xxxviii 



FLORA ODOR AT A 



in his appreciation of similar enjoyment, have taught us to 

 understand how much taste and refinement may be connected 

 with the cultivation of beautiful flowers. Sir William Temple, 

 a floral enthusiast of a past generation, speaks thus of the 

 pleasure of his garden — ' The sweetness of the air, the 

 pleasantness of the smell, the verdure of plants, the exemp- 

 tion from cares and solitude, seem equally to favour and 

 improve both contemplation and health.' 



Wordsworth, though he passionately admired the shades 

 and hues of flowers, knew nothing of their fragrance, as he 

 is said to have possessed at no time of his life the sense of 

 smell. 



Here is a nosegay of flowers from the hand of Thomson — 



' The lavish Stock that scents the garden round ; 

 Jonquils of potent fragrance ; or Narcissus fair, 

 Or showers from every bush of damask Rose. ' 



Adams in his muse on the language of flowers says — 



' A mystic language, perfect in each part, 

 Made up of bright-hued thoughts and perfumed speeches.' 



Spenser has poured forth his verse in elegant terms when 

 describing the garden of Adonis, for he says : — 



' There is continual spring and harvest there. 

 For all the plants do scented blossoms bear ; 

 Among the shady leaves, their sweet delight 

 Throw forth such dainty odours day and night.' 



Again he speaks of a bower in Avhich 



' The arbor green with Roses spread, 

 AYhich dainty odours round them throw, 

 The Eglantine with fragrant head 

 Did breathe out smells and pretty colour show.' 



These momentary visions of harmony with the poets bring 



