Seldom have lovely flowers been called upon to express sympathy for so sad an event as the tragic death of the wife and daughter of Secretary Tracy, and seldom has a prettier display of rare blossoms symbolized the affection of sorrowing friends. The two caskets were almost hidden beneath a mass of bloom, and over them swayed the graceful branches of a tall palm. Conspicuous among the many beautiful offerings was an exquisite wreath of violets and lilies of the valley from Secretary and Mrs. Blaine. Mrs. Morton sent two wreaths, one of Annunciation lilies and the other of Cornelia Cook roses. From the British legation there were two wreaths, one of white orchids, the other of Parma violets. Count Arco Valley and the members of the German embassy sent wreathe of orchids crossed at the base by palm leaves and tied with ribbons of the German colors. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Cabot Lodge sent Cornelia Cook roses and violets, and Mrs. R. R. Hitt contributed an exquisite cluster of Annunciation lilies and palm leaves. Admiral Porter sent a wreath of palms and Bride roses, and Mrs. Bancroft Davis a beautiful cluster of lilies of the valley, Cornelia Cook roses and white orchids.

From Mrs. White, daughter of Senator Sawyer, came large wreaths of white hyacinths, Silver Spray carnations and Bride roses, and from Senator and Mrs. Hale a cross of white orchids and violets, resting on a base of roses, forming an exquisite and appropriate design.

While doubtless the hand of the professional florist may be seen in the arrangement of these designs, the chosen flowers bear witness to the good taste of the donors.

The custom of having flowers at funerals is one we cannot afford to abolish. Death is robbed of much of its natural hideousness by the introduction of these symbols of the Creator's love in the homes of mourning. Unconsciously our grief is assuaged and our loss tempered by the halo thrown about our beloved dead by the pure blossoms which bear silent witness of the life to come.