BOOK OF FLOWERS.

ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CULTIVATION OF FLOWERS.

"How exquisitely sweet

This rich display of flowers,

This airy wild of fragrance,

So lovely to the eye,

And to the sense so sweet!"

"And round about he taught sweet flowers to grow."

"FLOWERS! The cultivation of flowers," say some; "of what use? It gives us neither meat, drink, nor clothing." Well, supposing it does not? Shall we not turn our thoughts to something else besides corn and potatoes, and the productions of the earth which only keep soul and body together? Is there no mind to feed and delight? Shall we always be plodding? Will it always be the inquiry, "What shall we eat, and what shall we drink, and wherewithal shall we be clothed?" Must care and business always engross the whole mind? The earth, the seas, and skies, are full of the wonders of God's beautiful creation. Shall we close our eyes, stop our ears, and be dumb, when there is such an endless profusion around us, to delight, to cheer, and soothe us? We need not compass sea and land for our gratification; the means for innocent and healthy relaxation are within the reach of every one. It lies around us; it is at our feet; "it may be found in the garden, where, in the beginning, everything pleasant to the sight" was congregated.