42 Woodside. 



We cannot leave the rose without referring again to its 

 odour, and to that costly distillation known as ''attar of 

 roses," which is manufactured in the enervating atmosphere 

 of Oriental cities. It has been stated that two hundred and 

 fifty pounds of rose petals are required in order to produce 

 a single ounce of this perfume, that one hundred thousand 

 flowers at least are required for three drachms of this ex- 

 quisite extract, of which three-tenths of a drachm is valued 

 at ten pounds sterling. But it seems desecration to mix up 

 such sordid thoughts with one of Nature's most delightful 

 products. 



The scent of the rose calls to our minds the odours of 

 other woodland gems. You are getting tired ? Well, let 

 us choose a dry and shady spot on this bank under the 

 shade of the trees, and rest awhile. We were referring 

 to the perfumes of flowers. How excessively varied they 

 are ! There can be no doubt that it is to the delicious 

 scent which they diffuse, that many of them owe the at- 

 tractiveness which they have for mankind. But not only do 

 flowers give off these delicate odours, but leaves and other 

 parts of various plants also give forth perfumes which make 

 them attractive and interesting to us. How rich is the 

 scent of lush woodbine! How charming the delicate odour 

 of the sweet-brier ! In the one the flower is the seat of the 

 subtle, all-pervading force which strikes upon our senses ; 

 in the other, the leaf is covered with delicate glands which 

 secrete that scent of marvellous sweetness. Indeed, is not 

 every spring and summer breeze laden with 



" Many a wild perfume, 

 Greeting the wanderer of the hill and grove 

 Like sudden music ? " 



