152 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. TSept'k 



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\p Nothing is more characteristic of refinement in civilized life than f» 



<y the encouragement extended to those arts and sciences of decoration 

 ( which tend to beautify the homestead, and make the dwelling of map 

 a place of rational enjoyment, soothing in its effect on the ruffled tem- 

 per after its contact with the mercantile bustle of the city, and bring- 

 ing the mind back by stealth to the contemplation of those gifts in- 

 tended for our gratification and amusement. The individual who de- 

 lights in his leisure moments to walk with nature, to view the Divini- 

 ty in the forms of leaves and flowers, and looking around and on 

 high, sees in the majesty of the tree and verdure of the grass matter 

 for reflection and incentives to adoration, cannot at that time enter- 

 tain grovelling, unworthy ideas of men and things. This is the moral 

 view of horticulture ; — this is its value as a destroyer of the rougher 

 feelings of our nature — a smoother of the asperities which are created 

 by an unnatural desire for wealth and rank in this great scale of be- 

 ing. It is argued, at times, that the means spent in the gratification 

 of this love of the new and beautiful of earth's offerings brings no re- 

 muneration — no return for the outlay — renders no account — is all loss 

 and no profit, and acts at times as a great drain upon limited means. 

 The benefits which flow from the cultivation of horticultural taste are 

 unfortunately not evident to the superficial observer; they lie con- 

 cealed in the social relations of families — are hidden beneath the sur- 

 face, and produce their fruits at sundry times and in various ways. — 

 It is sufficient for us to know, that evil propensities are checked ; the 

 desire for variety so predominant in some minds directed into a harm- 

 less channel, where it may be amply satisfied ; the contact with cor- 

 rupt and debasing practices avoided, and the entire moral animus 

 strengthened and preserved. And how differently are these results ef- 

 fected in this country and Europe. We are told, this month, by a 

 keen and able observer, that horticultural taste flourishes in Europe— 

 that it is the pastime of the matron, the maid, and the child. That 

 there the ten hours factory toiler extends his day to two hours more, 

 making the usual twelve, in order to gratify a little gardening mania 

 that he has for large gooseberries, broad pansies, and well marked bi- 

 zarres picoteesand flakes ; and this in England, and in Lancashire, 

 " where pallid fingers ply the loom." And it is not as a reproach that 

 these distinctions are drawn — he does not see at home as well as he 

 sees abroad. We could lead our friend to corners of this fair city 

 where he might find the same spirit exercising its influence— where 

 Carnations of merit, and valuable Roses and choice Camellias and rare 

 Fuchsias are tended by amateur hands, every bud of which is a source 

 of pride to its owner which could not be valued since the enjoyment 

 it has afforded is unbounded; and our gratification in their inspection ^> 

 has been little less than that of the simple-minded individuals who Q\ 



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