76' THE CANADIAN" IIORTICCLTURIST. 



After those plant shows, where chih^ren exhibit, if the little window 

 gardeners were encourd^^ei to give their prize blossoms to the old, and 

 sick of their acquaintance, a feeling of kindliness and generosity in 

 the young would be sown that would bear the fruits of charity here- 

 after. 



I believe that flower sermons are given now and then by thos^e 

 good clergymen who have a special interest in the young. Each child 

 brings a flower, and he tells them all he knows of the flowers that 

 Christ hallowed by name; so God'^s living gems become sacred in the 

 child's memory, not to be plucked and cast away at a moment's 

 whim. 



The culture of plants in our crowded back slums and alleys would 

 be most beneficial to the health, plants living on certain gases we 

 exhale; and it seems impossible to conceive that a lover of flowers can 

 be quite hardened in heart — there must be a soft spot where the arrow 

 of religious conviction may penetrate if aimed by a skilful archer. 

 The ministers of religion might do worse than foster window garden- 

 ing in districts where they visit. 



Many have doubtless heard of the 'Flower Mission.' Little 

 bunches of flowers are made up by ladies' fingers and sent to hospitals, 

 and I hope workhouses, and to many a leaflet is attached on which a 

 short sentence of Scripture is- written. I am told that the happiest 

 results have ensued. Men and women whom the word of chaplain 

 failed to soften, at the sight of a flower have ' given in' and wept I 

 Days of past innocence and happiness crowded into their memories by 

 the ministration of a homely wallflower, and the wandering soul has 

 returned to the Father of all created things. 



To those with gardens full of flowering shrubs and conservatories- 

 radiant with scented beauty, to the more homely garden-lover witli 

 borders full of wallflowers and lily of the valley, with walls burdened 

 with monthly roses and honeysuckle, I say, give of your abundance to 

 the sick in mind and body. Once a week during the bounteous 

 flower season send to some hospital, workhouse, or infirmary a hamper 

 of God's living gems. Be a member of the ' Flower Mission' in all 

 its branches, in the window, the sick room, and to the aged pauper ; 

 nay, if, wdtli the Bible, into the felon's cell a flower now and then finds 

 its M'ay, the strictest disciplinarian will surely not object. 



