“Like certain plants which the poorest peasant may grow in the poorest soil, it can be cultivated by any one, and it is certain in its own good season to bring forth flowers and fruit.”

Describing attention as a faculty available to anyone willing to cultivate it · Speech, Birmingham and Midland Institute, 27 September 1869

• Hope
• Nature

“The scholar and the statesman, men of peace and men of war, have agreed in all ages to delight in gardens.”

Noting the enduring appeal of gardens across occupations and temperaments · Speech, London, 14 June 1852

• Nature
• Time

“I am strongly disposed to believe there are very few debates in Parliament so important to the public welfare as a really good picture.”

Provocatively placing the social value of art beside political debate · Speech, Artists' Benevolent Fund, London, 8 May 1858

• Art
• Beauty