49
of horses, mules, and asses, where immense numbers ofevery description are brought, and change hands; and wherethe morality is probably upon a par with that of the tradein horses in other parts of the world, of the green-spectaclecharacter as exemplified in the Yicar of Wakefield.
6. Flower Markets. —The flower markets are another ex-traordinary feature in Paris . These are held at all seasonsof the year, in three different parts of the city, twice a week,and in the most favourable season comprise a collection offlowers and plants as beautiful as the climate admits of. Itis stated, on good authority, that occasionally there areexposed in a day, in Paris , for sale in these different markets,not less than 30,000 pots of flowers, the value of which isestimated at full 9000 dollars, or 18001 sterling. With thestrict notions of utility entertained by some persons, such factsmay seem scarcely compatible; but, if we may judge that tobe useful, which gives us a pure and perfectly innocent plea-sure, certainly there is no luxury whatever which should belooked upon with more favour. There are distinct markets,held likewise at proper seasons, for the sale of trees, orna-mental and fruit-trees, and flowering shrubs and plants, pre-senting an extraordinary and beautiful variety.
XI. THE CULTURE OF FLOWERS.—BOTANY.
Perhaps I have already said in other places as much as myreaders will bear with patience, of the cultivation of flowers.Yet I must crave a further indulgence. I must urge it ongrounds of utility, on grounds of taste, and, above all, on moralgrounds. My words will reach many dwellers in the country,who, amidst their daily severe labours and toils, are sighing forsome relaxation, and some refreshment of the soul. Theywant something which shall relieve the dull monotony of
E