176 THE FLORIST AND 
the natural world than among the ambitious works of art. Hence comes 
that serene pleasure that always attends us, when we behold the Rural Dei- 
ties resuming their habitation in grounds once despoiled by man, and making 
known their presence by knolls tufted with moss, by plats of wild flowers, 
by tangled bowers, and the voice of the solitary bird, who flees the haunts 
of "luxurious wealth, and sings only to the children of the swains. 
PARKS AND BOTANIC GARDENS. 
Many of the citizens of Philadelphia, devbted to science, or interested 
practically in promoting education, are looking with some anxiety to the 
proceedings contemplated for the establishment of a great public park along 
the Schuylkill. The considerations in regard to the security of the river 
bank from co'ntamination by chemical works, tanneries, &c., &c., are of over- 
powering importance. The necessity that the stream should be kept pure 
in the neighborhood of the Fairmount reservoir, weighs on the mind of 
every one. It may be presumed, therefore, that all suitable efforts will be 
made by the public authorities to secure for public use, as large a space as 
is possible along the river bank at Lemon Hill, and northwards. / 
It is natural for strangers everywhere, such as I have been in regard to 
this country until very lately, to appeal to sovereigns of territories for aid 
in establishing public institutions. This we do here in appealing to the 
people, for they are the sovereigns, and to them we may appeal more hope- 
fully, because they are more directly interested in the result of every such 
undertaking, and will act without vain-glorious and fussy caprice, with a 
steadfast view to the great practical ends to be accomplished. The comity 
of intellectual men over all the world is leading everywhere to scientific 
intercourse with all the world. Every people has its peculiar branch in the 
great towering tree of human knowledge, whose leaves, like those of the 
tree of life in regard to man's spiritual and eternal being, are for the intel- 
lectual healing of nations. It would be a discredit that ours should be 
shrunken, stumpy, frost-bitten, or sun-scorched. 
No doubt can there be as to the fact, that America ought soon to be the 
leading agency on earth, in regard to everything conducive to the well- 
being of men. Its great cities will strive with a noble emulation, to lead 
on the advance of these agencies. But America yet wants even one great 
public institution, potent and conspicuous, where the productions of its 
