The infinite variety of roses, including the Guelder Rose; the Rhododendron, and other plants of similar growth, are fitted for the saloon, but they please best in the library.  They should be intermingled with the bookcases, and stands filled with them should be placed wherever practicable.  They are a wonderful relief to the student.  There is always about them a something that infuses a sensation of placid joy, cheering and refreshing.  Perhaps they were first introduced at festivals, in consequence of their possessing this quality.  A flower garden is the scene of pleasurable feelings of innocence and elegance.  The introduction of flowers into our rooms infuses the same sensations, but intermingles them more with our domestic comforts; so that we feel, as it were, in closer contact with them.  The succession might be kept up for the greater part of the year; and even in winter, evergreens will supply their places, and, in some respects, contrast well with the season.  Many fail in preserving the beauty of plants in their apartments, because they do not give them sufficient light.  Some species do well with much less light than others.  Light is as necessary to them as air.  They should not be too often shifted from one place to another.  Those who will take the trouble, may quicken the growth of some plants, so as to have spring flowers in winter.  Thus Autumn and Spring might be connected; and flowers blooming in the Winter of our gloomy climate possess double attraction.

In the flower garden alcove, books are doubly grateful.  As in the library ornamented with flowers they seem to be more enjoyed, so their union there is irresistibly attracting.  To enjoy reading under such circumstances most, works of imagination are preferable to abstract subjects.  Poetry and romance—­“De Vere” and “Pelham”—­lighter history—­ the lively letters of the French school, like those of Sevigne and others—­or natural history—­these are best adapted to peruse amidst sweets and flowers:  in short, any species of writing that does not keep the mind too intently fixed to allow the senses to wander occasionally over the scene around, and catch the beauty of the rich vegetation.  To me the enjoyment derived from the union of books and flowers is of the very highest value among pleasurable sensations.

For my own part, I manage very well without the advantage of a greenhouse.  The evergreens serve me in winter.  Then the Lilacs come in, followed by the Guelder Rose and Woodbine, the latter trained in a pot upon circular trellis-work.  After this there can be no difficulty in choosing, as the open air offers every variety.  I arrange all my library and parlour-plants in a room in my dwelling-house facing the south, having a full portion of light, and a fireplace.  I promote the growth of my flowers for the early part of the year by steam-warmth, and having large tubs and boxes of earth, I am at no loss, in my humble conservatory, for flowers of many kinds when our climate offers none.