(xxn) 
some extending trellis and espalier, they push forward their spiral joints and 
weave their graceful curves and vagrant scollops; and, by their tightly clasping 
tendrils, typify those adhering friendships which, through every fate and fortune, 
will, with tenacious “hooks”—or rather, “hoops of steel,” grasp or encircle weak¬ 
ness or dejection, to brace it for endurance or the revival of hopes. In trusting 
reliance, the feeble will, vine-like, ever turn toward and lean upon the strong for 
support. 
Prim Verbenas and affectionate Mignonettes, ornate Camelias, stylish 
Peonies, the literally pensive Pansies, the demure Lilacs,* the even rows of the 
companionable stem-linked Wax-Flower—all do set example for the social amen¬ 
ities; and the humble Violet, the obedient Heliotrope, the loving Pose, the chaste 
Lily, winningly exhort to highest personal sanctification. The delicious odors 
emitted from single flower, or park-boulevard, or field redolent of new-mown hay, 
the refreshing essences distilled from many a petal, or root, announce that spiritual 
aroma which true followers of Christ should unconsciously diffuse around, like the 
Hard and the Ottar of Poses; while the Palm of Galaad symbolizes the unction of 
soothing mercies “twice blessed.” 
On glancing at some flower-bespangled spot, or flourishing shrubbery, or 
growing field, or promising grapery, or interesting clump of saplings, we recall 
indeed, the close painstaking required to tend them—irrigating, weeding, cultivat¬ 
ing, pruning, protecting from plant-pests and untimely frosts, remedying every 
trace of impending blight, making notes of progress; but we also learn therein 
to care for ourselves, and for others for whom we are responsible, lest betimes the 
bud of good resolutions be nipped, the shoots of effort choked or mildewed, the 
fruit of achievement wilted and withered on the stem, ay, lest the leaf itself and 
stalk of new hopes may shrink—and fall!—or as, ruthlessly, fresh Pink! 
“Stern Ruin’s ploughshare drives elate 
Full on thy bloom.” 
Cut flowers and leaves, pressed and properly “mounted,” and thereby 
wrested from the canker of decay, bear with them well-known mementoes and 
garner fragrant old-time reminiscenses. The very weeds, whether those ever to 
be spurned as hopelessly noxious, or those likely yet to surprise the botanist and 
gardener—as these have been not unfrequently surprised—by blooming forth 
into much-prized treasures, will convey a twofold lesson in either contingency. 
*One of the foremost among living American authors designates his home and literary 
retreat under the restful title, “In the Lilacs.” Long may he flourish ! 
