12 WINTER GREENERIES AT HOME. 



he loved "Picciola." His sympathy with the plant, im- 

 prisoned like himself, soon grew into an affectionate at- 

 tachment, and his awakened curiosity became a deep and 

 intelligent interest. He studied the little plant until he 

 could interpret its language, understand its needs, feel 

 the charm of its beauty, and read its marvelous designs 

 proofs of a great Designer. So he became its pupil, 

 friend, and guardian. Is it any wonder that " Picciola" 

 grew and bloomed under such loving care ? Was not 

 that the true secret of the Count's success ? 



You ask me to tell you how to treat your plants. Ask 

 them, also, and they will tell you in some particulars, at 

 least, and much more to the point than any words of 

 mine. 



Such wide-awake observers as you must have noticed 

 how your plants talk through their most sensitive organs. 

 When the leaves wilt and droop, they say in the plainest 

 kind of English : " Water ! water ! " Their curling and 

 shrinking calls upon you to save them from ravenous lit- 

 tle insects. If they^i'ade and fall, they admonish you 

 that something is'wrong, and needs your attention, per- 

 haps at the roots. If you give them a bath when stained 

 and dusty, how fresh and bright their thanks. How 

 lovingly they turn to the light, and rejoice in the sun- 

 shine ! You yourselves could not say more plainly than 

 they : " It is a beautiful day." And then in their won- 

 derful structure and growth, how they talk of the great 

 Provider, of His perfect wisdom and constant care, 

 reaching even the smallest of His creatures. So " Picci- 

 ola" talked to Charney, and led him out of bondage and 

 darkness into liberty and light. So also will your plants 

 bear you pleasant company if you give them intelligent 

 heed. It was for the best of reasons that One said : 

 "Consider the lilies." 



Of one thing I am sure the more you study your 

 plants, the more will you be interested, pleased, and 



