ALEXANDER WILSON. 
XIII 
welfare of their superiors, and discontentment with their own lot, 
which so often causes the distress of friends, and the destruction 
of their neighbours’ properties, and which, if it does not always 
bring themselves to ruin, can never promote either their happiness 
or welfare. In others, though, to a certain extent, the same 
courses are run, they are generally conducted with moderation 
— intemperance is avoided — politics and literature are freely 
entered upon and keenly contested, and the argument is con- 
ducted with a ready conviction to the truth, and more for the 
sake of information, than the obstinate maintenance of any unte- 
nable opinion. Libraries of considerable extent belong to some 
of these clubs ; the taste for reading and study is gradually 
increasing, and many of the more sedate members avail them- 
selves of their privilege, to advance their knowledge of some 
favourite subject, and occasionally lanch into debates with ardour 
and penetration, and talent, not often found so varied among this 
class of society. Other sources of information and improvement 
also occupy the unemployed hours of the more respectable opera- 
tives. The different branches of mechanics are eagerly pursued, 
and often practically applied, with such success, as to raise the 
individual from dependency to the higher ranks of society. Natural 
history is also studied, and the more interesting works on the sub- 
ject sought after and eagerly perused ; and botany, or rather the 
culture of flowers, forms one of the most favourite and universal 
recreations. Almost every one possesses his flow r er garden, and, as 
his taste directs, enters w^armly into the culture of what are called 
florist’s plants, — polyanthuses, ranunculi, anemonies, hyacinths, 
pinks, and carnations; and as much pleasure is afforded, and 
emulation excited, in watching the success of a favourite bulb or 
seedling, as could arise from an indulgence in more common, but 
less innocent amusements. The naming of their flowers, too, is a 
matter of great importance, and serves to draw their attention to 
the history of the individuals whom they wish to commemorate. 
Political characters, and men renowned for great talents or learning, 
every townsman of any celebrity, or friend with some endearing 
qualifications, has a favourite tulip, or pink, or carnation, dedicated 
to his praise, and the memory of those who have long departed are 
yet called to remembrance by the same fleeting emblems. 
