HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 37 



The Pink is easily forced, and is a most desirable acquisition amongst 

 early spring flowers. The only care requisite to accomplish this object is 

 very little. In the beginning of September, place as many plants as may 

 be desired into suitable sized pots, and plunge in sand, ashes, or any dry 

 part of the garden until the first of January, when they may be taken up 

 and placed near the glass, in any house where a temperature of 50° to 55° 

 is kept in the night. A rose house is a very suitable place, but mind to keep 

 them freely exposed to the sun, for in this is the main secret of success. 

 Thus treated they may be had in bloom from the latter part of February, 

 and I know of no flower that will give more satisfaction, or better repay the 

 little extra trouble bestowed. 



There are some persons who may think that these practical details take 

 up much time and expense, and as the commoner sorts of Pink will grow and 

 bloom without any attention, that it is useless to bestow labor on so useless 

 a hobby, The same would think it an absurdity to be praising the beauti- 

 fully circular, and even outline of a flower, while they would look with en- 

 thusiastic greediness upon the outer surface of a dollar; and the Florist may 

 with the same propriety say, that it is just as useful to ride in a comfortable 

 covered donkey cart, as to be seated in the most elaborately constructed and 

 handsome carriage. Apart from these differences, surely the human intel- 

 lect has been given for other purposes besides the acquisition of money, or 

 the luxuries of man's invention. May we not then with reason advocate 

 the cultivation of the mind, by studying the more noble and expansive in- 

 genuity of the Great Architect of the Universe. — nay, arguing from the 

 same source, have not these little delicate beauties, the flowers, some demand 

 upon our attention, and are they not placed so much under our control, and 

 so immediately within our reach by an all wise Creator, for the purpose of 

 leading the mind from those more sordid pursuits, and an unerring testimony 

 of the kindness of a God, that we may not amongst our multitudinous cares 

 and distractions forget Him. Do not they lead the mind to contemplation, 

 and force us to approach Him with reverence and gratitude for the many 

 blessings which he has bestowed upon us. Grudge not then the time as 

 lost that is devoted to the cultivation of flowers, but rather appreciate the 

 advantages offered through them, by the repose of mind, and the good feel- 

 ing which is produced thereby to each individually, and to society generally. 



Respectfully yours, 



Wm. Chorlton, 

 Gardener to J. C. Green, Esq., New Brighton, S. I, 



