THE UTILITY OF FLOWERS. 21 
Man was not made to rust out in idleness. A degree of 
exercise is as necessary for the preservation of health, both 
of body and mind, as his daily food. And what exercise 
is more fitting, or more appropriate for one who is in the 
decline of life, that that of superintending a well ordered 
garden? ‘What more enlivens the sinking mind? What 
more invigorates the feeble frame? What is more con- 
ducive to a long life? What can be more grateful to the 
mechanic or merchant or professional man, than to recreate 
for a short time in a well selected garden of flowers, neatly 
arranged and well cultivated? 
In reply to the question often asked, ‘“ what is the use 
of flowers?” William Cobbett asks another, “ what is the 
use of anything?” There are many things in this wide 
world pleasing to the eye of man; many of them expen- 
sive and not in the power of all to obtain; but flowers 
may, without much or no expense, be obtained and pos- 
sessed by the most humble individual. Their cultivation 
may be made one unfailing source of happiness to the 
family. Let parents gather around them every source of 
innocent amusement and recreation for their children. 
They should endeavor to make their home attractive and 
lovely, both within doors and without. 
