CULTURE OF FLOWERS. 
219 
from their allotted sphere of duty. There must be some ex¬ 
citement, some object. The country lady often houses herself . 
more closely than the city lady, whose calls, shopping, excur¬ 
sions and sight-seeing draw her more or less upon the pavement. 
House help, so expensive, is also inefficient, and to promote 
the well being of her family, it is essential that much time be 
expended over the same little things day after day. Trouble¬ 
some they often are and vexing, though but seeming trifles; 
yet important links in the perfect chain of well regulated do¬ 
mestic affairs. 
We deprecate the taste or disposition which could lead a 
housewife and mother to neglect for any other pursuits her 
true and noblest duties—which, if she has a family, are ivithin 
the walls of home. But if cares and duties are allowed to 
press unvaried, the spirits lose their elasticity, and peevish¬ 
ness and nervousness ensue. 
Rest of mere idleness and vacuity, is hard to endure. Hand 
and thought must be still busy, but their current changed from 
too constant dwelling upon her own feelings and the round of 
in-door life and cares. Would not flower-culture serve this end? 
More in amount would be accomplished, were pursuits thus 
agreeably diversified. Come away, housewife, now and then 
from the “morning’s mighty business!” 
“Go and request 
Great Nature for the key of her huge chest!” 
Trust me, you'll find something to lift the weary lids of droop¬ 
ing hope. Petty troubles will take wing, upborne on clouds of 
sweets. 
ITS EDUCATIONAL INFLUENCE. 
Sec you a man who delights in Nature’s handiwork; unlet¬ 
tered he may be, but he unquestionably views her beauty 
through the medium of a refined heart and wakeful mind. 
Such an one will assuredly grow better and wiser; he is edu¬ 
cating himself, though he never enter a school house. 
The culture of flowers promotes a desire for intellectual 
improvement. The physiology and phenomena of plants will 
