1 
Jhglprfpb pau!i p s. 
ECHANICAL imitation of our predecessors in the choice 
and culture of favorite plants, for the most part borrowed 
from abroad, is not worthy of our age or country. Powers 
of independent observation should be cultivated by amateur 
t culturists, as nothing contributes so much to their enjoy- 
P ment as what they discover for themselves. More espe- 
j: dally is this applicable to the study of indigenous plants, 
t so frequently neglected by persons who pride themselves 
^ upon their knowledge of the common exotics. Every 
climate is especially adapted to the growth ot certain kinds 
of plants, which propagate themselves naturally in their 
proper habitat, with little or no effort or labor on the part of 
the cultivator. A knowledge of these circumstances will 
render easy the covering up of blemishes in the landscape, or unsightly 
patches in a yard, lawn or garden. It is a fact not creditable to our exercise 
of independent judgment or natural taste, that very many of the native Arneri- 
^ can wild flowers find a cordial welcome in the gardens ot the European 
aristocracy, while denied the smallest attention in their own home, republican 
America. This is entirely wrong, as many desolate-looking homesteads could 
he made quite cheerful by the presence of these neglected beauties. \\ ith 
very little trouble, expense or attention, these wild flowers could in many 
instances he made to rival or eclipse the imported favorites. Many species 
of wild native shrubs and plants are being pushed out of existence by the agricultural 
needs or heedless unconcern of our advancing civilization, and like their human anti¬ 
types and cotemporaries, the Indians, bid fair to be entirely overwhelmed and rooted 
out, before many generations, if not rescued bv timely interference. Possessing an indige¬ 
nous Flora of great intrinsic beauty, no specimen that survives former neglect should 
be allowed to perish by the more enlightened flower-lovers of today. Nor should this 
work of preservation he left to directors of botanical gardens, professional florists and 
enterprising seedsmen; but all lovers of their country who cherish a friendly interest for 
plants should labor in this neglected vineyard, assured of a pleasant, if not an enriching, 
reward. Wild flowers are nature’s jewels in emerald settings. 
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