CULTURE OF FLOWERS. 
217 
tried in England especially with sandstone. A small portion 
of the stone is immersed in a saturated solution of sulphate 
of soda, and then exposed to the air for some days. Crystal- 
ization takes place within the stone and causes the same 
disintegration which "would follow the absorption and freezing 
of water. If it cracks and crumbles materially the stone is 
at once condemned. 
4th. The same quarry often produces stone of different 
qualities. Each layer or strata must therefore he examined, 
and tested by itself. From neglect of this circumstance, stones 
wholly worthless by reason of their liability to decay or 
discolor, are often combined with those free from these defects.. 
Some rocks harden on exposure, others which appear solid 
when just taken out soon fall to pieces. This last is usually 
true of those which contain a large percentage of clay. 
5th. Stones should always be placed in buildings so as to 
make their layers parallel as they lie in the quarry. In this 
position they are less liable to absorb moisture at the edges 
and to receive injury from the frost. 
/ 
TIIE CULTURE OF FLOWERS. 
BY MRS. MARY A. C. HANFORD, WAUKESHA, WIS. 
ITS PHYSICAL ADVANTAGES. 
Hygeia is near of kin to Flora, and is apt to shower some 
blessings on those who cherish her relatives’ pets. 
As an occupation evenly exercising body, mind and heart, 
Floriculture is unparalleled. To the satiated, ennuied world- 
weary, or the burning, throbbing brow of the brain-w'eary, 
or the disheartened toiler over unenlivened pursuits, it is a 
medicament of unsurpassed virtue, taken as it must be with 
