THE HAMILTON ASSOCIATION. 8^ 



But though I am a great admirer of the work of the stone mason 

 and feel that many beautiful lessons can be derived from such sim- 

 iles as that above mentioned, there is another simile which I think 

 is more appropriate, and especially on account of its bearing on the 

 subject I have chosen it now. 



The simile which I would present is that of the work of a 

 gardener in tending and rearing plants either for the house or garden. 

 This may seem to be a resort to a very ordinary occupation, and yet 

 therein lie some very valuable lessons to which I would like to draw 

 attention. 



Let us look then at Horticulture, or perhaps I had better say 

 Floriculture, for it is the care of the tender flowers that calls forth 

 the efforts which seem to me most symbolical of those of the educa- 

 cator, for we find the skilful gardener will not only sow the seeds 

 from which in time the beautiful plant will grow, but he will also see 

 that the proper soil is provided, that this soil is well watered and 

 manured, and that the proper amount of light and heat are also 

 furnished in order to favor healthy growth. Floriculture is also a 

 valuable example to us, in considering methods of education, because 

 it is so universal an occupation amongst all classes of society, not 

 only as a livelihood, but as a favorite recreation, and one justly 

 popular, while from the three classes of floriculturists that are to be 

 met with we can I think draw types of three classes of educators. 



The first class of floriculturists are what I would term the do- 

 mestic class, those who take the complete charge of their gardens, 

 not by any means as I intimated as a livelihood, but as a most 

 delightful and at the same time profitable recreation. For where can 

 more healthful pleasure be found than in the work attendant upon a 

 garden of one's own, where one does all the work oneself, preparing 

 the ground for the seeds or cuttings, then doing the necessary planting, 

 followed by the interest with which each stage of growth is watched 

 from the time that the first tiny leaf is seen above the ground till the 

 last available flower has been picked, while at the same time the 

 ground is kept carefully weeded and watered, and should occasion 

 require, the plant is shaded from too much sunlight when it is liable 

 to be injurious ; and where can we find such flowers as are to be 

 found in these gardens that have been tilled by these domestic flori- 

 culturists, flowers that are often slightingly designed old-fashioned. 



