Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-07-29
A Tribute to Flowers.
Michigan HorticulturalisU.

Michigan HorticulturalsU.
Flowers form one or the most import
tant factors of civilization. It seems to
have pleased the AIl-wise Maker of the
universe to beautify the hillsides, the VAL
legs, the forest, and even the low ground
that is nearly or quite covered with water,
with lovely beautiful flowers. Then, why
should not man, who was made after the
image of his Maker, and has some of
those longings fer the beautiful and the
perfect, follow such a pleasing example,
and cultivate the flowers that have been
given him so plentifully, and thereby
beautIfy his home?
There is not home in our broad land
but has some little spot, some quiet cor
ner or sunny window, that is utilized in the
growth of some little blossom. The in
fIuence that flowers exert in civilization as
we'll as the cultivation OF our minds for
the beautiful things that surround US, Is,
as [ have said, great and important. There
are but very few whose nature is so coarse,
or has been so hardened by the surround
ings in which they have been thrown, that
the sight and smell of lovely flowers will
not draw forth a pleased look or gentle
smile, giving ample evidence of the great
influence of flowers in sOftening their
nature, causing sweet smiles and gentle
words to be given to those who may be
! inmates of their homes. These influence
es that awaken in him a desire for the
beautiful rose, also other qualities that
reach far toward the front rank of civilir
zatiOn, all impress him with longing for
knowledge of the fine arts, of some of
the chemical laws, of artistic designs, and
many others. Nothing can compare with
them In making an impression upon the
| special senses. The eye sweeps its glance
over the vast track before it, and catching
quickly at the beautiful blossom rests
upon it as though spell-bound for the
time. With almost the same instinct the
nerves of the sense of smell are brought
into play.
These impressions rouse in US a desire
| to perpetuate their existence, cultivate
their return, bring them forward in their
greatest beauty, and grow them luxuri-
antly. There is not one of US but can
decide in a mement as to the happiness
and comforts of those homes in which
| flowers are cultivated, and those in which
they RE not. In the former, no matter
how humble, there is more order, more
comfort, more thrift, more pleasure and
| happiness than in the latter, which al
ways appears cheerless and desOlate.
1t would be hardly doing Justice to
this subject not to mention the health
full influence which flowers exert upon
our homes. It is not possible for any
of our special senses to be awakened as
they are by beautiful flowers without
rousing up to vigorous energy the droop-
ing faculty we possess.
1t has fallen to my lot on many occa-
sions to witness the ms piring influence of
bunch of flowers. AS they have been
introduced into the sick room and pre-
sented to the view Of the patient, his
seeming renewed energy, the manner in
which he puts forth his feeble hand to
grasp them, and raises his weakened
voice, tells too we'll the pleasure he has
received from the sight and smell of the
! bouquet; and as it were, they, for the
/ time being, seem to outstrip all medica-
! ton. They fill the sick chamber with a
perfume which acts pleasantly on the
patient, as well as in some degree as a dis
| infectant in the room in which the sick
are confined.
Flowers are acceptable and agreeable to
| all, bringing up through and acts which
are like the waves of the ocean. Their
! influence is felt not only in their imme-
! uIdte uO11t, DuG Sllu1uS Ou Over bue 1dL
! Outstretch of sea until it reaches the dis
tant shore, then rebounds on its return to
new and coming generations, and finally
its great good will not cease until the
endless ages of time.
! Then let Us live among and cultivate
| flowers, and as much as possible initiate
their lives by pleasieg all that surround
US, and as we fade away still hold as
they, the crowning place in the realms of
beauty.
Two ladies who have taught certain
room in the Ithaca Central school have
been married within two years past, and
the Journal narrates the fact that there
Is somewhat of a strife to get in the
way of a third stroke of the hymeneal
lightning