Harper's Young People, March 23, 1880 / An Illustrated Weekly

Sunshine on the meadow, Sunshine on the sea; Green buds on the rose-bush, Blossoms on the tree. Two wee children singing In a rapt delight— One as fair as morning, One as dark as night. Hymn-book held between them With the greatest care, Though they can not read a word That is printed there. Jesus, Saviour, meek and mild, Friend of ev'ry little child, Once a child Thyself, we pray Thou wilt guard us day by day; For such helpless things are we, We can only sing to Thee! Standing in the doorway, Arnak smiles to hear Bird-like voices blending Sweet and loud and clear. 'Pears to me de angels Mus' be lis'nin' too— Lis'nin' an' a-lookin' From de hebbens blue; Lookin' an' a-smilin' At de pretty sight; An' in dar eyes—bress de Lord!— Bofe dem chillun's white.
Come, Nell, and you too, Harry. I have planned a delightful trip for you, and we must be off bright and early.
Where—where, Miss Eleanor? cried both children together.
To the large greenhouses just beyond the city line. You remember the minister said on Sunday, 'Let every person bring flowers, if but a single lily or a rose, to make God's house beautiful on Easter-day'? There are millions of flowers in blossom now at the greenhouses, and I wish you to see them, and learn how the florists make them bloom out of season.
I hope you will tell us something about it, said Harry, as we rattled swiftly over the rails in the steam-dummy; that is, when we get out of this noisy old trap.
In a few minutes we alighted at the city line, and Harry, taking my arm, declared himself ready for more flower talk.
Suppose, said I, that a florist wishes to have several thousand plants in bloom for Easter, does he allow them plenty of water and sunshine, and opportunity to bloom several months in advance of the day? No; he stows them all away to rest, or sleep, as he calls it, for weeks and weeks, in cool, dry, shady places, some on shelves, some in sand, and some in pots 'in cool houses.'
After a time the bulbs are taken out of the sand, and placed in earth, and with the other plants are allowed to enjoy a little warmth and sunshine.