301 
THE LOVE OF FLOWERS. 
“ Our human souls 
Cling to the grass and water brooks.” 
Athanase. 
The sentiments of the human heart are instinctive; they 
are born with us, and in saddest moments shed a light 
about us like spring sunshine, when clouds begin to 
break. Our best sympathies are unteachable, not to be 
imparted. They lie slumbering within us till awakened 
by kindred sympathies, and then we know their worth. 
Some of our sympathies are special, and some we share in 
common with all the world. The love of flowers is one 
of the universal sentiments. In childhood, we roam 
through lanes and fields, and amid the leafy garniture 
of woods, to hold communion with them, fancying we 
hear them talk, till our eyes fill with strange tears of 
pleasantness. As we grow into manhood, and mingle 
in the busy world, the heart still cherishes its love 
for flowers; and when the spring sunshine falls upon our 
path, sweet memories come over the spirit, and the heart 
seems to gush with flowery voices of its own. Even in 
age, when time has ploughed deep furrows in our brow. 
