Page:Through the torii (IA throughtorii00noguiala).pdf/96

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word, I agree with them in calling them plebeian or democratic on account of the little cost of raising them; I see frequently they are blooming as beautifully as in any millionaire’s garden upon the dangerous roof of tile or badly kept bamboo porch for people who cannot well afford to have even a few yards of ground’ in crowded cities. It is surprising to find out that the flowers which were raised under such conditions of privation always get the distinguished medals at the general exhibition. I am told that the chrysanthemums are often the true cause of a man’s poverty; but the morning-glories will never invite such a reproach when they only entreat you to rise early (but, remember, with plenty of love), and, when you have company, suggest you to offer a cup of tea.

Putting aside all sentimentality, the whole credit, I think, should go to our horticulturists, who, as with the chrysanthemum, have raised the morning-glory from a weed into a floral wonder as we see it to-day, of such a variety of shapes, from a dragon's moustache to the hanging bell; of such a variety of colour, from

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