The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1853-06-07
From the New York Dutchman
ZE GRANDE PLANT!
A FRENCH BOTANIST "SOLD."

nance zis--let me see--one, two, yes, uec
weeks! We're you been eh?"
"Why the fact is. Monsieur Gregory" re-
,lied Ned. have been employed for some
time making several little necessary arrange
ments previous TO my departure for"-
departure! We're you go. Ned, my boyi tell
NO." 't4
"why is IL possible that You have not heard
that I'm going to Turkey? Yes sir, in three
days I'll bid good bye to you, for at least one
yearl"
| "No! you do not say zat, Ned. w. it is
vary -ary strange did not hear zat before zis.
Ven you g", ynu say. my boyT
| I'm three days, Monsisur," was Ned's an
swer.
"vell. be not verv glad Ned my boy
Bnt before yon go will you not como to my
house. and takes 20 little dinner Wis me, ehl
Come Tomorrow, Ned. will you my boy!"
Ned promised, and the two separated.
Monsieur Gregorie was little voluble
Frenchman, about forty years old-kind, jo-
vial, and possessed ofvarious excellent quail
ties. He had emigrated to this country seve-
raj years previous. for The same reasons prOba-
bly, that thousands of others of his countrymen
had for quitting Ia belle France: But unlike
larger portion Of those same countrvmen,
Monsieur Gergorie had brought with him an
immense "pile' of that article which contrib
utes largely to the case, comfort and hapJ j.
ness Of mans existence. Monsieur Gregorie
WIS also an educated maxwell "posrcd up"
in the arts and sciences. Of the latter, Bota-
ny was his favoriie. and tn the collection of
rare plants, he not only expended large por-
tion Of his time. bnt an immense amount of his
ample fortune. His garden. which occupied
about three acres Of ground--was filed with
an immense number of plants-one would
suppose. with everv Botanical specimen that
the earth over produced. And Monsieur G. sl-
ways took the greatest delight in exhibiting to
every visitor the most rare plants Of his collec-
ton, at the same time giving description Of
them in his broken english. which was not lit
tie amusing. But notwithstanding the immense
collection that Monsieur Gergorie possessed, he
was constantly adding 10 it-imporiuning ev-
cry acquaintance who might he going abroad.
to bring some "grando plant" Thus he did
with his friend Ned, when that individual the
next day paid his promised visi As Ned was
about departing. says Monsieur Gregorie--
"Ned, my boy. bring me 70 grandc
plani-somesing vat you not see here-some-
sing vary crtrairdinaire"
"Ycs. Monsieur-depend upon il, I will
bring vou something nice" was Ned's promise.
Well. Ned finally went TO Turkey-was ab.
sent about year. About two or three davs
after his return. willis taking a stroll. who
should Ned come in contact with but his old
friend Monsieur Grcgore: and then for the
first time since he had made the promise, Ned
thought Of the plant he was to bring home for
Monsieur G. Ned was puzzled-he knew
he didn't choose TO do that. Ned tried to a
void him. but it was "no go"-the little French
man espied him. and running up to Ned.
seized both Of his hands. and appeared to be ih
h,a oil afa
"When you come, my boy-why you no
come and see your old friend, ,eh-h0pe you
brought -e plant my boy!" were all uttered by
the apparently delighted Monsieur G. in al
most one breath.
The last question was what Ned termed
"deadner.' He was at a loss for reply. final
" he answered
"Oh! yes. Monsieur. and fne ono it is TOO
The rarcst one in tho whole kingdom OF Tur-
ncy:'
The little Frenchman almost danced with
joy. :,
i"vere be i'm. my boy-tcll mel will go and
get him right awav off, exclaimed Monsieur,
and it was with the greatest difficulty that
Ned could prevail upon him TO wait till the
next day. when he promised to send it to his
| residence.
II viH vait. Ned, my boy, till 20 morrow
|
nv boy-vary early. .4m reroir!' and Ned
was glad to see the little frenchmau depart.
"what shall do" soliloquised Ned. must
"sell" the Frenchman. that's certain. But
how, is the question. The fellow knows every
plant in existence. What the devil shall do!
have itw
Tho next morning Ned despatched his SER
want to tho residence of Monsieur c., with SIC
grande plant"-and curious looking one il
was too. 1t was about six inches long--a lit
tie thicker than a pipe stem-ronnd-and ta'
pered off to a point. Not branch or blossom
was visible on it--nothing but sort of fuzz
which if it had not been of greenish hue
would have been taken for fine hair. 1t wal
planted in black soil, contained in pot abou
the size Of a quart measure. Altogether ]
was tho most singular looking plant that a Bot
anst ever admired. .
"Sacre! got tam! vat is zis" exclaimed tn,
Frenchman, when Ncd's servant handed hin
the present. "Boot-ifol, chi BY gar! ! So.
no. sing bootful-it is Won tam 'umbug. l vii
, not take 'im-I will send him backp
Monsieur G. was evidently displeased will
his present.
s'Vat is zis!' he suddenly exclaimed, obser
wing a note attached to the pot. "vat is Zis!
will read Inlet me see,' and Monsieur G
read tho note which Ned had addressed hin
as follows:
!. Mr. DEAR FRrEND:-The plant which sen
: you, you will doubtless observe, possesses n
beauty but believe sir. when tell you that ]
:, Turkey it is considered ono of the rarest 9
the Botanical species of that country. II
: name / disremember, although the SultaI
l. who kindly presented 1t TO me. informed mo I
: the time. 1t blossoms every five years.
Three months from now you will SEQ it in u
full bloom, when feel certain you will bo be-
ter pleased. Yours.
y The perusal ofthis note seemed to dispel a
: the dissatisfaction that the little Frenchma
ir had before evinccd
@From 20 Sultan of 70 Turkey. BY ga
ii IL Is magnifque-one grande cnrioste-I vi
4. keep i'm! Let me sec--trce monts 70 lit
1d blossoms will como. and zen no viii be boo-l