or technical names, 

 and much more to feel assured of their proper accommoda- 

 tion in your rooms. And you will be delighted to find 

 acquaintances beyond home, through all the gardens and 

 greenhouses around you. 



AVife and I have become so much interested in the his- 

 tory and habits of plants, that we get no small part of our 

 recreation in going regularly to the greenhouses in the 

 City Park. Only yesterday our visit there was rewarded by 

 the sight of several exquisitely beautiful Orchids, and we 

 are now anticipating the splendid bloom of the Poinsettia 

 pulcherrima plants which we could never think of ac- 

 commodating in our winter greenery. Without doubt, 

 Judge Kent and his gardener would be glad to give you all 

 some such share in their greenhouse. People who love 

 plants themselves, are very likely to take delight in grati- 

 fying a similar love in others. 



But I must not forget that you have only just entered 

 upon this interesting study of the habits and habitats of 

 plants. Of course I can not accept your confession of 

 being " fearfully ignorant in floriculture, and little better 

 in fact than babes in the woods ; " for have you not already 



