ORCHIDS. 65 
leaves. From this explanation it will be understood how the night 
air of an apartment containing flowers is said to be less healthy 
than the atmosphere pervading it during the day; though under 
ordinary conditions of ventilation no danger need be apprehended 
from this source. 
“Besides their directly purifying influence, plants also tend 
indirectly to the health of dwelling-houses. For their sakes, win- 
dows that contain them will be oftener cleaned; the sash will be 
more frequently thrown open, and the air and sunshine intended for 
them will also lighten and purify the interior of the apartment.” 
Think me not unkind.and rude 
That I walk alone in grove and glen; 
I go to the god of the wood 
To fetch his word to men. 
Tax not my sloth that I 
Fold my arms beside the brook; 
Each cloud that floated in the sky 
Writes a letter in my book. 
Chide me not, laborious band, 
For the idle flowers I brought; 
Every Aster in my hand, 
Goes home loaded with a thought. 
There was never mystery 
But ’tis figured in the flowers; 
Was never secret history 
But birds tell it in the bowers. 
One harvest from thy field 
Homeward brought the oxen strong, 
A second crop thy acres yield, 
Which I gather in a song. 
EMERSON. 
