Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-09-04
FLOWERS.

The interest which flowers have excited IN the
breast of man from the earliest ages to the pre-
sent day, has never been confined to any paFt'
cuar class of society or quarter Of the globe
Nature seems to have distributed them over the
whole world, to serve as a medicine to the mind,
to give chcerfulness to The earth, and to iurnish
agreeable sensations to its inhabitants.
The savage of the forest. in the joy OF his heart
binds his brow with the native n""ers OF the
woods. whilst taste for their cultivation increas-
es in every country in proportion as the blessings
of civilization extend.
From the humblest cottage enclosure to the
most extensive park and grounds, nothing more
consnicuousiy bespeaks the good taste Of the pos.
SCISSOR. than a well cultivated flower garden; and
it NAV very generally be remarked, that when
we behold a humble tenement surrounded with
ornamental plants, the possessor is a man OF cor
rect habits and possesses domestic comforts;
whilst on the contsary, neglected. weed grown
garden. or It's .c: a5sence, mar ks the indoence
and unhappy state OF those who have been mus
negIectiul Of Fiora's faVors.
OF al! luxurious indulgences, that OF now
ers is the most innocent. 1t IS productive not
only Of rational qualifications, but OF many au'
vantages Of permanent character. Love TOT d
garden IS powerful III attracting men 10 their
homes. and Oh this account, every encouragement
given to increase taste Tor ornamental garden
ing is addi.icnal security for domestic comfort
and happiness. 1t is likewise recreation which
conduces materially to health, promotes ciViiiza.
ton and soitens the manners and temPers "l
men 1t creates a love for the study ct nature,
which leads to contemplation OF the mysterious
wonders that are displayed in the vegetable ""f'u
around us, and which cannot be investigated
without inclnins the mihd towards just estimate
of religion, and a knowledge OF the narrow H.
mi,s of our intelligence, when compared with
the incomprehen>ib!e power OF the Creator.
Flowers are of all embellishments the most
beautiful. and of all created beings. man alone
seems capable Of deriving enjoyment from them'
The love for them commences with infancy, re
mains the delight of youth. increases WIN our
years, and becomes the quiet amusement OF our
declining DAYS. The infant can no sooner walk
than It's first employment Is to plant Hover Ia
the earth, removing 1t ten times IN an h0ur 10
wherever the sun seems to shine most fsvorably
The school boy, in the care OF his little pat oI
ground, is relieved Of his studrs and loses TIE
/ anxious thought OF the hume he has lett. In
manhood our attention IS generally demanded ny
mere active duties. or by more imperlous ana
perhaps less innocent occupations; but as age
colleges US to retire from public lie. the love "'
flowers and tie delight, of garden return to
soplhe the Latter period OF our HE.
To most persons. gardening affords delight as
an easv and agreeable occupation; and the How
ers they so Findly rear. are cherished from 'he
rra,f, alton they afford to the organs OF sight and
rf smell: but 10 the close observer OF nature ana
the botanIs,. beauties are unfoIded and wonders
displayed. that cannot be detected BY the CAGE
less attention bestowed upon them b. the multi
tude
In their growth, from the first tender shoots
which rise from the earth. through all the changes
which they undergo to the period OF their u'mo',
| ,e,fsc,on. he behnlds the wonderful works oil
Creative power; he views the bud as it s.el's,
and looks into the expanded blossom. delights 10
its rich tints and fragrant smell, but above all
he feels charm in contemplating movement:
and regulations before which all the combined
! ingenuity Of man dwindes into nothngnrss
% Journal of Health.