96 THE USE OF CLOSED CASES 
with water ; if increase of flavour, then less water, 
hut a larger proportion of sun and light, which 
latter are to he withheld if the natural flavour 
of the plant he too strong. Who could have 
imagined from the appearance of the wild carrot 
or parsnip, the crah, the celery, and the endive, 
that all these would form such important addi- 
tions to our tables. There is, in fact, scarcely 
a vegetable or fruit, that owes not a portion of 
its excellence to horticultural exertions, directed 
by science. And so, with respect to floriculture ; 
that man would he fastidious indeed, who would 
not appreciate and enjoy the increased beauty 
and fragrance of a double rose or fine stock. I 
have said enough as to the physical results of 
these pursuits, and will endeavour to point out 
the probable moral effects. The highest and 
best feelings of our nature are excited by the 
contemplation of the works of God. The Divine 
Word has commanded us to “ consider the lilies 
of the field, how they grow,” and there is, pro- 
bably, no study which leads the mind of the pur- 
suer more directly to the Author and Giver of 
all good things, and fills the heart of man with 
greater joy and thankfulness than the study of 
that branch of Natural History which compre- 
hends the Vegetable kingdom. 
“ The infinite variety of forms, the nice adap- 
