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THE CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 243
He had also given lectures on his favorite themes,
which had been largely attended by the samurai.
He had thus won a reputation even beyond Echizen.
Already a score or two of young men from other
provinces were his pupils. He was a man of fine
presence, with a grave and noble countenance. Very
striking were his intensely black eyes, that had in
them a piercing quality when he looked into one's
face, and a strange light and far-away look when
they were at rest or he seemed lost in thought.
' What thinks my honored teacher? " said the doc-
tor, as he saw Mr. Koba casting an admiring glance
at a single-stemmed gold chrysanthemum.
"I was in a revery of hope, doctor; I think it is
time the chrysanthemum should come to higher
honor. I want to see it more cultivated by our
whole nation in new fields."
" Do you value it above all flowers, like our med-
ical friend ? " asked Mr. Rai.
" Yes, certainly ; above all plants of the awoi
family, the mallow, sheep-sorrel, or asarum. I confess
I am tired of seeing the three leaves of the low
earth-plant everywhere, while the tall chrysanthemum
seems to grow only in Kyoto ; and Fukui," he
added, looking archly at the doctor.
" "
Ha, ha ! laughed the doctor, "a pretty allegory.
You want the Mikado more honored. Of course you
will add Mito before Echizen."
"Yes; I should like the golden flowers to bloom
more in Yedo, and, as we all know, they flourish in
Mito. As we see in nature, so should I have it in