CONVENTION — HORTICULTURE IN LITERATURE, 191 
That horticulture occupies an important place in the literature of 
our own day is evinced by the frequency with which enthusiastic 
expressions regarding it fall from modern pens. From innumera¬ 
ble illustrations that the gardener may well prize, we select a few 
lines from Whittier: 
“Give fools their ^]jold, and knaves their power; 
Let fortune’s bubbles rise and fall; 
Who sows a field, or trains a flower, 
Or plants a tree, is more than all.” 
_We receive from gardeners a bequest which we do not always 
regard with the gratitude it deserves; emanating from tastefully 
cultivated grounds, there is a subtle yet permeating influence that 
molds the minds of the masses, though they do not realize its force. 
While this influence is always beneficial, it is specially valuable in 
unfolding the poet-soul. Dryden felt this, and wrote: 
“ When nature cannot work, 
Th’ effect of art is void.” 
While literature is indebted to the art of horticulture for specific 
donations of thought-material, horticulture owes much to general 
literature for an abundance of suggestions,, awakened by genius not 
wholly bent upon this theme. The word pictures of nature, in 
which literature abounds, can but charm the eye and delight the 
senses. The skill of the artisan has been carried into the heart of 
forests and out upon the bosom of broad prairies by means of the 
soul-felt praises of the verse maker, as well as by the actual neces- 
/ 
sities for remunerative labor. While many features of rustic life- 
are idealized by poets, there are faithful portrayals of its rugged? 
toils and rich rewards. Not only do they manifest the most deli¬ 
cate appreciation, but they also give advice that is as practical as it 
is poetical. What better theory of fruit culture than that conveyed* 
to us in the verses of William Cullen Bryant? 
“ Come let us plant the apple-tree. 
Cleave the tough greensward with the spade; 
Wide let its hollow bed be made; 
There gently lay the roots, and there 
Sift the dark mould -with kindly care. 
And press it o’er them tenderly. 
As round the sleeping infant’s feet 
We softly fold the cradle-sheet; 
So plant we the apple-tree.” 
