AT A ROSE-SHOW 249 



orchids, into the ice-house of chill despair. He is 

 much too anxious and excited to form any just con- 

 clusions ; and therefore, to engage his thoughts more 

 pleasantly, I will introduce him to his co-exhibitors. 



Viewed abstractedly, these co-exhibitors are genial 

 generous, intelligent — men of refined taste and re- 

 verent feelings, with the freshness of a garden and the 

 freedom of the country about their looks and ways. 

 Viewed early in the morning, as the novice sees them 

 now, they are a little dingy, without the freshness of 

 the garden upon them, but with something very like 

 its soil. Some have not been in bed since yester- 

 night ; not one has slept his usual sleep. Many have 

 come from afar : — 



' They have travelled to our Rose-show 

 From north, south, east, and west. 

 By rail, by roads, with precious loads 

 Of the flower they love the best ; 



From dusk to dawn, through night to morn 



They've dozed 'mid clank and din, 

 And woke with cramp in both their legs 



And bristles on their chin.' 



^ Pulvis et umbra sumus P they sigh — we are all over 

 dust and shady. They are like Melrose Abbey — 

 sunlight does not suit them. * The gay beams of 

 lightsome day' are not becoming to countenances 

 long estranged from pillow, razor, and tub. They 



