THE LADIES' FLORAL CABINET. 
11 
they absorb from the soil, precisely as the leaves on the 
branches do by that taken from the atmosphere. These 
roots are so small that they are rarely, if ever, noticed, 
and are annually shed from the subterranean branches, 
ns the leaves are from the airiel ones. If any one wishes 
to witness the persistency of the vine in its efforts to 
•obtain food, let them dig a trench two feet deep, mid¬ 
way between the vine and the carcass; when the vine 
reaches the trench, finding its supply cut off, it takes 
in the situation at a glance, and takes a downward 
course until it reaches the bottom of the trench, then 
it tunnels under, conies up to near the surface on the 
opposite side, and finishes its journey. 
A friend of the writer, a number of years since, 
planted a weeping willow in a dry, gravelly bank on 
the south side of his house—a situation in every respect 
unsuited to this tree, which delights in a heavy, moist 
locality; the result was, a slow, stunted growth, short 
branches, and an early falling of its foliage in Autumn. 
After a few years, in which it had barely lived, it com¬ 
menced a most vigorous growth, and in a few mouths 
had made a greater development than in as many years 
previous. This rapid growth was as astonishing as 
pleasing, the cause of, which was enveloped in mystery, 
until the following season, when lie had an occasion to 
repair the pump in his well, on the opposite side of the 
house,more than sixty feet distant. There,to his surprise, 
he found his well filled with the roots from the willow, 
which had thrown down its underground branches below 
the cellar wall, then crept across under the cover of a con¬ 
crete floor, then upwards on the north side of the house 
until near the surface, then proceeding in a direct line 
to the well some thirty feet more they again took a 
downward course until they reached the water that 
furnished the moisture which was essential to the rapid 
development of the tree. 
The movements of the squash vine when pressed by 
hunger or thirst are truly wonderful. During a severe 
drought, place a basin of water at night, say two feet 
from a strong vine, and in the morning it will be 
found bathing in the basin. Is not this an indication of 
thought in the vine ? Does it not indicate a knowledge 
in the vine analagous to the human understanding? 
There must be some agency employed to bring the vine 
to the fountain: either the plant’s own volition, or its 
direct guidance by the unerring hand of Providence. 
Consider it in either light, and the facts are no less 
wonderful, and they cannot but awaken -within you all 
that is noble and pure in your nature. It will also teach 
you the garden is not altogether a creature of your own 
hands, however much you may be devoted to its care 
and arrangement. You will not say, like the proud 
Assyrian: “ By the strength of my hand have I done it, 
and by my wisdom.” It will also teach you, that He 
who cares for you, cares no less for the flowers; that 
both are objects of the same tender, loving care; both 
are chapters in the unwritten book of life. 
SEEKING THE LIGHT. 
A rose-tree climbed by the window side, 
Coronaled over with green : 
And ambient kisses of sunlit May, 
And crystal dews at the close of day, 
Wooed the pearly buds that, folded, hide 
The crown of the summer’s queen. 
Under the floor so damp and cold, 
Under the floor in the dearth and mould, 
A strong root ran that felt the life 
Of the outside world with beauty rife; 
And it pushed a tendril up to see 
If any chance of growth could be. 
Not a glint was there of sun or dew, 
Not a gleam of light the darkness through; 
But cobwebs and clay, and pebbles and dust; 
It must grow through these, if grow it must. 
The roses bloomed by the window side, 
Creamy and sweet and fair— 
The royal crowns of a royal June— 
The gold of a summer’s golden noon : 
Cups of the gods, distilling wide, 
Ambrosia on the air. 
Up through the steps of stone so cold— 
Up through the steps a tale was told 
Of life that would live because it must, 
Of life and growth in darkness and dust; 
For a green leaf smiled at the blossoms rare 
Showering their glory everywhere; 
And more to me than the roses’ gold ■ 
Was the wealth of praise one leaf could hold. 
Ah, leaf so brave, how many there be, 
In human life, seeking life like thee! 
, —[Our Continent. 
NEW YORK HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
ANNUAL MEETING. 
There was no floral exhibition at this meeting, nor 
was any requir ed to make it one of the most interesting 
■ever held by the Society. The fact that, through the 
influence of its able President, Samuel Sloan, Esq., the 
.Society has purchased a hall at the expense of $100,000, 
all of wliioh is paid, was of itself sufficient interest for 
at least one meeting, and that in its own home. The 
principal business transacted was the election, of offi¬ 
cers for the coming year, which resulted in the re- 
election of the old Board. Much work was done in 
Committee, in arranging for coming exhibitions^ and 
other matters pertaining to the welfare of the Society. 
