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THE MESSAGE OF THE FLOWERS

AVE you heard the voices of the flowers? Each has a mes-
sage for the heart that loves it; a message deeper, fuller,
than the thrill its beauty or fragrance brings; a message

that carries us beyond the tidings to the Author of All. If we would
understand the language of flowers, we must study them, know
them intimately in every stage of their development; and know
them, too, in their peculiar surroundings, for each flower fits best
into the background of its own natural environment. It is to the
lover of Nature alone that these secrets are disclosed. What a wealth
of delight for those who seek!

To the artist, such intimate study of Nature’s storehouse is a source
of endless delight and untold wealth. It is not to copy, but to
interpret Nature that we must strive. To be able to see the beauty
that lies hidden in the wayside weed, to feel the glory of the color
within the heart of a rose, to find character in the severe outline of
a thorny branch, in the grace of the hazel catkin, or in the rugged-
ness of an apple bough—these are a few of the many delights which
are unfolded to seekers of design. But, we do not notice all these
without careful study, through which, detail before unnoticed forces
itself upon our view, and beauty which does not exist for the passer-
by unveils itself to the sympathetic eye.

Plant Form is a most delightful study, and although it seems a shame
to steal our specimens away from the environment to which they
belong, we are anxious to delve into our little model’s secrets; so
let us carry off our prize.

[ 43]

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