[PW] ? Oxen in a flower-garden

[Cramer, Jeff]

I’ve come across the phrase “like oxen in a flower-garden” (ca. 1861)
and although it is apparently a variant of the proverbial “bull in a china
shop” I haven’t actually come across this phrase anywhere but in Thoreau’
s journals. Is anyone aware of this variant from other sources, or know its
origin? Was it a common expression? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
- Jeff

 

 

Jeffrey S. Cramer, Curator of Collections 
The Thoreau Institute at Walden Woods 
44 Baker Farm, Lincoln, MA 01773-3004 
Telephone/Fax: (781) 259-4730
E-mail:  <mailto:Jeff.Cramer at walden.org> Jeff.Cramer at walden.org
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 -- Henry D. Thoreau, 3 February 1852

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