366 THE FLORIST AND 



their eyes are feasting on beauty that has been nursed by our humble 

 efforts, reward us with a smile. Bat, on the other hand, there are others 

 who croak at all this as " nonsense," who even give a friend, who has paid 

 a trifle for a rare plant, a look which says, "you had better spend your 

 money for something else ; what good does all this do ? They may well ask 

 the question, for they know not the resources the humblest citizen has, when 

 the little plat of ground before his door is tastefully adorned with flowers ; 

 they know not with what pleasure he turns from the toils of the day to his 

 own quiet little home, where in the budding flowers he sees new beauties 

 opening every day, and feels, that although he cannot look around on 

 "broad acres, all his own" yet it is his to enjoy the beauties of creation, to 

 look up through nature unto nature's God. They know not the pleasur- 

 able emotions which fill the soul of one who turns from a world which has 

 often proved hollow and heartless, to the companionship of flowers. 



Let those who talk so much of what they consider useful, take with us a 

 glance at the surrounding country. On all sides we see large plantations. 

 In the grounds immediately surrounding the abodes of their owners, is there 

 anything pleasant for the eye to rest on ? No, the old neglected looking 

 house, the rude patched up fence, and stables and pig pen, often in front of 

 the dwelling, sadly attest that all felt is a grovelling devotion to mere gain. 

 And, let me ask, would it not be better to spend a little of their rapidly 

 increasing wealth in beautifying and giving an air of comfort to their 

 homes ? Yes, and we believe soon would be felt and seen, its refining and 

 elevating effects, in the manners and habits of the families of the neighbor- 

 hood. The home-ties would be strengthened, and the youth, who in after 

 years goes forth from his native land, could, with pride, look back to the 

 old homestead, a beautiful picture hung up in his memory, and long to rest 

 from his wanderings beneath its peaceful shades. 



But as it is, their heads are growing gray in heaping up wealth they 

 never take time to enjoy, when they could have about them all that is 

 beautiful to the eye and delightful to the taste. 



We do not say that there are exceptions to this state of things. In the 

 course of a day's journey, as an oasis in a desert, a home may meet the eye 

 of a traveler which tells him that the fragrance of the flower is here some- 

 times wafted on the wind, as well as the fumes of tobacco. We are pleased 

 to know some in this place whose hearts have been touched by this genial 

 influence ; who have the means and are making their homes all that will be 

 delightful in after years to turn to. 



