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colour ; but, by cultivation, they became so 
doubled and quadrupled in form, and so varied 
in colour, that it now forms one of the principal 
ornaments of our parterres from July to No- 
vember. 
The Chinese who have favoured us with 
this plant, make admirable use of it in deco- 
rating their gardens. To prepare them, they 
first raise the plants in pots; then, separating 
the colours, they dispose them with such in- 
finite art as to produce one splendid and har- 
monious whole. This effect is often increased 
by planting them near the side of a lake. 
The China-aster is made the emblem of 
variety ; and owes its principal charms to a 
careful culture of the skilful gardener, who 
has surrounded its golden disks with every 
colour of the rainbow. So study produces an 
endless variety in the refinement of the human 
mind. Though majestic and brilliant, the 
China-aster is not the imprudent rival of the 
rose, but succeeds it, and consoles us for its 
absence. 











