IN a charming article by a writer in Figaro, the Parisian flower shops are described in detail, and the lines we quote are full of suggestions for women. "Marvels of art, veritable little masterpieces in which they display the faultless good taste of a Parisian lady and the science of an accomplished artist in colors. I feel for these flower girls the respectful admiration with which I regard all true artists, for they are quite on the level with our best painters. The least skilful of these shop girls can compose for weddings, marvelous symphonies in white, such as Raphael might dream of. But it is not everyone who wishes that can become a skilful composer of bouquets; certain conditions are indispensable. This business must be followed exclusively, in consequence of the individual not being able to endure the idea of following any other,"

Let women, in search of a living, think of these things. It is undoubtedly true that women, more than men, have intuitively an appreciation of graceful forms and accordant colors. They have shown that they can be successful painters and sculptors - that they can work well with dead stone or pigment. Equally well can they work with living forms of flowers.

'All intelligent men who have wives and daughters know that the latter can arrange flowers better than themselves. Why women are not found in the shops of florists, I do not know; but I am sure that the florist who will employ them will find that the skill and taste they show will increase his sales. It is an occupation worthy of any cultured lady of taste and refinement, who needs it for a living. I feel sure that if such an one should open in any city, a place where the finest creations of her taste could be found, and from whence, with a corps of skilful workers, she could decorate apartments for dinners or other entertainments, she could not fail of success. It requires only courage ; let her try it.

S. B. Parsons. [Mr. Parsons is probably not aware that there are several floral establishments in large cities run by women with conspicuous success, both in an artistic and financial way, and that girls are largely employed for making up designs by some of our most prominent florists. It is a worthy occupation for women, not overdone, and they succeed in it. - Ed. Am. G.J