Excerpt from Garden Flowers Flowers, in whatever point of view we regard them, are replete with interest, and form a source of gratification and attraction to all classes of mankind. We believe that there is no human heart, unless it be debased below the ordinary level of humanity, that does not, in one way or another, feel the sweet influence of flowers, at least in some degree. Scientific minds find in the investigation of their wonderful structure and qualities a study of the most engrossing interest. The Painter's eye and taste are gratified by the gorgeous colouring which they diffuse over the landscape in lavish profusion. The Poet's fancy and imagination are charmed and quickened into activity by the pleasing associations and the endless Variety of ideas to which they give rise; whilst the lovers of nature generally, and the unlettered, unimaginative sons of toil, are gladdened by their presence and their sweet perfume. To those who habitually glide from the contemplation of Nature up to Natures God, flowers often possess a double interest and charm. Flowers are a distinct evidence that God did not create man only to toil, but also to derive joy and gladness from the pleasant influences around him. They also suggest to the mind a rich variety of spiritual similes and associations, which tend to increase our love for, and our trust in Him who so carefully clothes the lilies of the field, and gently rebukes our want of faith, while at the same time he encourages us, by pointing to them, and asking the question, "Are ye not much better than they?" Flowers are sometimes beautifully alluded to in Scripture, as, indeed, are all those objects of Nature which are adapted to illustrate the character or the works of Him who is styled the Rose of Sharon, the Lily of the Valley. Perhaps the affectionate regard which man bestows on flowers has arisen partly from a feeling of gratitude for the intense delight they are the means of conveying to children. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.