diff options
Diffstat (limited to '17514-h')
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/17514-h.htm | 9912 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/cover.jpg | bin | 0 -> 55876 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/frontis.jpg | bin | 0 -> 39326 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-028.jpg | bin | 0 -> 85740 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-102.jpg | bin | 0 -> 88757 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-119.jpg | bin | 0 -> 62268 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-128.jpg | bin | 0 -> 43357 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-138.jpg | bin | 0 -> 71588 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-156.jpg | bin | 0 -> 32793 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-159-tb.jpg | bin | 0 -> 4096 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-159.jpg | bin | 0 -> 48612 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-165-tb.jpg | bin | 0 -> 17750 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-165.jpg | bin | 0 -> 49513 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-166.jpg | bin | 0 -> 44275 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-184.jpg | bin | 0 -> 50435 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-270.jpg | bin | 0 -> 34700 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-278.jpg | bin | 0 -> 52860 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-296.jpg | bin | 0 -> 42481 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-314.jpg | bin | 0 -> 26793 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-32.jpg | bin | 0 -> 70710 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-326.jpg | bin | 0 -> 77962 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-328.jpg | bin | 0 -> 43031 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-358.jpg | bin | 0 -> 45307 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-360.jpg | bin | 0 -> 53764 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-362.jpg | bin | 0 -> 45239 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-372.jpg | bin | 0 -> 36293 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-374.jpg | bin | 0 -> 37235 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-44.jpg | bin | 0 -> 40243 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-440.jpg | bin | 0 -> 865 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-81.jpg | bin | 0 -> 64572 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-86.jpg | bin | 0 -> 63545 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17514-h/images/illus-90.jpg | bin | 0 -> 46217 bytes |
32 files changed, 9912 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/17514-h/17514-h.htm b/17514-h/17514-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..bd8ee3f --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/17514-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,9912 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Garden, You, And I, by BARBARA. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + img {border:0;} + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + +/* table codes */ + div.centered {text-align: center;} /* work around for IE centering with CSS problem part 1 */ + div.centered table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;} /* work around for IE centering with CSS problem part 2 */ + .tdc {text-align: center; border: 1px solid black;} /* aligning cell content to the center */ + .tdl {text-align: left; vertical-align: top; padding-left: .5em; border: 1px solid black;} /* aligning cell content to the left, with borders all sides, forcing nowrap */ + .tdl2 {text-align: left; vertical-align: top; padding-left: .5em; border: 1px solid black;} /* aligning cell content to the left, with borders all sides */ + .tdcsc {text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; white-space: nowrap; border: 1px solid black;} /* aligning cell content and small caps, with borders all sides */ + .tdlnb {text-align: left; vertical-align: top; padding-left: .5em; border-left: 1px solid black; border-right: 1px solid black; border-top: 1px solid black;} /* align left, no wrap, no borders on bottom */ + .tdl2nb {text-align: left; vertical-align: top; padding-left: .5em; border-left: 1px solid black; border-right: 1px solid black; border-top: 1px solid black;} /* aligning left, wrap permitted, no borders on bottom */ + .tdlnbt {text-align: left; vertical-align: top; padding-left: .5em; border-left: 1px solid black; border-right: 1px solid black; border-bottom: 1px solid black;} /* aligning left, no wrap, no borders on top */ + .tdl2nbt {text-align: left; vertical-align: top; padding-left: .5em; border-left: 1px solid black; border-right: 1px solid black; border-bottom: 1px solid black;} /* aligning left, wrap permitted, no borders top */ + .tdlnbtb {text-align: left; vertical-align: top; padding-left: .5em; border-left: 1px solid black; border-right: 1px solid black;} /* align left, no wrap, no borders on top and bottom */ + .tdl2nbtb {text-align: left; vertical-align: top; padding-left: .5em; border-left: 1px solid black; border-right: 1px solid black;} /* align left, wrap permitted, no borders on top and bottom */ + .tdlplain {text-align: left; vertical-align: top; padding-left: .5em;} /* aligning cell content to the left, no borders */ + .tdcplain {text-align: center; vertical-align: top; line-height: 1.5em;} /* aligning cell content to the center, no borders */ +/* table codes */ + + + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + visibility: hidden; + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + } /* page numbers */ + + .linenum {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */ + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + + .bb {border-bottom: solid 2px;} + .bl {border-left: solid 2px;} + .bt {border-top: solid 2px;} + .br {border-right: solid 2px;} + .bbox {border: solid 2px;} + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + .u {text-decoration: underline;} + + .author {text-align: right; margin-right: 5%;} + .caption {font-weight: bold;} + + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + .figleft {float: left; clear: left; margin-left: 0; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: + 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .figright {float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; + margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} + .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + .footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + .fnanchor {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem span.i0 {display: block; margin-left: 0em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 2em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 4em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Garden, You, and I, by Mabel Osgood Wright + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Garden, You, and I + +Author: Mabel Osgood Wright + +Release Date: January 14, 2006 [EBook #17514] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GARDEN, YOU, AND I *** + + + + +Produced by Janet Blenkinship and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="cover" title="cover" /></div> + +<p><a name="frontis" id="frontis"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter"> + <img src="images/frontis.jpg" + alt="A Seaside Garden." /><br /> + <span class="smcap">A Seaside Garden.</span> see <a href='#Page_243'>Page 243</a> + </div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + + + +<h1>THE GARDEN, YOU, AND I</h1> + +<h4>BY</h4> + +<h2>BARBARA</h2> + +<h4>AUTHOR OF</h4> + +<h4>"THE GARDEN OF A COMMUTER'S WIFE," "PEOPLE OF +THE WHIRLPOOL," "AT THE SIGN OF THE +FOX," ETC.</h4> + + +<p class='center'>New York<br /> +THE MACMILLAN COMPANY<br /> +LONDON: MACMILLAN & CO., Ltd.<br /> +1906</p> + +<p class='center'><i>All rights reserved</i></p> + +<p class='center'>Copyright, 1906,<br /> +By THE MACMILLAN COMPANY.<br /> +Set up and electrotyped. Published June, 1906.<br /> +<br /> +Norwood Press<br /> +J.S. Cushing & Co.—Berwick & Smith Co.<br /> +Norwood, Mass., U.S.A.<br /></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h3>Dedicated</h3> + +<h4>TO</h4> + +<h3>J.L.G.</h3> + +<h3>I.M.T.</h3> + +<h4>AND</h4> + +<h3>A.B.P.</h3> + +<h4>THE LITERARY GARDENERS<br /> +OF REDDING</h4> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h3>GREETING</h3> + + +<p>This book is for those who in treading the garden path have no thought +of material gain; rather must they give,—from the pocket as they +may,—from the brain much,—and from the heart all,—if they would drink +in full measure this pure joy of living.</p> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"Allons! the road is before us!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.3em;">It is safe—I have tried it—my own feet</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">have tried it well—be not detained."</span> +</p> + +<p class='center'><span class="smcap">Walt Whitman.</span></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + + +<table border="0" cellpadding="3" width="65%" cellspacing="0" summary="TABLE OF CONTENTS"> +<tr><td></td><th>CONTENTS</th></tr> +<tr><td colspan="3"></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'></td><td align='left'>CHAPTER</td><td align='right'>PAGE</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="3"></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>I.</td><td align='left'>The Ways of the Wind</td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_1'><b>1</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>II.</td><td align='left'>The Book of the Garden, You, and I</td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_7'><b>7</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>III.</td><td align='left'>Concerning Hardy Plants</td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_29'><b>29</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>IV.</td><td align='left'>Their Garden Vacation</td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_48'><b>48</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>V.</td><td align='left'>Annuals—Worthy and Unworthy</td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_70'><b>70</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>VI.</td><td align='left'>Their Fortunate Escape</td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_92'><b>92</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>VII.</td><td align='left'>A Simple Rose Garden</td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_117'><b>117</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>VIII.</td><td align='left'>A Midnight Adventure</td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_155'><b>155</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>IX.</td><td align='left'>Ferns, Fences, and White Birches</td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_183'><b>183</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>X.</td><td align='left'>Frankness—Gardening and Otherwise</td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_202'><b>202</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="3"></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'></td><td align='left'>List of Flower Combinations for the Table</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'></td><td align='left'>from Barbara's <i>Garden Boke</i></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_230'><b>230</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="3"></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XI.</td><td align='left'>A Seaside Garden</td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_233'><b>233</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XII.</td><td align='left'>The Transplanting of Evergreens</td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_246'><b>246</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XIII.</td><td align='left'>Lilies and their Whims</td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_262'><b>262</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XIV.</td><td align='left'>Fragrant Flowers and Leaves</td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_281'><b>281</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XV.</td><td align='left'>The Pink Family Outdoors</td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_305'><b>305</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XVI.</td><td align='left'>The Frame of the Picture</td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_320'><b>320</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XVII.</td><td align='left'>The Ins and Outs of the Matter</td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_336'><b>336</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XVIII.</td><td align='left'>The Value of White Flowers</td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_352'><b>352</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XIX.</td><td align='left'>Pandora's Chest</td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_365'><b>365</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XX.</td><td align='left'>Epilogue</td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_374'><b>374</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="3"></td></tr> +</table> + + +<table border="0" cellpadding="3" width="65%" cellspacing="0" summary="APPENDIX"> +<tr><th>APPENDIX</th></tr> +<tr><td colspan="3"></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>For the Hardy Seed Bed</td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_375'><b>375</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Some Worthy Annuals</td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_387'><b>387</b></a></td></tr> +</table> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</h2> + + + + +<table border="0" cellpadding="3" width="65%" cellspacing="0" summary="LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS"> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Seaside Garden</span> (see p. 243)</td><td align='left'><a href='#frontis'><i>Frontispiece</i></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">"The magnolias below at the road-bend"</span></td><td align='left'><a href='#illus-028'>8</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">English Larkspur Seven Feet High</span></td><td align='left'><a href='#illus-32'>32</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Fraxinella—German Iris and Candy-tuft</span></td><td align='left'><a href='#illus-44'>44</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Longfellow's Garden</span></td><td align='left'><a href='#illus-81'>81</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Summer Garden—Verbenas</span></td><td align='left'><a href='#illus-86'>86</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Asters</span></td><td align='left'><a href='#illus-90'>90</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Pictorial Value of Evergreens</span></td><td align='left'><a href='#illus-102'>102</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">"My roses are scattered here, there, and everywhere"</span></td><td align='left'><a href='#illus-119'>119</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Madame Plantier at Van Cortland Manor</span></td><td align='left'><a href='#illus-128'>128</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Convenient Rose-bed</span></td><td align='left'><a href='#illus-138'>138</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">"The last of the old orchard"</span></td><td align='left'><a href='#illus-156'>156</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Screen of White Birches</span></td><td align='left'><a href='#illus-166'>166</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">"An endless shelter for every sort of wild thing"</span></td><td align='left'><a href='#illus-184'>184</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Speciosum Lilies in the Shade</span></td><td align='left'><a href='#illus-270'>270</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Poet's Narcissus</span></td><td align='left'><a href='#illus-278'>278</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Bed of Japan Pinks</span></td><td align='left'><a href='#illus-296'>296</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Single and Double Pinks</span></td><td align='left'><a href='#illus-314'>314</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">"The silver maple by the lane gate"</span></td><td align='left'><a href='#silvermaple'>326</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">"A curtain to the side porch"</span></td><td align='left'><a href='#illus-328'>328</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">An Iris Hedge</span></td><td align='left'><a href='#illus-358'>358</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Daphne Cneorum</span></td><td align='left'><a href='#illus-360'>360</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Terrible Example</span></td><td align='left'><a href='#illus-362'>362</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">"The low snow-covered meadow"</span></td><td align='left'><a href='#illus-372'>372</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">"Punch ... has a cache under the syringa bushes"</span></td><td align='left'><a href='#illus-374'>374</a></td></tr> +</table> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> +<h2>THE GARDEN, YOU, AND I</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>I</h2> + +<h3>THE WAYS OF THE WIND</h3> + + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"Out of the veins of the world comes the blood of me;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.3em;">The heart that beats in my side is the heart of the sea;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.3em;">The hills have known me of old, and they do not forget;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.3em;">Long ago was I friends with the wind; I am friends with it yet."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 16em;" class="smcap">—Gerald Gould."</span> +</p> + + + +<p>Whenever a piece of the land is to be set apart for a garden, two mighty +rulers must be consulted as to the boundaries. When this earth child is +born and flower garnished for the christening, the same two must be also +bidden as sponsors. These rulers are the Sun and the Wind. The sun, if +the matter in hand is once fairly spread before him and put in his +charge, is a faithful guardian, meeting frankness frankly and sending +his penetrating and vitalizing messengers through well-nigh inviolable +shade. But of the wind, who shall answer for it or trust it? Do we +really ever learn all of its vagaries and impossible possibilities?</p> + +<p>If frankness best suits the sun, diplomacy must be <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span>our shield of +defence windward, for the wind is not one but a composite of many moods, +and to lure one on, and skilfully but not insultingly bar out another, +is our portion. To shut out the wind of summer, the bearer of vitality, +the uplifter of stifling vapours, the disperser of moulds, would indeed +be an error; therefore, the great art of the planters of a garden is to +learn the ways of the wind and to make friends with it. If the soil is +sodden and sour, it may be drained and sweetened; if it is poor, it may +be nourished; but when all this is done, if the garden lies where the +winds of winter and spring in passing swiftly to and fro whet their +steel-edged tempers upon it, what avails?</p> + +<p>What does it matter if violet or pansy frames are set in a sunny nook, +if it be one of the wind's winter playgrounds, where he drifts the snow +deep for his pastime, so that after each storm of snow or sleet a +serious bit of engineering must be undergone before the sashes can be +lifted and the plants saved from dampness; or if the daffodils and +tulips lie well bedded all the winter through, if, when the sun has +called them forth, the winds of March blight their sap-tender foliage? +Yet the lands that send the north winds also send us the means to deter +them—the cold-loving evergreens, low growing, high growing, medium, +woven dense in warp <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span>and woof, to be windbreaks, also the shrubs of +tough, twisted fibre and stubborn thorns lying close to the earth for +windbuffers.</p> + +<p>Therefore, before the planting of rose or hardy herbs, bulbs or tenderer +flowers, go out, compass in hand, face the four quarters of heaven, and, +considering well, set your windbreaks of sweeping hemlocks, pines, +spruces, not in fortress-like walls barring all the horizon, but in +alternate groups that flank, without appearing to do so heavily, the +north and northwest. Even a barberry hedge on two sides of a garden, +wedge point to north, like the wild-goose squadrons of springtime, will +make that spot an oasis in the winter valley of death.</p> + +<p>A wise gardener it is who thinks of the winter in springtime and plants +for it as surely as he thinks of spring in the winter season and longs +for it! If, in the many ways by which the affairs of daily life are +re-enforced, the saying is true that "forethought is coin in the pocket, +quiet in the brain, and content in the heart," doubly does it apply to +the pleasures of living, of which the outdoor life of working side by +side with nature, called gardening, is one of the chief. When a garden +is inherited, the traditions of the soil or reverence for those who +planned and toiled in it may make one blind to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span>certain defects in its +conception, and beginning with <i>a priori</i> set by another one does as one +can.</p> + +<p>But in those choosing site, and breaking soil for themselves, +inconsistency is inexcusable. Follow the lay of the land and let it +lead. Nature does not attempt placid lowland pictures on a steep +hillside, nor dramatic landscape effects in a horizonless meadow, +therefore why should you? For one great garden principle you will learn +from nature's close companionship—consistency!</p> + +<p>You who have a bit of abrupt hillside of impoverished soil, yet where +the sky-line is divided in a picture of many panels by the trees, you +should not try to perch thereon a prim Dutch garden of formal lines; +neither should you, to whom a portion of fertile level plain has fallen, +seek to make it picturesque by a tortuous maze of walks, curving about +nothing in particular and leading nowhere, for of such is not nature. +Either situation will develop the skill, though in different directions, +and do not forget that in spite of better soil it takes greater +individuality to make a truly good and harmonious garden on the flat +than on the rolling ground.</p> + +<p>I always tremble for the lowlander who, down in the depth of his nature, +has a prenatal hankering for rocks, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span>because he is apt to build an +undigested rockery! These sort of rockeries are wholly separate from the +rock gardens, often majestic, that nowadays supplement a bit of natural +rocky woodland, bringing it within the garden pale. The awful rockery of +the flat garden is like unto a nest of prehistoric eggs that have been +turned to stone, from the interstices of which a few wan vines and ferns +protrude somewhat, suggesting the garnishing for an omelet.</p> + +<p>Also, if you follow Nature and study her devices, you will alone learn +the ways of the winds and how to prepare for them. Where does Spring set +her first flag of truce—out in the windswept open?</p> + +<p>No! the arbutus and hepatica lie bedded not alone in the fallen leaves +of the forest but amid their own enduring foliage. The skunk cabbage +raises his hooded head first in sheltered hollows. The marsh marigold +lies in the protection of bog tussocks and stream banks. The first +bloodroot is always found at the foot of some natural windbreak, while +the shad-bush, that ventures farther afield and higher in air than any, +is usually set in a protecting hedge, like his golden forerunner the +spice-bush.</p> + +<p>If Nature looks to the ways of the wind when she plants, why should not +we? A bed of the hardiest <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span>roses set on a hill crest is a folly. Much +more likely would they be to thrive wholly on the north side of it. A +garden set in a cut between hills that form a natural blowpipe can at +best do no more than hold its own, without advancing.</p> + +<p>But there are some things that belong to the never-never land and may +not be done here. You may plant roses and carnations in the shade or in +dry sea sand, but they will not thrive; you cannot keep upland lilies +cheerful with their feet in wet clay; you cannot have a garden all the +year in our northern latitudes, for nature does not; and you cannot +afford to ignore the ways of the wind, for according as it is kind or +cruel does it mean garden life or death!</p> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"Men, they say, know many things;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But lo, they have taken wings,—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The arts and sciences,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4em;">And a thousand appliances;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">The wind that blows</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 6em;">Is all that anybody knows."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 14em;" class="smcap">—Thoreau."</span> +</p> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p> +<h2>II</h2> + +<h3>THE BOOK OF THE GARDEN, YOU, AND I</h3> + + +<p><i>April 30.</i> Gray dawn, into which father and Evan vanished with their +fishing rods; then sunrise, curtained by a slant of rain, during which +the birds sang on with undamped ardour, a catbird making his début for +the season as soloist.</p> + +<p>It must not be thought that I was up and out at dawn. At twenty I did so +frequently, at thirty sometimes, now at thirty-five I <i>can</i> do it +<i>perfectly well</i>, if necessary, otherwise, save at the change of +seasons, to keep in touch with earth and sky, I raise myself +comfortably, elbow on pillow, and through the window scan garden, wild +walk, and the old orchard at leisure, and then let my arm slip and the +impression deepen through the magic of one more chance for dreams.</p> + +<p><i>9 o'clock.</i> The warm throb of spring in the earth, rising in a potent +mist, sap pervaded and tangible, having a clinging, unctuous softness +like the touch of unfolding beech leaves, lured me out to finish the +transplanting of the pansies among the hardy roses, while the first +brown thrasher, high in the bare top of an ash, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span>eyes fixed on the sky, +proclaimed with many turns and changes the exact spot where he did not +intend to locate his nest. This is an early spring, of a truth.</p> + +<p>Presently pale sunbeams thread the mist, gathering colour as they filter +through the pollen-meshed catkins of the black birches; an oriole +bugling in the Yulan magnolias below at the road-bend, fire amid snow; a +high-hole laughing his courtship in the old orchard.</p> + +<p>Then Lavinia Cortright coming up to exchange Dahlia bulbs and discuss +annuals and aster bugs. She and Martin browse about the country, +visiting from door to door like veritable natives, while their garden, +at first so prim and genteel, like one of Lavinia's own frocks, has +broken bounds and taken on brocade, embroidery, and all sorts of lace +frills, overflowed the south meadow, and only pauses at the stile in the +wall of our old crab-apple orchard, rivalling in beauty and refined +attraction any garden at the Bluffs. Martin's purse is fuller than of +yore, owing to the rise in Whirlpool real estate, and nothing is too +good for Lavinia's garden. Even more, he has of late let the dust rest +peacefully on human genealogy and is collecting quaint garden books and +herbals, flower catalogues and lists, with the solemn intent of writing +a book on Historic Flowers. At least so he declares; but when Lavinia is +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span>in the garden, there too is Martin. To-day, however, he joined my men +before noon at the lower brook. Fancy a house-reared man a convert to +fishing when past threescore! Evan insists that it is because, being +above all things consistent, he wishes to appear at home in the company +of father's cherished collection of Walton's and other fishing books. +Father says, "Nonsense! no man can help liking to fish!"</p> + +<p><a name="illus-028" id="illus-028"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/illus-028.jpg" alt="The magnolias below at the road-bend." title="The magnolias below at the road-bend." /></div> +<h4><span class="smcap">The magnolias below at the road-bend.</span></h4> + +<p>Toward evening came home a creel lined with bog moss; within, a rainbow +glimmer of brook trout, a posy of shad-bush, marsh marigolds, anemones, +and rosy spring beauties from the river woods,—with three cheerfully +tired men, who gathered by the den hearth fire with coffee cup and pipe, +inside an admiring but sleepy circle of beagle hounds, who had run free +the livelong day and who could doubtless impart the latest rabbit news +with thrilling detail. All this and much more made up to-day, one of red +letters.</p> + +<p>Yesterday, Monday, was quite different, and if not absolutely black, was +decidedly slate coloured. It is only when some one of the household is +positively ill that the record must be set down in black characters, for +what else really counts? Why is it that the city folk persist in judging +all rural days alike, that is until they have once really <i>lived</i> in the +country, not merely boarded <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>and tried to kill time and their own +digestions at one and the same moment.</p> + +<p>Such exceptional days as yesterday should only be chronicled now and +then to give an added halo to happy to-morrows,—disagreeables are +remembered quite long enough by perverse human nature.</p> + +<p>Yesterday began with the pipe from the water-back bursting, thereby +doing away with hot water for shaving and the range fire at the same +time. The coffee resented hurry, and the contact with an oil stove +developed the peanutty side of its disposition, something that is latent +in the best and most equable of brands.</p> + +<p>The spring timetable having changed at midnight Sunday, unobserved by +Evan, he missed the early train, which it was especially important that +he should take. Three other men found themselves in the same +predicament, two being Bluffers and one a Plotter. (These are the names +given hereabout to our two colonies of non-natives. The Bluffers are the +people of the Bluffs, who always drive to the station; the Plotters, +living on a pretty tract of land near the village that was "plotted" +into house-lots a few years ago, have the usual newcomer's hallucination +about making money from raising chickens, and always walk.)</p> + +<p>After a hasty consultation, one of the Bluffers tele<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span>phoned for his +automobile and invited the others to make the trip to town with him. In +order to reach the north turnpike that runs fairly straight to the city, +the chauffeur, a novice in local byways, proposed to take a short cut +through our wood road, instead of wheeling into the pike below +Wakeleigh.</p> + +<p>This wood road holds the frost very late, in spite of an innocent +appearance to the contrary; this fact Evan stated tersely. Would a +chauffeur of the Bluffs listen to advice from a man living halfway down +the hill, who not only was autoless but frequently walked to the +station, and therefore to be classed with the Plotters? Certainly not; +while at the same moment the owner of the car decided the matter by +pulling out his watch and murmuring to his neighbour something about an +important committee meeting, and it being the one day in the month when +time meant money!</p> + +<p>Into the road they plunged, and after several hair-breadth lurches, for +the cut is deep and in places the rocks parallel with the roadway, the +turnpike was visible; then a sudden jolt, a sort of groan from the +motor, and it ceased to breathe, the heavy wheels having settled in a +treacherous spot not wholly free from frost, its great stomach, or +whatever they call the part that holds its insides, wallowed hopelessly +in the mud!</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p><p>The gentlemen from the Bluffs deciding that, after all, there was no +real need of going to town, as they had only moved into the country the +week previous, and the auto owner challenged to a game of billiards by +his friend, they returned home, while the Plotter and Evan walked back +two miles to the depot and caught the third train!</p> + +<p>At home things still sizzled. Father had an important consultation at +the hospital at ten; ringing the stable call for the horses, he found +that Tim, evidently forgetting the hour, had taken them, Evan's also +being of the trio, to the shoer half an hour before. There was a +moment's consternation and Bertel left the digging over of my hardy beds +to speed down to the village on his bicycle, and when the stanhope +finally came up, father was as nearly irritable as I have ever seen him, +while Tim Saunders's eyes looked extra small and pointed. Evidently +Bertel had said things on his own account.</p> + +<p>Was an explosion coming at last to end twelve years of out-of-door +peace, also involving my neighbour and domestic standby, Martha Corkle +Saunders?</p> + +<p>No; the two elderly men glanced at each other; there was nothing of the +domineering or resentful attitude that so often renders difficult the +relation of master and man—"I must be getting old and forgetful," quoth +father, stepping into the gig.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span></p><p>"Nae, it's mair like I'm growin' deef in the nigh ear," said Tim, and +without further argument they drove away.</p> + +<p>I was still pondering upon the real inwardness of the matter, when the +boys came home to luncheon. Two hungry, happy boys are a tonic at any +time, and for a time I buttered bread—though alack, the real necessity +for so doing has long since passed—when, on explaining father's absence +from the meal, Ian said abruptly, "Jinks! grandpa's gone the day before! +he told Tim <i>Tuesday</i> at 'leven, I heard him!"</p> + +<p>But, as it chanced, it was a slip of tongue, not memory, and I blessed +Timothy Saunders for his Scotch forbearance, which Evan insists upon +calling prudence.</p> + +<p>My own time of trial came in the early afternoon. During the more than +ten years that I have been a gardener on my own account, I have +naturally tried many experiments and have gradually come to the +conclusion that it is a mistake to grow too many species of +flowers,—better to have more of a kind and thus avoid spinkiness. The +pink family in general is one of those that has stood the test, and this +year a cousin of Evan's sent me over a quantity of Margaret carnation +seed from prize stock, together with that of some exhibition single +Dahlias.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p><p>Late in February I sowed the seed in two of the most protected hotbeds, +muffled them in mats and old carpets every night, almost turned myself +into a patent ventilator in order to give the carnations enough air +during that critical teething period of pinks, when the first grasslike +leaves emerge from the oval seed leaves and the little plants are apt to +weaken at the ground level, damp off, and disappear, thinned them out +with the greatest care, and had (day before yesterday) full five hundred +lusty little plants, ready to go out into the deeply dug cool bed and +there wax strong according to the need of pinks before summer heat gains +the upper hand.</p> + +<p>The Dahlias had also thriven, but then they are less particular, and if +they live well will put up with more snubs than will a carnation.</p> + +<p>Weather and Bertel being propitious, I prepared to plant out my pets, +though of course they must be sheltered of nights for another half +month. As I was about to remove one of the props that held the sash +aloft, to let in air to the Dahlias, and still constitute it a +windbreak, I heard a violent whistling in our grass road north of the +barn that divides the home acres from the upper pastures and Martha's +chicken farm. At first I thought but little of it, as many people use it +as a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span>short cut from the back road from the Bluffs down to the village. +Soon a shout came from the same direction, and going toward the wall, I +saw Mr. Vandeveer struggling along, his great St. Bernard Jupiter, prize +winner in a recent show and but lately released from winter confinement, +bounding around and over him to such an extent that the spruce New +Yorker, who had the reputation of always being on dress parade from the +moment that he left bed until he returned to it in hand-embroidered pink +silk pajamas, was not only covered with abundant April mud, but could +hardly keep his footing.</p> + +<p>At the moment I spied the pair, a great brindled cat, who sometimes +ventures on the place, in spite of all the attentions paid her by the +beagles, and who had been watching sparrows in the barnyard, sprang to +the wall. Zip! There was a rush, a snarl, a hiss, and a smash! Dog and +what had been cat crashed through the sash of my Dahlia frame, and in +the rebound ploughed into the soft earth that held the carnations.</p> + +<p>The next minute Mr. Vandeveer absolutely leaped over the wall, and +seeing the dog, apparently in the midst of the broken glass, turned +almost apoplectic, shouting, "Ah, his legs will be cut; he'll be ruined, +and Julie will never forgive me! He's her best dog and cost $3000 spot +cash! Get him out, somebody, why don't you?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> What business have people +to put such dangerous skylights near a public road?"</p> + +<p>Meanwhile, as wrath arose in my throat and formed ugly words, Jupiter, a +great friend of ours, who has had more comfortable meals in our kitchen +during the winter than the careless kennel men would have wished to be +known, sprang toward me with well-meant, if rough, caresses,—evidently +the few scratches he had amounted to nothing. I forgave him the cat +cheerfully, but my poor carnations! They do not belong to the grovelling +tribe of herbs that bend and refuse to break like portulaca, chickweed, +and pusley the accursed. Fortunately, just then, a scene of the past +year, which had come to me by report, floated across my vision. Our +young hounds, Bob and Pete, in the heat of undisciplined rat-catching +(for these dogs when young and unbroken will chase anything that runs), +completely undermined the Vandeveers' mushroom bed, the door of the pit +having been left open!</p> + +<p>When Mr. Vandeveer recovered himself, he began profuse apologies. Would +"send the glazier down immediately"—"so sorry to spoil such lovely +young onions and spinach!"</p> + +<p>"What! not early vegetables, but flowers?" Oh, then he should not feel +so badly. Really, he had quite for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span>gotten himself, but the truth was +Julie thought more of her dogs and horses than even of himself, he +sometimes thought,—almost, but not quite; "ha! ha! really, don't you +know!" While, judging by the comparative behaviour of dog and man, the +balance was decidedly in favour of Jupiter. But you see I never like men +who dress like ladies, I had lost my young plants, and I love dogs from +mongrel all up the ladder (lap dogs excepted), so I may be prejudiced.</p> + +<p>After Bertel had carefully removed the splintered glass from the earth, +so that I could take account of my damaged stock, about half seemed to +be redeemable; but even those poor seedlings looked like soldiers after +battle, a limb gone here and an eye missing there.</p> + +<p>At supper father, Evan, and I were silent and ceremoniously polite, +neither referring to the day's disasters, and I could see that the boys +were regarding us with open-eyed wonder. When the meal was almost +finished, the bell of the front door rang and Effie returned, bearing a +large, ornamental basket, almost of the proportions of a hamper, with a +card fastened conspicuously to the handle, upon which was printed "With +apologies from Jupiter!" Inside was a daintily arranged assortment of +hothouse vegetables,—cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplant eggs, +artichokes,—with a separate basket in one <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span>corner brimming with +strawberries, and in the other a pink tissue-paper parcel, tied with +ribbon, containing mushrooms, proving that, after all, fussy Mr. +Vandeveer has the saving grace of humour.</p> + +<p>My righteous garden-indignation dwindled; laughter caught me by the +throat and quenched the remainder. Evan, knowing nothing of the +concatenation, but scenting something from the card, joined +sympathetically. Glancing at father, I saw that his nose was twitching, +and in a moment his shoulders began to shake and he led the general +confession that followed. It seems that he arrived at the hospital +really the day of the consultation, but found that the patient, in need +of surgical care, had been seized with nervous panic and gone home!</p> + +<p>After such a thoroughly vulgar day there is really nothing to do but +laugh and plan something pleasant for to-morrow, unless you prefer +crying, which, though frequently a relief to the spirit, is particularly +bad for eye wrinkles in the middle-aged.</p> + +<p><i>May-day.</i> I always take this as a holiday, and give myself up to any +sort of outdoor folly that comes into my head. There is nothing more +rejuvenating than to let one's self thoroughly go now and then.</p> + +<p>Then, besides, to an American, May-day is usually a surprise in itself. +You never can tell what it will bring, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span>for it is by no means the +amiable and guileless child of the poets, breathing perfumed south wind +and followed by young lambs through meadows knee deep in grass and +flowers.</p> + +<p>In the course of fifteen years I have seen four May-days when there was +enough grass to blow in the wind and frost had wholly left for the +season; to balance this there have been two brief snow squalls, three +deluges that washed even big beans out of ground, and a scorching +drought that reduced the brooks, unsheltered by leafage, to August +shallowness. But to-day has been entirely lovable and full of the +promise that after all makes May the garden month of the year, the time +of perfect faith, hope, and charity when we may believe all things!</p> + +<p>This morning I took a stroll in the woods, partly to please the dogs, +for though they always run free, they smile and wag furiously when they +see the symptoms that tell that I am going beyond the garden. What a +difference there is between the north and south side of things! On the +south slope the hepaticas have gone and the columbines show a trace of +red blood, while on the north, one is in perfection and the other only +as yet making leaves. This is a point to be remembered in the garden, by +which the season of blooming can be length<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span>ened for almost all plants +that do not demand full, unalloyed sun, like the rose and pink families.</p> + +<p>Every year I am more and more surprised at the hints that can be carried +from the wild to the cultivated. For instance, the local soil in which +the native plants of a given family nourish is almost always sure to +agree better with its cultivated, and perhaps tropical, cousin than the +most elaborately and scientifically prepared compost. This is a matter +that both simplifies and guarantees better success to the woman who is +her own gardener and lives in a country sufficiently open for her to be +able to collect soil of various qualities for special purposes. Lilies +were always a very uncertain quantity with me, until the idea occurred +of filling my bed with earth from a meadow edge where <i>Lilium +Canadense</i>, year after year, mounted her chimes of gold and copper bells +on leafy standards often four feet high.</p> + +<p>We may read and listen to cultural ways and methods, but when all is +said and done, one who has not a fat purse for experiments and failures +must live the outdoor life of her own locality to get the best results +in the garden.</p> + +<p>Then to have a woman friend to compare notes with and prove rules by is +a comforting necessity. No living being can say positively, "I <i>will</i> do +so and so;" or "I <i>know</i>," when coming in contact with the wise old +earth!</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p><p>Lavinia Cortright has only had a garden for half a dozen summers, and +consults me as a veteran, yet I'm discovering quite as much from her +experiments as she from mine. Last winter, when seed-catalogue time came +round, and we met daily and scorched our shoes before the fire, drinking +a great deal too much tea in the excitement of making out our lists, we +resolved to form a horticulture society of only three members, of which +she elected me the recording secretary, to be called "The Garden, You, +and I."</p> + +<p>We expect to have a variety of experiences this season, and frequent +meetings both actual and by pen, for Lavinia, in combination with Horace +and Sylvia Bradford, last year built a tiny shore cottage, three miles +up the coast, at Gray Rocks, where they are going for alternate weeks or +days as the mood seizes them, and they mean to try experiments with real +seashore gardening, while Evan proposes that we should combine pleasure +with business in a way to make frequent vacations possible and take +driving trips together to many lovely gardens both large and small, to +our mutual benefit, his eyes being open to construction and landscape +effect, and mine to the soul of the garden, as it were; for he is +pleased to say that a woman can grasp and translate this more easily and +fully than <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span>a man. What if the records of The Garden, You, and I should +turn into a real book, an humble shadow of "Six of Spades" of jovial +memory! Is it possible that I am about to be seized with Agamemnon +Peterkin's ambition to write a book to make the world wise? Alas, poor +Agamemnon! When he had searched the woods for an oak gall to make ink, +gone to the post-office, after hours, to buy a sheet of paper, and +caused a commotion in the neighbourhood and rumour of thieves by going +to the poultry yard with a lantern to pluck a fresh goose quill for a +pen, he found that he had nothing to say, and paused—thereby, at least, +proving his own wisdom.</p> + +<p>I'm afraid I ramble too much to be a good recording secretary, but this +habit belongs to my very own garden books that no critical eyes can see. +That reminds me! Father says that he met Bartram Penrose in town last +week and that he seemed rather nervous and tired, and worried about +nothing, and wanted advice. After looking him over a bit, father told +him that all he needed was a long vacation from keeping train, as well +as many other kinds of time, for it seems during the six years of his +marriage he has had no real vacation but his honeymoon.</p> + +<p>Mary Penrose's mother, my mother, and Lavinia Cortright were all school +friends together, and since Mary married Bartram and moved to Woodridge +we've <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span>exchanged many little visits, for our husbands agree, and now +that she has time she is becoming an enthusiastic gardener, after my own +heart, having last season become convinced of the ugliness of cannas and +coleus beds about a restored colonial farmhouse. Why might they not join +us on our driving trips, by way of their vacation?</p> + +<p>Immediately I started to telephone the invitation, and then paused. I +will write instead. Mary Penrose is on the long-distance line,—toll +thirty cents in the daytime! In spring I am very stingy; thirty cents +means six papers of flower seeds, or three heliotropes. Whereas in +winter it is simply thirty cents, and it must be a very vapid +conversation indeed that is not worth so much on a dark winter day of +the quality when neither driving nor walking is pleasant, and if you get +sufficiently close to the window to see to read, you develop a stiff +neck. Also, the difficulty is that thirty cents is only the beginning of +a conversation betwixt Mary Penrose and myself, for whoever begins it +usually has to pay for overtime, which provokes quarterly discussion. Is +it not strange that very generous men often have such serious objections +to the long-distance tails to their telephone bills, and insist upon +investigating them with vigour, when they pay a speculator an extra +dollar for a theatre ticket without a murmur? They must remem<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span>ber that +telephones, whatever may be said to the contrary, are one of the modern +aids to domesticity and preventives of gadding, while still keeping one +not only in touch with a friend but within range of the voice. Surely +there can be no woman so self-sufficient that she does not in silent +moments yearn for a spoken word with one of her kind.</p> + +<p>When I had finished sowing my first planting of mignonette and growled +at the prospective labour entailed by thinning out the fall-sown Shirley +poppies (I have quite resolved to plant everything in the +vegetable-garden seed beds and then transplant to the flowering beds as +the easier task), Lavinia Cortright came up, note-book in hand, inviting +herself comfortably to spend the day, and thoroughly inspect the hardy +seed bed, to see what I had for exchange, as well as perfect her plan of +starting one of her own.</p> + +<p>By noon the sun had made the south corner, where the Russian violets +grow, quite warm enough to make lunching out-of-doors possible, and +promising to protect Lavinia's rather thinly shod feet from the ground +with one of the rubber mats whereon I kneel when I transplant, she +consented to thus celebrate the coming of the season of liberty, doors +open to the air and sun, the soul to every whisper of Heart of Nature +himself, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span>the steward of the plan and eternal messenger of God.</p> + +<p>"Hard is the heart that loveth naught in May!" Yes, so hard that it is +no longer flesh and blood, for under the spell of renewal every grass +blade has new beauty, every trifle becomes of importance, and the humble +song sparrow a nightingale.</p> + +<p>The stars that blazed of winter nights have fallen and turned to +dandelions in the grass; the Forsythias are decked in gold, a colour +that is carried up and down the garden borders in narcissus, dwarf +tulips, and pansies, peach blossoms giving a rosy tinge to the snow fall +of cherry bloom.</p> + +<p>To-day there are two catbirds, Elle et Lui, and the first Johnny Wren is +inspecting the particular row of cottages that top the long screen of +honeysuckles back of the walk named by Richard <i>Wren Street</i>. Why is the +song sparrow calling "Dick, Dick!" so lustily and scratching so testily +in the leaves that have drifted under an old rose shrub? The birds' bath +and drinking basin is still empty; I pour out the libation to the day by +filling it.</p> + +<p>The seed bed is reached at last. It has wintered fairly well, and the +lines of plants all show new growth. As I started to point out and +explain, Lavinia Cortright <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>began to jot down name and quantity, and +then, stopping, said: "No, you must write it out as the first record for +The Garden, You, and I. I make a motion to that effect." As I was about +to protest, the postman brought some letters, one being from Mary +Penrose, to whom Mrs. Cortright stands as aunt by courtesy. I opened it, +and spreading it between us we began to read, so that afterward Lavinia +declared that her motion was passed by default.</p> + +<p class='author'> +"<span class="smcap">Woodridge</span>, <i>April</i> 30. +</p><p> +"<span class="smcap">My Dear Mrs. Evan</span>, +</p> + +<p>"I am going into gardening in earnest this spring, and I want you and +Aunt Lavinia to tell me things,—things that you have done yourselves +and succeeded or failed in. Especially about the failures. It is a great +mistake for garden books and papers to insist that there is no such word +in horticulture as fail, that every flower bed can be kept in full +flower six months of the year, in addition to listing things that will +bloom outdoors in winter in the Middle States, and give all floral +measurements as if seen through a telephoto lens. It makes one feel the +exceptional fool. It's discouraging and not stimulating in the least. +Doesn't even nature meet with disaster once in a while as if by way of +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>encouragement to us? And doesn't nature's garden have on and off +seasons? So why shouldn't ours?</p> + +<p>"There is a quantity of <i>Garden Goozle</i> going about nowadays that is as +unbelievable, and quite as bad for the constitution and pocket, as the +guarantees of patent medicines. No, <i>Garden Goozle</i> is not my word, you +must understand; it was invented by a clever professor of agriculture, +whom Bart met not long ago, and we loved the word so much that we have +adopted it. The mental quality of <i>Garden Goozle</i> seems to be compounded +of summer squash and milkweed milk, and it would be quite harmless were +it not for the strong catbriers grafted in the mass for impaling the +purses of the trusting.</p> + +<p>"Ah, if we only lived a little nearer together, near enough to talk over +the garden fence! It seems cruel to ask you to write answers to all my +questions, but after listing the hardy plants I want for putting the +garden on a consistent old-time footing, I find the amount runs quite to +the impossible three figures, aside from everything else we need, so +I've decided on beginning with a seed bed, and I want to know before we +locate the new asparagus bed how much ground I shall need for a seed +bed, what and how to plant, and everything else!</p> + +<p>"I like all the hardy things you have, especially those that are mice, +lice, and water proof! If you will send <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span>me ever so rough a list, I +shall be grateful. Would I better begin at once or wait until July or +August, as some of the catalogues suggest?</p> + +<p>"Bart has just come in and evidently has something on his mind of which +he wishes to relieve himself via speech.</p> + +<p class='center'>"Your little sister of the garden,</p> + +<p class='author'>"<span class="smcap">Mary P.</span>"</p> + +<p>"She must join The Garden, You, and I," said Lavinia Cortright, almost +before I had finished the letter. "She will be entertainer in chief, for +she never fails to be amusing!"</p> + +<p>"I thought there were to be but three members," I protested, thinking of +the possible complications of a three-cornered correspondence.</p> + +<p>"Ah, well," Lavinia Cortright replied quickly, "make the Garden an +<i>Honorary</i> member; it is usual so to rank people of importance from whom +much is expected, and then we shall still be but three—with privilege +of adding your husband as councillor and mine as librarian and custodian +of deeds!"</p> + +<p>So I have promised to write to Mary Penrose this evening.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p> +<h2>III</h2> + +<h3>CONCERNING HARDY PLANTS</h3> + +<h4>THE SEED BED FOR HARDY FLOWERS</h4> + + +<p>When the Cortrights first came to Oaklands, expecting to remain here but +a few months each summer, their garden consisted of some borders of +old-fashioned, hardy flowers, back of the house. These bounded a +straight walk that, beginning at the porch, went through an arched grape +arbour, divided the vegetable garden, and finally ended under a tree in +the orchard at the barrier made by a high-backed green wooden seat, that +looked as if it might have been a pew taken from some primitive church +on its rebuilding.</p> + +<p>There were, at intervals, along this walk, some bushes of lilacs, +bridal-wreath spirea, flowering almond, snowball, syringa, and scarlet +flowering quince; for roses, Mme. Plantier, the half double Boursault, +and some great clumps of the little cinnamon rose and Harrison's yellow +brier, whose flat opening flowers are things of a day, these two +varieties having the habit of travelling all over a garden by means of +their root suckers. Here <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>and there were groups of tiger and lemon +lilies growing out of the ragged turf, bunches of scarlet bee balm, or +Oswego tea, as it is locally called, while plantain lilies, with deeply +ribbed heart-shaped leaves, catnip, southernwood, and mats of grass +pinks. Single hollyhocks of a few colours followed the fence line; tall +phlox of two colours, white and a dreary dull purple, rambled into the +grass and was scattered through the orchard, in company with New England +asters and various golden rods that had crept up from the waste +pasture-land below; and a straggling line of button chrysanthemums, +yellow, white, maroon, and a sort of medicinal rhubarb-pink, had backed +up against the woodhouse as if seeking shelter. Lilies-of-the-valley +planted in the shade and consequently anæmic and scant of bells, blended +with the blue periwinkle until their mingled foliage made a great shield +of deep, cool green that glistened against its setting of faded, +untrimmed grass.</p> + +<p>This garden, such as it was, could be truly called hardy, insomuch as +all the care it had received for several years was an annual cutting of +the longest grass. The fittest had survived, and, among herbaceous +things, whatsoever came of seed, self-sown, had reverted nearly to the +original type, as in the case of hollyhocks, phlox, and a few common +annuals. The long grass, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>topped by the leaves that had drifted in and +been left undisturbed, made a better winter blanket than many people +furnish to their hardy plants,—the word <i>hardy</i> as applied to the +infinite variety of modern herbaceous plants as produced by selection +and hybridization not being perfectly understood.</p> + +<p>While a wise selection of flowering shrubs and truly hardy roses will, +if properly planted, pruned, and fertilized, live for many years, +certain varieties even outlasting more than one human generation, the +modern hardy perennial and biennial of many species and sumptuous +effects must be watched and treated with almost as much attention as the +so-called bedding-plants demand in order to bring about the best +results.</p> + +<p>The common idea, fostered by inexperience, and also, I'm sorry to say, +by what Mary Penrose dubs <i>Garden Goozle</i>, that a hardy garden once +planted is a thing accomplished for life, is an error tending to bitter +disappointment. If we would have a satisfactory garden of any sort, we +must in our turn follow Nature, who never rests in her processes, never +even sleeping without a purpose. But if fairly understood, looked +squarely in the face, and treated intelligently, the hardy garden, +supplemented here and there with annual flowers, is more than worth +while and a perpetual source of joy.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> If money is not an object to the +planter, she may begin by buying plants to stock her beds, always +remembering that if these thrive, they must be thinned out or the clumps +subdivided every few years, as in the case of hybrid phloxes, +chrysanthemums, etc., or else dug up bodily and reset; for if this is +not done, smaller flowers with poorer colours will be the result.</p> + +<p>The foxglove, one of the easily raised and very hardy plants, of +majestic mien and great landscape value, will go on growing in one +location for many years; but if you watch closely, you will find that it +is rarely the original plant that has survived, but a seedling from it +that has sprung up unobserved under the sheltering leaves of its parent. +The old plant grows thick at the juncture of root stock and leaf, the +action of the frost furrows and splits it, water or slugs gain an +entrance, and it disappears, the younger growth taking its place. +Especially true is this also of hollyhocks. The larkspurs have different +roots and more underground vigour, and all tap-rooted herbs hold their +own well, the difficulty being to curb their spreading and undermining +their border companions.</p> + +<p><a name="illus-32" id="illus-32"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/illus-32.jpg" alt="English Larkspur Seven Feet High." title="English Larkspur Seven Feet High." /></div> +<h4><span class="smcap">English Larkspur Seven Feet High.</span></h4> + +<p>It is conditions like these that keep the gardener of hardy things ever +on the alert. Beds for annuals or florists' plants are thoroughly dug +and graded each <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span>spring, so that the weeds that must be combated are +of new and comparatively shallow growth. The hardy bed, on the contrary, +in certain places must be stirred with a fork only and that with the +greatest care, for, if well-planned, plants of low growth will carpet +the ground between tall standing things, so that in many spots the +fingers, with a small weeding hoe only, are admissible. Thus a blade of +grass here, some chickweed there, the seed ball of a composite dropping +in its aerial flight, and lo! presently weedlings and seedlings are +wrestling together, and you hesitate to deal roughly with one for fear +of injuring the constitution of the other. To go to the other extreme +and keep the hardy garden or border as spick and span clean as a row of +onions or carrots in the vegetable garden, is to do away with the +informality and a certain gracious blending of form and colour that is +one of its greatest charms.</p> + +<p>Thus it comes about, with the most successful of hardy mixed borders, +that, at the end of the third season, things will become a little +confused and the relations between certain border-brothers slightly +strained; the central flowers of the clumps of phloxes, etc., grow +small, because the newer growth of the outside circle saps their +vitality.</p> + +<p>Personally, I believe in drastic measures and every <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>third or fourth +year, in late September, or else April, according to season and other +contingencies, I have all the plants carefully removed from the beds and +ranged in rows of a kind upon the broad central walk. Then, after the +bed is thoroughly worked, manured, and graded, the plants are divided +and reset, the leavings often serving as a sort of horticultural wampum, +the medium of exchange among neighbours with gardens, or else going as a +freewill offering to found a garden for one of the "plotters" who needs +encouragement.</p> + +<p>The limitations of the soil of my garden and surroundings serve as the +basis of an experience that, however, I have found carried out +practically in the same way in the larger gardens of the Bluffs and in +many other places that Evan and I have visited. So that any one thinking +that a hardy garden, at least of herbaceous plants, is a thing that, +once established, will, if not molested, go on forever, after the manner +of the fern banks of the woods or the wild flowers of marsh and meadow, +will be grievously disappointed.</p> + +<p>Of course, where hardy plants are massed, as in nurseries, horticultural +gardens, or the large estates, each in a bed or plot of its kind, this +resetting is far simpler, as each variety can receive the culture best +suited to it, and there is no mixing of species.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p><p>Another common error in regard to the hardy garden, aided and abetted +by <i>Garden Goozle</i>, is that it is easy or even practicable to have every +bed in a blooming and decorative condition during the whole season. It +is perfectly possible always to have colour and fragrance in some part +of the garden during the entire season, after the manner of the natural +sequence of bloom that passes over the land, each bed in bloom some of +the time, but not every bed all of the time. Artifice and not nature +alone can produce this, and artifice is too costly a thing for the woman +who is her own gardener, even if otherwise desirable. For it should +appeal to every one having a grain of garden sense that, if the plants +of May and June are to grow and bloom abundantly, those that come to +perfection in July and August, if planted in their immediate vicinity, +must be overshadowed and dwarfed. The best that can be done is to leave +little gaps or lines between the hardy plants, so that gladioli, or some +of the quick-growing and really worthy annuals, can be introduced to +lend colour to what becomes too severely of the past.</p> + +<p>There is one hardy garden, not far from Boston, one of those where the +landscape architect lingers to study the possibilities of the formal +side of his art in skilful adjustment of pillar, urn, pergola, and +basin,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span>—this garden is never out of flower. At many seasons Evan and I +had visited it, early and late, only to find it one unbroken sheet of +bloom. How was it possible, we queried? Comes a day when the complex +secret of the apparent simple abundance was revealed. It was as the +foxgloves, that flanked a long alley, were decidedly waning when, quite +early one morning, we chanced to behold a small regiment of men remove +the plants, root and branch, and swiftly substitute for them immense +pot-grown plants of the tall flower snapdragon (<i>Antirrhinum</i>), +perfectly symmetrical in shape, with buds well open and showing colour. +These would continue in bloom quite through August and into September. +So rapidly was the change made that, in a couple of hours at most, all +traces were obliterated, and the casual passer-by would have been +unaware that the plants had not grown on the spot. This sort of thing is +a permissible luxury to those who can afford and desire an exhibition +garden, but it is not watching the garden growing and quivering and +responding to all its vicissitudes and escapes as does the humble owner. +Hardy gardening of this kind is both more difficult and costly, even if +more satisfactory, than filling a bed with a rotation of florists' +flowers, after the custom as seen in the parks and about club-houses: to +wit, first tulips, then pansies and daisies, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>next foliage plants or +geraniums, and finally, when frost threatens, potted plants of hardy +chrysanthemums are brought into play.</p> + +<p>No, The Garden, You, and I know that hardy plants, native and +acclimated, may be had in bloom from hepatica time until ice crowns the +last button chrysanthemum and chance pansy, but to have every bed in +continuous bloom all the season is not for us, any more than it is to be +expected that every individual plant in a row should survive the frost +upheavals and thaws of winter.</p> + +<p>If a garden is so small that half a dozen each of the ten or twelve +best-known species of hardy herbs will suffice, they may be bought of +one of the many reliable dealers who now offer such things; but if the +place is large and rambling, affording nooks for hardy plants of many +kinds and in large quantities, then a permanent seed bed is a positive +necessity.</p> + +<p>This advice is especially for those who are now so rapidly taking up old +farmsteads, bringing light again to the eyes of the window-panes that +have looked out on the world of nature so long that they were growing +dim from human neglect. In these places, where land is reckoned by the +acre, not by the foot, there is no excuse for the lack of seed beds for +both hardy and annual flowers (though these latter belong to another +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>record), in addition to space for cuttings of shrubs, hardy roses, and +other woody things that may be thus rooted.</p> + +<p>If there is a bit of land that has been used for a vegetable garden and +is not wholly worn out, so much the better. The best seed bed I have +ever seen belongs to Jane Crandon at the Jenks-Smith place on the +Bluffs. It was an old asparagus bed belonging to the farm, thoroughly +well drained and fertilized, but the original crop had grown thin and +spindling from being neglected and allowed to drop its seed.</p> + +<p>In the birth of this bed the wind and sun, as in all happy gardens, had +been duly consulted, and the wind promised to keep well behind a thick +wall of hemlocks that bounded it on the north and east whenever he was +in a cruel mood. The sun, casting his rays about to get the points of +compass, promised that he would fix his eye upon the bed as soon as he +had bathed his face in mist on rising and turned the corner of the +house, and then, after watching it until past noon, turn his back, so no +wonder that the bed throve.</p> + +<p>Any well-located bit of fairly good ground can be made into a hardy seed +bed, provided only that it is not where frozen water covers it in +winter, or in the way of the wind, coming through a cut or sweeping +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>over the brow of a hill, for flowers are like birds in this +respect,—they can endure cold and many other hardships, but they quail +before the blight of wind.</p> + +<p>For all gardens of ordinary size a bit of ground ten feet by thirty feet +will be sufficient. If the earth is heavy loam and inclined to cake or +mould, add a little sifted sand and a thin sprinkling of either nitrate +of soda or one of the "complete" commercial manures. Barn-yard manure, +unless very well rotted and thoroughly worked under, is apt to develop +fungi destructive to seedlings. This will be sufficient preparation if +the soil is in average condition; but if the earth is old and worn out, +it must be either sub-soiled or dug and enriched with barnyard (not +stable) manure to the depth of a foot, or more if yellow loam is not met +below that depth.</p> + +<p>If the bed is on a slight slope, so much the better. Dig a shallow +trench of six or eight inches around it to carry off the wash. An abrupt +hillside is a poor place for such a bed, as the finer seeds will +inevitably be washed out in the heavy rains of early summer. If the +surface soil is lumpy or full of small stones that escape fine raking, +it must be shovelled through a sand-screen, as it is impossible for the +most ambitious seed to grow if its first attempt is met by the pressure +of what would <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>be the equivalent of a hundred-ton boulder to a man.</p> + +<p>It is to details such as these that success or failure in seed raising +is due, and when people say, "I prefer to buy plants; I am very unlucky +with seeds," I smile to myself, and the picture of something I once +observed done by one of the so-called gardeners of my early married days +flits before me.</p> + +<p>The man scraped a groove half an inch deep in hard-baked soil, with a +pointed stick, scattered therein the dustlike seeds of the dwarf blue +lobelia as thickly as if he had been sprinkling sugar on some very sour +article, then proceeded to trample them into the earth with all the +force of very heavy feet. Of course the seeds thus treated found +themselves sealed in a cement vault, somewhat after the manner of +treating victims of the Inquisition, the trickle of moisture that could +possibly reach them from a careless watering only serving to prolong +their death from suffocation.</p> + +<p>The woman gardener, I believe, is never so stupid as this; rather is she +tempted to kill by kindness in overfertilizing and overwatering, but too +lavish of seed in the sowing she certainly is, and I speak from the +conviction born of my own experience.</p> + +<p>When the earth is all ready for the planting, and the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>sweet, moist +odour rises when you open the seed papers with fingers almost trembling +with eagerness, it seems second nature to be lavish. If a few seeds will +produce a few plants, why not the more the merrier? If they come up too +thick, they can be thinned out, you argue, and thick sowing is being on +the safe side. But is it? Quite the contrary. When the seedlings appear, +you delay, waiting for them to gain a good start before jarring their +roots by thinning. All of a sudden they make such strides that when you +begin, you are appalled by the task, and after a while cease pulling the +individual plants, but recklessly attack whole "chunks" at once, or else +give up in a despair that results in a row of anæmic, drawn-out +starvelings that are certainly not to be called a success. After having +tried and duly weighed the labour connected with both methods, I find it +best to sow thinly and to rely on filling gaps by taking a plant here +and there from a crowded spot. For this reason, as well as that of +uniformity also, it is always better to sow seeds of hardy or annual +flowers in a seed bed, and then remove, when half a dozen leaves appear, +to the permanent position in the ornamental part of the garden.</p> + +<p>With annuals, of course, there are some exceptions to this rule,—in the +case of sweet peas, nasturtiums, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span>mignonette, portulaca, poppies, and +the like, where great quantities are massed.</p> + +<p>When you have prepared a hardy seed bed of the dimensions of ten by +thirty feet, which will allow of thirty rows, ten feet long and a foot +apart (though you must double the thirty feet if you intend to cultivate +between the rows with any sort of weeding machine, and if you have room +there should be two feet or even three between the rows), draw a garden +line taut across the narrow way of the plot at the top, snap it, and you +will have the drill for your first planting, which you may deepen if the +seeds be large.</p> + +<p>Before beginning, make a list of your seeds, with the heights marked +against each, and put the tallest at the top of the bed.</p> + +<p>"Why bother with this, when they are to be transplanted as soon as they +are fist up?" I hear Mary Penrose exclaim quickly, her head tipped to +one side like an inquisitive bird.</p> + +<p>Because this seed bed, if well planned, will serve the double purpose of +being also the "house supply bed." If, when the transplanting is done, +the seedlings are taken at regular intervals, instead of all from one +spot, those that remain, if not needed as emergency fillers, will bloom +as they stand and be the flowers to be util<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>ized by cutting for house +decoration, without depriving the garden beds of too much of their +colour. At the commercial florists, and in many of the large private +gardens, rows upon rows of flowers are grown on the vegetable-garden +plan, solely for gathering for the house, and while those with limited +labour and room cannot do this extensively, they can gain the same end +by an intelligent use of their seed beds.</p> + +<p>Many men (and more especially many women), many minds, but however much +tastes may differ I think that a list of thirty species of herbaceous +perennials should be enough to satisfy the ambition of an amateur, at +least in the climate of the middle and eastern United States. I have +tried many more, and I could be satisfied with a few less. Of course by +buying the seeds in separate colours, as in the single case of pansies, +one may use the entire bed for a single species, but the calculation of +size is based upon either a ten-foot row of a mixture of one species, or +else that amount of ground subdivided among several colours.</p> + +<p>Of the seeds for the hardy beds themselves, the enticing catalogues +offer a bewildering array. The maker of the new garden would try them +all, and thereby often brings on a bit of horticultural indigestion in +which gardener and garden suffer equally, and the resulting <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>plants +frequently perish from pernicious anæmia. Of the number of plants +needed, each gardener must be the judge; also, in spite of many warnings +and directions, each one must finally work on the lines of personally +won experience. What is acceptable to the soil and protected by certain +shelter in my garden on one side of hill crest or road may not flourish +in a different soil and exposure only a mile away. One thing is very +certain, however,—it is time wasted to plant a hardy garden of +herbaceous plants in shallow soil.</p> + +<p>In starting the hardy seed bed it is always safe to plant columbines, +Canterbury bells, coreopsis, larkspur, pinks in variety, foxgloves, +hollyhocks, gaillardia, the cheerful evergreen candy-tuft, bee balm and +its cousin wild bergamot, forget-me-nots, evening primroses, and the +day-flowering sundrops, Iceland and Oriental poppies, hybrid phlox, the +primrose and cowslips of both English fields and gardens, that are quite +hardy here (at least in the coastwise New England and Middle states), +double feverfew, lupins, honesty, with its profusion of lilac and white +bloom and seed vessels that glisten like mother-of-pearl, the tall +snapdragons, decorative alike in garden or house, fraxinella or gas +plant, with its spikes of odd white flowers, and pansies, always +pansies, for the open in spring and autumn, in rich, shady nooks <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span>all +summer, and even at midwinter a few tufts left in a sunny spot, at the +bottom of a wall by the snowdrops, will surprise you with round, +cheerful faces with the snow coverlet tucked quite under their chins.</p> + +<p><a name="illus-44" id="illus-44"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/illus-44.jpg" alt="Fraxinella, German Iris and Candy-tuft." title="Fraxinella, German Iris and Candy-tuft." /></div> +<h4><span class="smcap">Fraxinella,—German Iris and Candy-tuft.</span></h4> + +<p>It is well to keep a tabulated list of these old-time perennials in the +<i>Garden Boke</i>, so that in the feverish haste and excitement of the +planting season a mere glance will be a reminder of height, colour, and +time of bloom. I lend you mine, not as containing anything new or +original, but simply as a suggestion, a hint of what one garden has +found good and writ on its honour list. Newer things and hybrids are now +endless, and may be tested and added, one by one, but it takes at least +three seasons of this adorably unmonotonous climate of alternate +drought, damp, open or cold winter, to prove a plant hardy and worthy a +place on the honour roll. (<a href='#Page_376'>See p. 376.</a>)</p> + +<p>Before you plant, sit down by yourself with the packages spread before +you and examine the seeds at your leisure. This is the first uplifting +of the veil that you may see into the real life of a garden, a personal +knowledge of the seed that mothers the perfect plant.</p> + +<p>It may seem a trivial matter, but it is not so; each seed, be it +seemingly but a dust grain, bears its own type and identity. Also, from +its shape, size, and the hard<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>ness or thinness of its covering, you may +learn the necessities of its planting and development, for nowhere more +than in the seed is shown the miraculous in nature and the forethought +and economy of it all.</p> + +<p>The smaller the seed, the greater the yield to a flower, as if to guard +against chances of loss. The stately foxglove springs from a dust grain, +and fading holds aloft a seed spike of prolific invention; the lupin has +stout, podded, countable seeds that must of necessity fall to the ground +by force of weight. Also in fingering the seeds, you will know why some +are slow in germinating: these are either hard and gritty, sandlike, +like those of the English primrose, smooth as if coated with varnish, +like the pansy, violet, columbine, and many others, or enclosed in a +rigid shell like the iris-hued Japanese morning-glories and other +ipomeas. Heart of Nature is never in a hurry, for him time is not. What +matters it if a seed lies one or two years in the ground?</p> + +<p>With us of seed beds and gardens, it is different. We wish present +visible growth, and so we must be willing to lend aid, and first aid to +such seeds is to give them a whiff of moist heat to soften what has +become more hard than desirable through man's intervention. For in wild +nature the seed is sown as soon as it ripens, and falls to the care of +the ground before the vitality <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>of the parent plant has quite passed +from it. That is why the seed of a hardy plant, self-sown at midsummer, +grows with so much more vigour than kindred seed that has been lodged in +a packet since the previous, season.</p> + +<p>My way of "first aiding" these seeds is to tie them loosely in a wisp of +fine cheese-cloth or muslin, leaving a length of string for a handle (as +tea is sometimes prepared for the pot by those who do not like mussy tea +leaves). Dip the bag in hot (not boiling) water, and leave it there at +least an hour, oftentimes all night. In this way the seed is softened +and germination awakened. I have left pansy seeds in soak for +twenty-four hours with good results. Of course the seed should be +planted before it dries, and rubbing it in a little earth (after the +manner of flouring currants for cake) will keep the seeds from sticking +either to the fingers or to each other.</p> + +<p>What a contrast it all is, our economy and nature's lavishness; our +impatience, nature's calm assurance! In the garden the sower feels a +responsibility, the sweat beads stand on the brow in the sowing. With +nature undisturbed it may be the blind flower of the wild violet +perfecting its moist seed under the soil, a nod of a stalk to the wind, +a ball of fluff sailing by, or the hunger of a bird, and the sowing is +done.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p> +<h2>IV</h2> + +<h3>THEIR GARDEN VACATION</h3> + +<p class='center'>(From Mary Penrose to Barbara Campbell)</p> + + +<p class='author'> +<span class="smcap">Woodridge</span>, <i>May</i> 10.</p> + +<p>"<span class="smcap">Dear Mrs. Evan</span>,<br /> +</p> + +<p>"For the past week I have been delving in the seed bed, and until it was +an accomplished fact, that is as far as putting on the top sheet of +finely sifted dirt over the seeds sleeping in rows and rounding the +edges after the most approved methods of bed-making, praying the while +for a speedy awakening, I had neither fingers for pen, ink, and paper, +nor the head to properly think out the answer to your May-day +invitation.</p> + +<p>"So you have heard that we are to take a long vacation this summer, and +therefore ask us to join your driving and tramping trip in search of +garden and sylvan adventure; in short to become your fellow-strollers in +the Forest of Arden, now transported to the Berkshires.</p> + +<p>"It was certainly a kind and gracious thought of yours to admit +outsiders into the intimacies of such a journey, and on the moment we +both cried, 'Yes, we will go!'<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> and then appeared <i>but</i>—that little +word of three letters, and yet the condensation of whole volumes, that +is so often the stumbling-block to enthusiasm.</p> + +<p>"The translation of this particular <i>but</i> will take a quire of paper, +much ink, and double postage on my part, and a deal of perusive patience +on yours, so to proceed. Like much else that is hearable the report is +partly true, insomuch that your father, Dr. Russell, thinks it necessary +for Bart to take a real vacation, as he put it, 'An entire change in a +place where time is not beaten insistently at the usual +sixty-seconds-a-minute rate, day in and out,' where he shall have no +train-catching or appointments either business or social hanging over +him. At the same time he must not hibernate physically, but be where he +will feel impelled to take plenty of open-air exercise, as a matter of +course! For you see, as a lawyer, Bart breathes in a great deal of bad +air, and his tongue and pen hand get much more exercise than do his +legs, while all the spring he has 'gone back on his vittles that +reckless it would break your heart,' as Anastasia, our devoted, if +outspoken, Celtic cook puts it.</p> + +<p>"The exact location of this desired valley of perfection, the ways and +means of reaching it, as well as what shall become of the house and +Infant during our absence, have formed a daily dialogue for the past +fortnight, or<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> I should say triologue, for Anastasia has decided +opinions, and has turned into a brooding raven, informing us constantly +of the disasters that have overtaken various residents of the place who +have taken vacations, the head of one family having acquired typhoid in +the Catskills, a second injured his spine at the seaside by diving in +shallow water, while the third was mistaken for a moose in Canada and +shot. However, her interest is comforting from the fact that she +evidently does not wish to part with us at present.</p> + +<p>"It must be considered that if we take a really comfortable trip of a +couple of months' duration, and Bart's chief is willing to allow him a +three months' absence, as it will be his first real vacation since we +were married six years ago, it will devour the entire sum that we have +saved for improving the farm and garden.</p> + +<p>"You live on the place where you were born, which has developed by +degrees like yourselves, yet you probably know that rescuing, not an +abandoned farm but the abode of ancient and decayed gentility, even +though the house is oak-ribbed Colonial, and making it a tangible home +for a commuter, is not a cheap bit of work.</p> + +<p>"As to the Infant—to take a human four-and-a-half-year-old travelling, +for the best part of a summer, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span>is an imposition upon herself, her +parents, and the public at large. To leave her with Bart's mother, whose +forte is Scotch crossed with Pennsylvania Dutch discipline, will +probably be to find on her return that she has developed a quaking fear +of the dark; while, if she goes to my mother, bless her! who has the +beautiful and soothing Southern genius for doing the most comfortable +thing for the moment, regardless of consequences, the Infant for months +after will expect to be sung to sleep, my hand cuddled against her +cheek, until I develop laryngitis from continued vocal struggles with +'Ole Uncle Ned,' 'Down in de Cane Brake,' and 'De Possum and de Coon.'</p> + +<p>"This mental and verbal struggle was brought to an end yesterday by <i>The +Man from Everywhere</i>. Do you remember, that was the title that we gave +Ross Blake, the engineer, two summers ago, when you and Evan visited us, +because he was continually turning up and always from some new quarter? +Just now he has been put in charge of the construction of the reservoir +that is to do away with our beloved piece of wild-flower river woods in +the valley below Three Brothers Hills.</p> + +<p>"As usual he turned up unexpectedly with Bartram Saturday afternoon and +'made camp,' as a matter of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>course. A most soothing sort of person is +this same <i>Man from Everywhere</i>, and a special dispensation to any woman +whose husband's best friend he chances to be, as in my case, for a man +who is as well satisfied with crackers, cheese, and ale as with your +very best company spread, praises the daintiness of your guest chamber, +but sleeps equally sound in a hammock swung in the Infant's attic +play-room, is not to be met every day in this age of finnickiness. Then +again he has the gift of saying the right thing at difficult moments, +and meaning it too, and though a born rover, has an almost feminine +sympathy for the little dilemmas of housekeeping that are so vital to us +and yet are of no moment to the masculine mind. Yes, I do admire him +immensely, and only wish I saw an opportunity of marrying him either +into the family or the immediate neighbourhood, for though he is nearly +forty, he is neither a misanthrope nor a woman hater, but rather seems +to have set himself a difficult ideal and had limited opportunities. +Once, not long ago, I asked him why he did not marry. 'Because,' he +answered, 'I can only marry a perfectly frank woman, and the few of that +clan I have met, since there has been anything in my pocket to back my +wish, have always been married!'</p> + +<p>"'I have noticed that too,' said Bart, whom I did not <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span>know was +listening; 'then there is nothing for us to do but find you a widow!'</p> + +<p>"'No, that will not do, either; I want born, not acquired, frankness, +for that is only another term for expediency,' he replied with emphasis.</p> + +<p>"So you see this <i>Man</i> is not only somewhat difficult, but he has +observed!</p> + +<p>"Last night after dinner, when the men drew their chairs toward the +fire,—for we still have one, though the windows are open,—and the +fragrance from the bed of double English violets, that you sent me, +mingled with the wood smoke, we all began to croon comfortably. As soon +as <i>he</i> had settled back in the big chair, with closed eyes and finger +tips nicely matched, we propounded our conundrum of taking three from +two and having four remain.</p> + +<p>"A brief summary of the five years we have lived here will make the +needs of the place more clear.</p> + +<p>"The first year, settling ourselves in the house and the arrival of the +Infant completely absorbed ourselves, income, and a good bit of savings. +Repairing the home filled the second year. The outdoor time and money of +the third year was eaten up by an expensive and obliterative process +called 'grading,' a trap for newly fledged landowners. This meant taking +all the kinks <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span>and little original attitudes out of the soil and +reproving its occasional shoulder shrugs, so to speak,—Delsarte methods +applied to the earth,—and you know that Evan actually laughed at us for +doing it.</p> + +<p>"Even in the beginning we didn't care much for this grading, but it was +in the plan that father Penrose had made for us by a landscape gardener, +renowned about Philadelphia at the time he gave us the place as a 'start +in life,' so we felt in some way mysteriously bound by it. And I may as +well assert right here that, though it is well to have a clear idea of +what you mean to do in making a garden, or ever so small pleasure +grounds, that every bit of labour, however trivial, may go toward one +end and not have to be undone, a conventional plan unsympathetically +made and blindly followed often becomes a cross between Fetish and +Juggernaut. It has taken me exactly four years of blundering to find +that you must live your garden life, find out and study its +peculiarities and necessities yourself, just as you do that of your +indoor home, if success is to be the result!</p> + +<p>"As it was, the grading began behind the lilac bushes inside the front +fence and proceeded in fairly graceful sweeps, dividing each side of the +level bit where the old garden had been, the still remaining boxwood +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>bushes and outlines of walks and beds, saving this from obliteration, +and meeting again at the drying yard.</p> + +<p>"Here the proceeding stopped abruptly, as if it had received a shock, +which it had, as at this point the family purse wholly collapsed with a +shudder, for the next requirement of the plan was the turning of a long +crest of rocky woodland, shaped like a three-humped camel, that bounded +us on the northwest, into a series of terraces, to render the assent +from a somewhat trim residential section to the pastures of the real +farming country next door less abrupt.</p> + +<p>"In its original state this spur of woodland had undoubtedly been very +beautiful, with hemlocks making a windbreak, and all manner of shrubs, +wild herbs, and ferns filling in the leaf-mould pockets between the +boulders. Now it is bare of everything except a few old hemlocks that +sweep the pasture and the rocks, wandering cattle and excursionists from +the village, during the 'abandoned' period of the place, having caused +havoc among the shrubs and ferns.</p> + +<p>"Various estimates have been given, but $1000 seemed to be the average +for carrying out the terrace plan even partially, as much blasting is +involved, and $1000 is exactly one-fourth of the spendable part of +Bart's yearly earnings!</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p><p>"The flower garden also cries for proper raiment, for though the +original lines have been preserved and the soil put in a satisfactory +shape, in lieu of the hardy plants and old-time favourites that belong +to such a place, in emergency we were reduced, last summer, to the +quick-growing but monotonous bedding plants for fillers. Can you imagine +anything more jarring and inconsistent than cannas, castor-oil beans, +coleus, and nasturtiums in a prim setting of box?</p> + +<p>"Then, too, last Christmas, Bart's parents sent us a dear old sundial, +with a very good fluted column for a base. The motto reads 'Never +consult me at night,' which Bart insists is an admonition for us to +keep, chickenlike, early hours! Be this as it may, in order to live up +to the dial, the beds that form its court must be consistently +clothed—for cannas, coleus, and beans, read peonies, Madonna lilies, +sweet-william, clove-pinks, and hollyhocks, which latter the seed bed I +hope will duly furnish.</p> + +<p>"All these details, and more too, I poured into the ears of <i>The Man +from Everywhere</i>, while Bart kept rather silent, but I could tell by the +way his pipe breathed, short and quick, that he was thinking hard. One +has to be a little careful in talking over plans and wishes with Bart; +his spirit is generous beyond his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>pocket-power and he is a bit +sensitive. He wants to do so much for the Infant, the home, and me, that +when desire outruns the purse, he seems to feel that the limit lies +somewhere within the range of his own incapacity, and that bare, +camel-backed knoll outlining the horizon, as seen from the dining-room +window, showing the roof of the abandoned barn and hen yards, and the +difficulty of wrestling with it, is an especially tender spot.</p> + +<p>"'If it was anything possible, I'd hump my back and do it, but it +isn't!' he jerked, knocking his pipe against the chimney-side before it +was half empty and then refilling it; 'it's either a vacation <i>or</i> the +knoll—which shall it be?</p> + +<p>"'I don't hanker after leaving home, but that's what a complete change +means, I suppose, though I confess I should enjoy a rest for a time from +travelling to and fro, like a weaver's shuttle! Mary hates to leave home +too; she's a regular sit-by-the-fire! Come, which shall it be? This +indecision makes the cure worse than the disease!' and Bart fingered a +penny prior to giving it the decisive flip—'head, a vacation; tail, an +attack on the knoll!' The penny spun, and then taking a queer backward +leap fell into the ashes, where it lay buried.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span></p><p>"'That reads like neither!' said Bart, sitting up with a start.</p> + +<p>"'No, both!' replied <i>The Man from Everywhere</i>, opening his eyes and +gazing first at Bart and then at me with a quizzical expression.</p> + +<p>"Instantly curiosity was piqued, for compared to this most domestic of +travelled bachelors, the Lady from Philadelphia was without either +foresight or resources.</p> + +<p>"'You said that your riddle was to take three from two and have four. My +plan is very simple; just add three to two and you have not only four +but five! Take a vacation from business, but stay at home; do your own +garden improvements with your head and a horse and cart and a pair of +strong hands with a pick and spade to help you out, for you can't, with +impunity, turn an office man, all of a sudden, into a day labourer. As +to hewing the knoll into terraces up and down again, tear up that +confounded plan. Restore the ground on nature's lines, and you'll have a +better windbreak for your house and garden in winter than the best +engineer could construct, besides having a retreat for hot weather where +you can sit in your bones without being observed by the neighbours!'</p> + +<p>"He spoke very slowly, letting the smoke wreaths <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span>float before his eyes, +as if in them he sought the solution he was voicing.</p> + +<p>"'A terrace implies closely shorn turf and formal surroundings, out of +keeping with this place; besides, young people with only a general maid +and a useful man can't afford to be formal,—if they would, the game +isn't worth the strain.' (Did I not tell you that he observes?)</p> + +<p>"'Let us take a look at the knoll to-morrow and see what has grown there +and guess at what may be coaxed to grow, and then you can spend a couple +of months during this summer and autumn searching the woods and byways +for native plants for the restoration. This reservoir building is your +opportunity; you can rob the river valley with impunity, for the +clearing will begin in October, consequently anything you take will be +in the line of a rescue. So there you are—living in the fresh air, +improving your place, and saving money at both ends.'</p> + +<p>"'By George! It sounds well, as far as I'm concerned!' ejaculated Bart, +'but how will such a scheme give Mary a vacation from housekeeping and +the everlasting three meals a day? She seldom growls, but the last month +she too has confessed to feeling tired.'</p> + +<p>"'I think it's a perfectly fascinating idea, but how <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span>will it give Bart +a "complete change, away from the sound of the beat of time," as the +doctor puts it?' I asked with more eagerness than I realized, for I +always dislike to be far away from home at night, and you see there has +been whooping cough in the neighbourhood and there are also green apples +to be reckoned with in season, even though the Infant has long ago +passed safely through the mysteries of the second summer.</p> + +<p>"<i>The Man from Everywhere</i> did not answer Bart at all, but, turning to +me with the air of a paternal sage and pointing an authoritative +forefinger, said, somewhat sarcastically, I thought, 'What greater +change can an American have than leisure in which to enjoy his own home? +For giving Time the slip, all you have to do is to stop the clocks and +follow the sun and your own inclinations. As to living out of doors, the +old open-sided hay barn on the pasture side of the knoll, that you have +not decided whether to rebuild or tear down, will make an excellent +camp. Aside from the roof, it is as open as a hawk's nest. Don't hurry +your decision; incubate the idea over Sunday, Madam Penrose, and I'll +warrant by Monday you will have hatched a really tangible plan, if not a +brood of them.'</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span></p><p>"I looked at Bart, he nodded back approvingly, so I slipped out, first +to see that the Infant was sleeping properly, head up, and not down +under the clothes, as I had once found her, and then to walk to and fro +under the budding stars for inspiration, leaving the pair to talk the +men's talk that is so good and nourishing for a married man like Bart, +no matter how much he cares for the Infant and me.</p> + +<p>"Jumbled up as the garden is, the spring twilight veils all deficiencies +and releases persuasive odours from every corner, while the knoll, with +its gnarled trees outlined against the sky, appealed to me as never +before, a thing desirable and to be restored and preserved even at a +cost rather than obliterated.</p> + +<p>"'Oh, Mrs. Evan, I wish I could tell you how <i>The Man's</i> plan touches me +and seems made for me especially this spring. I seem fairly to have a +passion for home and the bit of earth about and sky above it that is all +our own. And unlike other times when I loved to have my friends come and +visit me, and share and return the hospitality of neighbours, I want to +be alone with myself and Bart, to spend long days under the sky and +trees and have nothing come between our real selves and God, not even +the ticking and dictation of a clock! There is so much that I want to +tell my <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span>husband just now, that cannot be put in words, and that he may +only read by intuition. When I was younger and first married, I did not +feel this need so much, but now life seems to take on so much deeper a +meaning! Do you understand? Ah, yes, I know you do! But I am wandering +from the point, just as I yearn to wander from all the stringencies of +life this summer.</p> + +<p>"Evidently seeing me, the Rural Delivery man whistled from his cart, +instead of leaving the evening mail in its wren box, as usual. I went to +the gate rather reluctantly, I was so absorbed in garden dreams, took +the letters from the carrier, and, as the men were still sitting in the +dark, carried them up to the lamp in my own sitting room, little +realizing that even at that moment I was holding the key to the 'really +tangible plan' in my hand.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>"<i>The next morning.</i> Two of the letters I received on Saturday night +would have been of great importance if we were still planning to go away +for a vacation, instead of hoping to stay at home for it. The first, +from mother, told me that she and my brother expect to spend the summer +in taking a journey, in which Alaska is to be the turning-point. She +begs us to go <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>with them and offers to give me her right-hand-reliable, +Jane McElroy, who cared for me when a baby, to stay here with the +Infant. The second letter was from Maria Maxwell, a distant cousin of +Bart's. She has also heard of our intended vacation,—indeed the +rapidity with which the news travels and the interest it causes are good +proofs of our stay-at-home tendencies and the general sobriety of our +six years of matrimony!</p> + +<p>"Maria is a very bright, adaptable woman of about thirty-five, who +teaches music in the New York public schools, is alone in the world, and +manages to keep an attractive home in a mere scrap of a flat. When she +comes to visit us, we like her as well the last day of her stay as the +first, which fact speaks volumes for her character! Though forced by +circumstances to live in town, she has a deep love for the country, and +wishes, if we intend to leave the house open, to come and care for it in +our absence, even offering to cook for herself if we do not care to have +the expense of a maid, saying, 'to cook a real meal, with a real fire +instead of gas, will be a great and refreshing change for me, so you +need feel under no obligation whatever!'</p> + +<p>"Thinking of the pity of wasting such tempting offers as these, I went +to church with my body only, my <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span>mind staying outside under a +horse-chestnut tree, and instead of listening as I should, I looked +sidewise out of the window at my double in the shade and wondered if, +after all, the stay-at-home vacation was not a wild scheme. There being +a Puritan streak in me, via my father, I sometimes question the right of +what I wish to do simply because I like to do it.</p> + +<p>"At dinner I was so grumpy, answering in monosyllables, that sensitive +Bart looked anxious, and as if he thought I was disappointed at the +possible turn of affairs, but <i>The Man from Everywhere</i> laughed, saying, +'Let her alone; she is not through incubating the plan, and you know the +best of setting hens merely cluck and growl when disturbed.'</p> + +<p>"Immediately after dinner Bart and <i>The Man</i> went for a walk up the +river valley, and I, going to the living room, seated myself by the +window, where I could watch the Infant playing on the gravel outside, it +being the afternoon out of both the general maid Anastasia and Barney +the man, between whom I suspect matrimonial intentions.</p> + +<p>"The singing of the birds, the hum of bees in the opening lilacs, and +the garden fragrance blending with the Infant's prattle, as she babbled +to her dolls, floated through the open door and made me drowsy, and I +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span>turned from the light toward the now empty fireplace.</p> + +<p>"A snap! and the air seemed suddenly exhilarating! Was it an electric +spark from the telephone? No, simply the clarifying of the thoughts that +had been puzzling me.</p> + +<p>"Maria Maxwell shall come during our vacations,—at that moment I +decided to separate the time into several periods,—she shall take +entire charge of all within doors.</p> + +<p>"Bart and I will divide off a portion of the old hay-barn with screens, +and camp out there (unless in case of very bad thunder or one of the +cold July storms that we sometimes have). Anastasia shall serve us a +very simple hot dinner at noon in the summer kitchen, and keep a supply +of cooked food in the pantry, from which we can arrange our breakfasts +and suppers in the opposite side of the barn from our sleeping place, +and there we can have a table, chairs, and a little oil stove for making +tea and coffee.</p> + +<p>"Maria, besides attending to domestic details, must also inspect the +mail and only show us letters when absolutely necessary, as well as to +say 'not at home,' with the impenetrable New York butler manner to every +one who calls.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p><p>"Thus Bart and I will be equally free without the rending of heart +strings—free to love and enjoy home from without, for it is really +strange when one comes to think of it, we learn of the outside world by +looking out the windows, but we so seldom have time to stand in another +view-point and look in. Thus it occurred to me, instead of taking one +long vacation, we can break the time into three or four in order to +follow the garden seasons and the work they suggest. A bit at the end of +May for both planning and locating the spring wild flowers before they +have wholly shed their petals, and so on through the season, ending in +October by the transplanting of trees and shrubs that we have marked and +in setting out the hardy roses, for which we shall have made a garden +according to the plan that Aunt Lavinia says is to be among the early +Garden, You, and I records.</p> + +<p>"<i>May 15.</i> Maria Maxwell has joyfully agreed to come the twenty-first, +having obtained a substitute for her final week of teaching, as well as +rented her 'parlor car,' as she calls her flat, to a couple of students +who come from the South for change of air and to attend summer school at +Columbia College. It seems that many people look upon New York as a +summer watering place. Strange that a difference in climate can be +merely a matter of point of view.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p><p>"Now that we have decided to camp out at home, we are beginning to +realize the positive economy of the arrangement, for as we are not going +among people,—neither are they coming to us,—we shall need no new +clothes!</p> + +<p>"We, a pair of natural spendthrifts, are actually turning miserly for +the garden's sake.</p> + +<p>"Last night Bart went to the attic with a lantern and dragged from +obscurity two frightful misfit suits of the first bicycle +cuff-on-the-pants period, that were ripening in the camphor chest for +future missionary purposes, announcing that these, together with some +flannel shirts, would be his summer outfit, while this morning I went +into town and did battle at a sale of substantial, dollar shirt-waists, +and turning my back upon all the fascinations of little girls' frills +and fur-belows, bought stout gingham for aprons and overalls, into which +I shall presently pop the Infant, and thus save both stitches and +laundry work.</p> + +<p>"Mother has sent a note expressing her pleasure in our plan and +enclosing a cheque for $50, suggesting that it should be put into a +birthday rose bed—my birthday is in two days—in miniature like the old +garden at her home on the north Virginia border. I'm sending you the +list of such roses as she remembered <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span>that were in it, but I'm sure +many, like Gloire de Dijon, would be winter killed here. Will you revise +the list for me?</p> + +<p>"Bart has arranged to shut off the back hall and stairs, so that when we +wish, we can get to our indoor bedroom and bath at any hour without +going through the house or disturbing its routine.</p> + +<p>"Anastasia has been heard to express doubts as to our entire sanity +confidentially to Barney, on his return from the removal of two cots +from the attic to the part of the barn enclosed by some old piazza +screens, thereby publicly declaring our intention of sleeping out in all +seasonable weather.</p> + +<p>"<i>May 20.</i> The Blakes, next door below, are going to Europe, and have +offered us their comfortable family horse, the buggy, and a light-work +wagon, if we will feed, shoe, pet, and otherwise care for him (his name, +it seems, is Romeo). Could anything be more in keeping with both our +desires and needs?</p> + +<p>"To-day, half as a joke, I've sent out P.P.C. cards to all our formal +friends in the county. Bart frowns, saying that they may be taken +seriously and produce like results!</p> + +<p>"<i>May 22.</i> Maria has arrived, taken possession of the market-book, +housekeeping box, and had a satisfactory conference with Anastasia.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p><p>"Hurrah for Liberty and outdoors! <i>It</i> begins to-morrow. You may label +it Their Garden Vacation, and admit it to the records of The Garden, +You, and I, at your own risk and peril; but as you say that if you are +to boil down the practical part of your garden-boke experiences for the +benefit of Aunt Lavinia and me and I must send you my summer doings, I +shall take this way of accomplishing it, at intervals, the only regular +task, if gossiping to you can be so called, that I shall set myself this +summer.</p> + +<p>"A new moon to-night. Will it prove a second honeymoon, think you, or +end in a total eclipse of our venture? I'm poppy sleepy!</p> + +<p>"<i>May 23.</i> 10 A.M. (A postal.) Starting on vacation; stopped bedroom +clock and put away watches last night, and so overslept. It seems quite +easy to get away from Time! Please tell me what annuals I can plant as +late in the season as this, while we are locating the rose bed.</p> + +<p class='author'>"<span class="smcap">Mary Penrose</span>."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span></p> +<h2>V</h2> + +<h3>ANNUALS—WORTHY AND UNWORTHY</h3> + +<h4>THE MIDSUMMER GARDEN</h4> + + +<p><i>Oaklands, May 25.</i> A garden vacation! Fifty dollars to spend for roses! +What annuals may be planted now to tide you easily over the summer? +Really, Mary Penrose, the rush of your astonishing letter completely +took away my breath, and while I was recovering it by pacing up and down +the wild walk, and trying to decide whether I should answer your +questions first, and if I did which one, or ask you others instead, +Scotch fashion, about your unique summer plans, Evan came home a train +earlier than usual, with a pair of horticultural problems for which he +needed an immediate solution.</p> + +<p>Last evening, in the working out of these schemes, we found that we were +really travelling on lines parallel with your needs, and so in due +course you shall have Evan's prescription and design for A Simple Rose +Garden (if it isn't simple enough, you can begin with half, as the +proportions will be the same), while I now <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>send you my plans for an +inexpensive midsummer garden, which will be useful to you only as a part +of the whole chain, but for which Evan has a separate need.</p> + +<p>Over at East Meadow, a suburb of Bridgeton that lies toward the shore +and is therefore attractive to summer people, a friend of Evan's has put +up a dozen tasteful, but inexpensive, Colonial cottages, and Evan has +planned the grounds that surround them, about an acre being allotted to +each house, for lawn and garden of summer vegetables, though no +arbitrary boundaries separate the plots. The houses are intended for +people of refined taste and moderate means who, only being able to leave +town during the school vacation, from middle June to late September, yet +desire to have a bit of garden to tend and to have flowers about them +other than the decorative but limited piazza boxes or row of geraniums +around the porch.</p> + +<p>The vegetable gardens consist of four squares, conveniently intersected +by paths, these squares to be edged by annuals or bulbs of rapid growth, +things that, planted in May, will begin to be interesting when the +tenants come a month later.</p> + +<p>But here am I, on the verge of rushing into another theme, without +having expressed our disappointment <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span>that you cannot bear us company +this summer, yet I must say that the edge of regret is somewhat dulled +by my interest in the progress and result of your garden vacation, which +to us at least is a perfectly unique idea, and quite worthy of the +inventive genius of <i>The Man from Everywhere</i>.</p> + +<p>Plainly do I see by the scope of this same letter of yours that the +records of The Garden, You, and I, instead of being a confection of +undistinguishable ingredients blended by a chef of artistic soul, will +be a home-made strawberry shortcake, for which I am to furnish the +necessary but uninspired crust, while you will supply the filling of +fragrant berries.</p> + +<p>With the beginning of your vacation begin my questions domestic that +threaten to overbalance your questions horticultural. If the Infant +should wail at night, do you expect to stay quietly out "in camp" and +not steal on tiptoe to the house, and at least peep in at the window? +Also, you have put a match-making thought in a head swept clean of all +such clinging cobwebs since Sukey Crandon married Carthy Latham and, +turning their backs on his ranch experiment, they decided to settle near +the Bradfords at the Ridge, where presently there will be another garden +growing. If you have no one either in the family or neighbourhood likely +to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span>attract <i>The Man from Everywhere</i>, why may we not have him? Jane +Crandon is quite unexpectedly bright, as frank as society allows, this +being one of his requirements, besides having grown very pretty since +she has virtually become daughter to Mrs. Jenks-Smith and had sufficient +material in her gowns to allow her chest to develop.</p> + +<p>But more of this later; to return to the annuals, I understand that you +have had your hardy beds prepared and that you want something to +brighten them, as summer tenants, until early autumn, when the permanent +residents may be transplanted from the hardy seed bed.</p> + +<p>Annuals make a text fit for a very long sermon. Verily there are many +kinds, and the topic forms easily about a preachment, for they may be +divided summarily into two classes, the worthy and the unworthy, though +the worth or lack of it in annuals, as with most of us humans, is a +matter of climate, food, and environment, rather than inherent original +sin. The truth is, nature, though eternally patient and good-natured, +will not be hurried beyond a certain point, and the life of a flower +that is born under the light cloud shelter of English skies, fed by +nourishing mist through long days that have enough sunlight to stimulate +and not scorch, has a different <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>consummation than with us, where the +climate of extremes makes the perfection of flowers most uncertain, at +least in the months of July and August when the immature bud of one day +is the open, but often imperfect, flower of the next. As no one may +change climatic conditions, the only thing to be done is to give to this +class of flowers of the summer garden room for individual development, +all the air they need to breathe both below ground, by frequent stirring +of the soil, and above, by avoidance of over-crowding, and then select +only those varieties that are really worth while.</p> + +<p>This qualification can best be settled by pausing and asking three +questions, when confronting the alluring portrait of an +above-the-average specimen of annual in a catalogue, for <i>Garden Goozle</i> +applies not only to the literature of the subject, but to the pictures +as well, and a measurement of, for instance, a flower stalk of Drummond +phlox, taken from a specimen pot-grown plant, raised at least partly +under glass, is sure to cause disappointment when the average border +plant is compared with it.</p> + +<p>First—is the species of a colour and length of flowering season to be +used in jungle-like masses for summer colour? Second—has it fragrance +or decorative quality for house decoration? Thirdly, has it the +back<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>bone to stand alone or will the plant flop and flatten shapelessly +at the first hard shower and so render an array of conspicuous stakes +necessary? Stakes, next to unsightly insecticides and malodorous +fertilizers, are the bane of gardening, but that subject is big enough +for a separate chronicle.</p> + +<p>By ability to stand alone, I do not mean is every branchlet stiff as if +galvanized, like a balsam, for this is by no means pretty, but is the +plant so constructed that it can languish gracefully, petunia fashion, +and not fall over stark and prone like an uprooted castor bean. +Hybridization, like physical culture in the human, has evidently infused +grace in the plant races, for many things that in my youth seemed the +embodiment of stiffness, like the gladiolus, have developed suppleness, +and instead of the stiff bayonet spike of florets, this useful and +indefatigable bulb, if left to itself and not bound to a stake like a +martyr, now produces flower sprays that start out at right angles, +curve, and almost droop, with striking, orchid-like effect.</p> + +<p>For making patches of colour, without paying special heed to the size of +flower or development of individual plants, annuals may be sown thinly +broadcast, raked in lightly, and, if the beds or borders are not too +wide for reaching, thinned out as soon as four or five leaves <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span>appear. +Portulaca, sweet alyssum, Shirley poppies, and the annual gaillardias +belong to this class, as well as single petunias of the inexpensive +varieties used to edge shrubberies, and dwarf nasturtiums.</p> + +<p>Sweet peas, of course, are to be sown early and deep, where they are to +stand half an inch apart, like garden peas, and then thinned out so that +there is not less than an inch between (two is better, but it is usually +heartbreaking to pull up so many sturdy pealets) and reënforced by brush +or wire trellising. Otherwise I plant the really worthy, or what might +be called major annuals, in a seed bed much like that used for the hardy +plants, at intervals during the month of May, according to the earliness +of the season, and the time they are wanted to bloom. Later, I +transplant them to their summer resting places, leaving those that are +not needed, for it is difficult to calculate too closely without +scrimping, in the seed bed, to cut for house decoration, as with the +perennials. Of course if annuals are desired for very early flowering, +many species may be started in a hotbed and taken from thence to the +borders. Biennials that it is desired shall flower the first season are +best hurried in this way, yet for the gardenerless garden of a woman +this makes o'er muckle work. The occasional help of the "general useful" +is not very efficient when it <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>comes to tending hotbeds, giving the +exact quantity of water necessary to quench the thirst of seedlings +without producing dropsy, and the consequent "damping off" which, when +it suddenly appears, seems as intangible and makes one feel as helpless +as trying to check a backing horse by helpless force of bit. A frame for +Margaret carnations, early asters, and experiments in seedling Dahlias +and chrysanthemums will be quite enough.</p> + +<p>The woman who lives all the year in the country can so manage that her +spring bulbs and hardy borders, together with the roses, last well into +July. After this the annuals must be depended upon for ground colour, +and to supplement the phloxes, gladioli, Dahlias, and the like. By the +raising of these seeds in hotbeds they are apt to reach their high tide +of bloom during the most intense heat of August, when they quickly +mature and dry away; while, on the other hand, if they are reared in an +open-air seed bed, they are not only stronger but they last longer, +owing to more deliberate growth. Asters sown out-of-doors in May bloom +well into October, when the forced plants barely outlast August.</p> + +<p>Of many annuals it is writ in the catalogues, "sow at intervals of two +weeks or a month for succession."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> This sounds very plausible, for are +not vegetables so dealt with, the green string-beans in our garden being +always sown every two weeks from early April until September first? Yes, +but to vegetables is usually given fresher and deeper soil for the crop +succession than falls to flower seeds, and in addition the seeds are of +a more rugged quality.</p> + +<p>My garden does not take kindly to this successive sowing, and I have +gradually learned to control the flower-bearing period by difference in +location. Spring, and in our latitude May, is the time of universal seed +vitality, and seeds germinating then seem to possess the maximum of +strength; in June this is lessened, while a July-sown seed of a common +plant, such as a nasturtium or zinnia, seems to be impressed by the +lateness of the season and often flowers when but a few inches high, the +whole plant having a weazened, precocious look, akin to the progeny of +people, or higher animals, who are either born out of due season or of +elderly parents. On the other hand, the plant retarded in its growth by +a less stimulating location, when it blooms, is quite as perfect and of +equal quality with its seed-bed fellows who were transplanted at once +into full sunlight.</p> + +<p>Take, for example, mignonette, which in the larger <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span>gardens is always +treated by successive sowings. A row sown early in April, in a sunny +spot in the open garden and thinned out, will flower profusely before +very hot weather, bloom itself out, and then leave room for some late, +flowering biennial. That sown in the regular seed bed early in May may +be transplanted (for this is the way by which large trusses of bloom may +be obtained) early in June into three locations, using it as a border +for taller plants, except in the bed of sweet odours, where it may be +set in bunches of a dozen plants, for in this bed individuality may be +allowed to blend in a universal mass of fragrance.</p> + +<p>In order to judge accurately of the exact capabilities for shade or +sunlight of the different portions of a garden, one must live with it, +follow the shadows traced by the tree fingers on the ground the year +through, and know its moods as the expressions that pass over a familiar +face. For you must not transplant any of these annuals, that only live +to see their sun father for one brief season, into the shade of any tree +or overhanging roof, but at most in the travelling umbra of a distant +object, such as a tall spruce, the northeastern side of a hedge, or such +like.</p> + +<p>In my garden one planting of mignonette in full sun goes in front of the +March-planted sweet peas; of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>the two transplantings from the seed, one +goes on the southwest side of the rose arbour and the other on the upper +or northeast side, where it blooms until it is literally turned into +green ice where it stands.</p> + +<p>This manipulation of annuals belongs to the realm of the permanent +resident; the summer cottager must be content to either accept the +conditions of the garden as arranged by his landlord, or in a brief +visit or two made before taking possession, do his own sowing where the +plants are to stand. In this case let him choose his varieties carefully +and spare his hand in thickness of sowing, and he may have as many +flowers for his table and as happy an experience with the summer garden, +even though it is brief, as his wealthy neighbour who spends many +dollars for bedding plants and foliage effects that may be neither +smelled, gathered nor familiarized.</p> + +<p>Among all the numerous birds that flit through the trees as visitors, or +else stay with us and nest in secluded places, how comparatively few do +we really depend upon for the aerial colour and the song that opens a +glimpse of Eden to our eager eyes and ears each year, for our eternal +solace and encouragement? There are some, like the wood thrush, +song-sparrow, oriole, robin, barn-swallow, catbird, and wren, without +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>which June would not be June, but an imperfect harmony lacking the +dominant note.</p> + +<p><a name="illus-81" id="illus-81"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/illus-81.jpg" alt="Longfellow's Garden." title="Longfellow's Garden." /></div> +<h4><span class="smcap">Longfellow's Garden</span>.</h4> + +<p>Down close to the earth, yes, in the earth, the same obtains. Upon how +few of all the species of annuals listed does the real success of the +summer garden rest? This is more and more apparent each year, when the +fittest are still further developed by hybridization for survival and +the indifferent species drop out of sight.</p> + +<p>We often think erroneously of the beauty of old-time gardens. This +beauty was largely that of consistency of form with the architecture of +the dwelling and simplicity, rather than the variety, of flowers grown. +Maeterlinck brings this before us with forcible charm in his essay on +Old-Fashioned Flowers, and even now Martin Cortright is making a little +biography of the flowers of our forefathers, as a birthday surprise for +Lavinia. These flowers depended more upon individuality and association +than upon their great variety.</p> + +<p>First among the worthy annuals come sweet peas, mignonette, nasturtiums, +and asters, each one of the four having two out of the three necessary +qualifications, and the sweet pea all of them,—fragrance and decorative +value for both garden and house. To be sure, the sweet pea, though an +annual, must be planted before May if a satisfactory, well-grown hedge +with flowers <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span>held on long stems well above the foliage is to be +expected, and in certain warm, well-drained soils it is practicable to +sow seed the autumn before. This puts the sweet pea a little out of the +running for the hirer of a summer cottage, unless he can have access to +the place early in the season, but sown thinly and once fairly rooted +and kept free from dead flowers and pods, the vines will go on yielding +quite through September, though on the coming of hot weather the flower +stems shorten.</p> + +<p>I often plant seeds of the climbing nasturtium in the row with the sweet +peas at a distance of one seed to the fist, the planting not being done +until late May. The peas mature first, and after the best of their +season has passed they are supplanted by the nasturtiums, which cover +the dry vines and festoon the supporting brush with gorgeous colour in +early autumn, keeping in the same colour scheme with salvia, sunflowers, +gaillardias, and tritomas. This is excellent where space is of account, +and also where more sweet peas are planted for their early yield than +can be kept in good shape the whole season. Centaurea or cornflower, the +bachelor's button or ragged sailor of old gardens, is in the front rank +of the worthies. The flowers have almost the keeping qualities of +everlastings, and are of easy culture, while the sweet sultan, also of +this family, adds fragrance to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>its other qualities. The blue cornflower +is best sown in a long border or bed of unconventional shape, and may be +treated like a biennial, one sowing being made in September so that the +seedlings will make sturdy tufts before cold weather. These, if lightly +covered with salt hay or rough litter (not leaves), will bloom in May +and June, and if then replaced by a second sowing, flowers may be had +from September first until freezing weather, so hardy is this true, blue +<i>Kaiser-blumen</i>.</p> + +<p>All the poppies are worthy, from the lovely Shirley, with its +butterfly-winged petals, to the Eschscholtzia, the state flower of +California.</p> + +<p>One thing to be remembered about poppies is not to rely greatly upon +their durability and make the mistake of expecting them to fill too +conspicuous a place, or keep long in the marching line of the garden +pageant. They have a disappointing way, especially the great, +long-stemmed double varieties, of suddenly turning to impossible +party-coloured mush after a bit of damp weather that is most +discouraging. Treated as mere garden episodes and massed here and there +where a sudden disappearance will not leave a gap, they will yield a +feast of unsurpassed colour.</p> + +<p>To me the Shirley is the only really satisfactory annual poppy, and I +sow it in autumn and cover it after the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>fashion of the cornflower, as +it will survive anything but an open, rainy winter, and in the resulting +display that lasts the whole month of June it rivals the roses in +everything but perfume.</p> + +<p>Godetia is a good flower for half-shady places that it is difficult to +fill, and rings the colour change from white through pink to crimson and +carmine. Marigolds hold their own for garden colour, but not for +gathering or bringing near the nose, and zinnias meet them on the same +plane.</p> + +<p>The morning-glory tribe of <i>ipomæa</i> is both useful and decorative for +rapid-growing screens, but heed should be taken that the common +varieties be not allowed to scatter their seeds at random, or the next +season, before you know it, every plant in the garden will be held tight +in their insinuating grasp. Especially beautiful are the new Imperial +Japanese morning glories that are exquisitely margined and fringed, and +of the size and pattern of rare glass wine cups. Petunias, if +judiciously used, and of good colour, belong in the second grade of the +first rank. They have their uses, but the family has a morbid tendency +to run to sad, half-mourning hues, and I have put a black mark against +it as far as my own garden is concerned.</p> + +<p>Drummond phlox deserves especial mention, for so <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span>wide a colour range +has it, and so easy is its growth (if only you give it plenty of water +and elbow room, and remember that a crowded Drummond phlox is an unhappy +plant of short life), that a very tasteful group of beds could be made +of this flower alone by a careful selection of colours, while by +constant cutting for the house the length of the blooming season is +prolonged.</p> + +<p>The dwarf salvias, too, grow readily from seed, and balsams, if one has +room, line up finely along straight walks, the firm blossoms of the +camelia-flowered variety, with their delicate rosettes of pink, salmon, +and lavender, also serving to make novel table decorations when arranged +in many ways with leaves of the laurel, English ivy, or fern fronds.</p> + +<p>Portulaca, though cousin to the objectionable "pusley," is most useful +where mere colour is wanted to cover the ground in beds that have held +early tulips or other spring bulbs, as well as for covering dry, sandy +spots where little else will grow. It should not be planted until really +warm weather, and therefore may be scattered between the rows of +narcissi and late tulips when their tops are cut off, and by the time +they are quite withered and done away with, the cheerful portulaca, +feeding upon the hottest sunbeams, will begin to cover the ground, a +pleasure to the eye as well as a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span>decorative screen to the bulbs +beneath, sucking the fiercest sun rays before they penetrate.</p> + +<p>Chief among the low-growing worthies comes the verbena, good for +bedding, good for cutting, and in some of the mammoth varieties subtly +fragrant. Verbenas may be raised to advantage in a hotbed, but if the +seed be soaked overnight in warm water, it will germinate freely out of +doors in May and be a mass of bloom from July until late October. For +beds grouped around a sundial or any other garden centre, the verbena +has no peer; its trailing habit gives it grace, the flowers are borne +erect, yet it requires no staking and it is easily controlled by +pinching or pinning to the soil with stout hairpins.</p> + +<p>One little fragrant flower, fraught with meaning and remembrance, +belongs to the annuals, though its family is much better known among the +half-hardy perennials that require winter protection here. This is the +gold and brown annual wall-flower, slender sister of <i>die gelbe violet</i>, +and having that same subtle violet odour in perfect degree. It cannot be +called a decorative plant, but it should have plenty of room given it in +the bed of sweet odours and be used as a border on the sunny side of +wall or fence, where, protected from the wind and absorbing every ray of +autumn sunlight, it <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>will often give you at least a buttonhole bouquet +on Christmas morning.</p> + +<p><a name="illus-86" id="illus-86"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/illus-86.jpg" alt="The Summer Garden, Verbenas." title="The Summer Garden, Verbenas." /></div> +<h4><span class="smcap">The Summer Garden—Verbenas.</span></h4> + +<p>The cosmos is counted by catalogues and culturists one of the most +worthy of the newer annuals, and so it is when it takes heed to its ways +and behaves its best, but otherwise it has all the terrible uncertainty +of action common to human and garden parvenues. From the very beginning +of its career it is a conspicuous person, demanding room and abundance +of food. Thinking that its failure to bloom until frost threatened was +because I had sown the seed out of doors in May, I gave it a front room +in my very best hotbed early in March, where, long before the other +occupants of the place were big enough to be transplanted, Mrs. Cosmos +and family pushed their heads against the sash and insisted upon seeing +the world. Once in the garden, they throve mightily, and early in July, +at a time when I had more flowers than I needed, the entire row +threatened to bloom. After two weeks of coquettish showing of colour +here and there, up and down the line, they concluded that midsummer sun +did not agree with any of the shades of pink, carmine, or crimson of +which their clothes were fashioned, and as for white, the memory of +recent acres of field daisies made it too common, so they changed their +minds <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span>and proceeded to grow steadily for two months. When they were +pinched in on top, they simply expanded sidewise; ordinary and +inconspicuous staking failed to restrain them, and they even pulled away +at different angles from poles of silver birch with stout rope between, +like a festive company of bacchantes eluding the embraces of the police. +A heavy wind storm in late September snapped and twisted their hollow +trunks and branches. Were they discouraged? Not a particle; they simply +rested comfortably upon whatever they had chanced to fall and grew again +from this new basis. Meanwhile the plants in front of them and on the +opposite side of the way began to feel discouraged, and a fine lot of +asters, now within the shadow, were attacked by facial paralysis and +developed their blossoms only on one side.</p> + +<p>The middle of October, the week before the coming of Black Frost, the +garden executioner, the cosmos, now heavy with buds, settled down to +bloom. Two large jars were filled with them, after much difficulty in +the gathering, and then the axe fell. Sometimes, of course, they behave +quite differently, and those who can spare ground for a great hedge +backed by wall or fence and supported in front by pea brush deftly +insinuated betwixt and between ground and plants, so that it <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>restrains, +but is at the same time invisible, may feast their eyes upon a spectacle +of billows of white and pink that, at a little distance, are reminiscent +of the orchards of May.</p> + +<p>But if you, Mary Penrose, are leaning toward cosmos and reading in the +seed catalogue of their size and wonderful dawn-like tints, remember +that the best of highly hybridized things revert unexpectedly to the +commonest type, and somewhere in this family of lofty Mexicans there +must have been a totally irresponsible wayside weed. Then turn backward +toward the front of the catalogue, find the letter A, and buy, in place +of cosmos, aster seeds of every variety and colour that your pocket will +allow.</p> + +<p>Of course the black golden-rod beetle may try to dwell among the aster +flowers, and the aphis that are nursery maids to the ants infest their +roots; you must pick off the one and dig sulphur and unslaked lime +deeply into the soil to discourage the other, but whatever labour you +spend will not be lost.</p> + +<p>Other annuals there are, and their name is legion, that are pretty +enough, perhaps, and well adapted to special purposes, like the +decorative and curious tassel flower, cockscombs, gourds, four o'clocks, +etc., and the great tribe of "everlastings" for those people, if such +there <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>be, who still prefer dried things for winter bouquets, when an +ivy-wreathed window filled with a succession of bulbs, ferns, or oxalis +is so easily achieved! It is too harsh, perhaps, to call these minor +annuals unworthy, but as they are unimportant and increase the labour +rather than add to the pleasure, they are really unworthy of admission +to the woman's garden where there is only time and room for the best +results.</p> + +<p>But here I am rambling at large instead of plainly answering your +question, "What annuals can we plant as late as this (May 25) while we +are locating the rose bed?" You may plant any or all of them up to the +first of June, the success of course depending upon a long autumn and +late frosts. No, not quite all; the tall-growing sweet peas should be in +the ground not later than May 1 in this south New England latitude, +though in the northern states and Canada they are planted in June as a +matter of course. Blanche Ferry, of the brilliant pink-and-white +complexion, however, will do very nicely in the light of a labour-saving +afterthought, as, only reaching a foot and a half high, little, if any, +brush is needed.</p> + +<p><a name="illus-90" id="illus-90"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/illus-90.jpg" alt="Asters well Massed." title="Asters well Massed." /></div> +<h4><span class="smcap">Asters well Massed.</span></h4> + +<p>We found your rose list replete with charming varieties, but most of +them too delicate for positive success hereabouts. I'm sending you +presently the list for <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>a fifty-dollar rose garden, which it seems is +much in demand, so that I've adapted my own experience to the simple +plan that Evan drew to enlighten amateur rose lovers and turn them from +coveting their wealthy neighbours' goods to spending their energy in +producing covetable roses of their own!</p> + +<p>By the way, I send you my own particular list of Worthy Annuals to match +the hardy plants and keep heights and colours easily before you until +your own Garden Book is formulated and we can compare notes. (<a href='#Page_387'>See p. 387.</a>)</p> + +<p>You forgot to tell me whether you have decided to keep hens or not! I +know that the matter has been discussed every spring since you have +lived at Woodridge. If you are planning a hennery, I shall not encourage +the rosary, for the days of a commuter's wife are not long enough for +both without encountering nervous prostration on the immediate premises.</p> + +<p>Some problems are ably solved by coöperation. As I am a devotee of the +ornamental and comfortable, Martha Saunders <i>née</i> Corkle runs a +coöperative hen-yard in our north pasture for the benefit of the +Cortrights and ourselves to our mutual joy!</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p> +<h2>VI</h2> + +<h3>THEIR FORTUNATE ESCAPE</h3> + + +<h4>CONCERNING EVERGREENS AND HENS</h4> + +<p class='center'>(Mary Penrose to Barbara Campbell)</p> + +<p><i>June 5.</i> I have not dipped pen in ink for an entire week, which has +been one of stirring events, for not only have we wholly emerged from +indoor life, but we have had a hair-breadth escape from something that +not only threatened to mar the present summer, but to cast so heavy a +shadow over the garden that no self-respecting flowers could flourish +even under the thought of it. You cannot possibly guess with what we +were threatened, but I am running ahead of myself.</p> + +<p>The day that we began <i>it</i>—the vacation—by stopping the clocks, we +overslept until nine o'clock. When we came downstairs, the house was in +a condition of cheerful good order unknown to that hour of the day.</p> + +<p>There is such a temperamental difference in this mere setting things to +rights. It can be done so that every chair has a stiffly repellent look, +and the conspicuous absence of dust makes one painfully conscious that +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span>it has not always been thus, while the fingers inadvertently stray over +one's attire, plucking a shred here and a thread there. Even flowers can +be arranged in a vase so as to look thoroughly and reproachfully +uncomfortable, and all the grace and meaning crushed out of them. But +Maria Maxwell has the touch gracious that makes even a plainly furnished +room hold out detaining hands as you go through, and the flowers on the +greeting table in the hall (yes, Lavinia Cortright taught me that little +fancy of yours during her first visit), though much the same as I had +been gathering for a week past, wore an air of novelty!</p> + +<p>For a moment we stood at the foot of the stairs looking about and +getting our bearings, as guests in an unfamiliar place rather than +householders. It flitted through my body that I was hungry, and one of +the "must be's" of the vacation country was that we were to forage for +breakfast. At the same time Bart sauntered unconsciously toward the +mail-box under the hat-rack and then, suddenly putting his hands behind +him, turned to me with a quizzical expression, saying: "Letters are +forbidden, I know, but how about the paper? Even the 'Weekly Tribune' +would be something; you know that sheet was devised for farmers!"</p> + +<p>"If this vacation isn't to be a punishment, but a pleas<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span>ure, I think we +had both better 'have what we want when we want it'!" I replied, for at +that moment I spied the Infant out on the porch, and to hug her ladyship +was a swiftly accomplished desire. For some reason she seemed rather +astonished at this very usual performance, and putting her hands, +boy-fashion, into the pockets of her checked overalls, surveyed herself +deliberately, and then looking up at me rather reproachfully remarked, +"Tousin Maria says that now you and father are tumpany!"</p> + +<p>"And what is company?" I asked, rather anxious to know from what new +point we were to be regarded.</p> + +<p>"Tumpany is people that comes to stay in the pink room wif trunks, and +we play wif them and make them do somfing to amuse 'em all the time +hard, and give 'em nicer things than we have to eat, and father shaves +too much and tuts him and wears his little dinky coat to dinner. And by +and by when they've gone away Ann-stasia says, 'Glory be!' and muvver +goes to sleep. But muvver, if you are the tumpany, you can't go to sleep +when you've gone away, can you?"</p> + +<p>A voice joined me in laughter, Maria Maxwell's, from inside the open +window of the dining room. Looking toward the sound, I saw that, though +the dining table itself had been cleared, a side table drawn close <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span>to +the window was set with places for two, a posy of poets' narcissus and +the last lilies-of-the-valley between, while a folded napkin at one +place rested on a newspaper!</p> + +<p>"I thought we were to get our own breakfasts," I said, in a tone of very +feeble expostulation, which plainly told that, at that particular +moment, it was the last thing I wished to do.</p> + +<p>"You are, the very minute you feel like it, and not before! You must let +yourselves down gradually, and not bolt out of the house as if you had +been evicted. If Bart went paperless and letterless this very first +morning, until he has met something that interests him more, he would +think about the lack of the news and the mail all day until they became +more than usually important!" So saying, Maria swept the stems and +litter of the flowers she had been arranging into her apron, and +annexing the Infant to one capable finger, all the other nine being +occupied, she went down the path toward the garden for fresh supplies, +leaving Ann-stasia, as the Infant calls her, to serve the coffee, a +prerogative of which she would not consent to be bereft, not even upon +the plea of lightening her labours!</p> + +<p>"Isn't this perfect!" I exclaimed, looking toward a gap in the hills +that was framed by the debatable <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span>knoll on one side and reached by a +short cut across the old orchard and abandoned meadows of the farm +above, the lack of cultivation resulting in a wealth of field flowers.</p> + +<p>"Entirely!" assented Bart, his spoon in the coffee cup stirring +vigorously and his head enveloped in the newspaper. But what did the +point of view matter: he was content and unhurried—what better +beginning for a vacation? In fact in those two words lies the real +vacation essence.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile, as I munched and sipped, with luxurious irresponsibility, I +watched Maria moving to and fro between the shrubs that bounded the east +alley of the old garden. In her compressed city surroundings she had +always seemed to me a very big sort of person, with an efficiency that +was at times overpowering, whose brown eyes had a "charge bayonet" way +of fixing one, as if commanding the attention of her pupils by force of +eye had become a habit. But here, her most cherished belongings given +room to breathe in the spare room that rambles across one end of the +house, while her wardrobe has a chance to realize itself in the deep +closet, Maria in two short days had become another person.</p> + +<p>She does not seem large, but merely well built. The <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span>black gowns and +straight white collars that she always wore, as a sort of professional +garb, have vanished before a shirtwaist with an openwork neck and half +sleeves, while the flesh exposed thereby is pink and wholesome. Hair not +secured for the wear and tear of the daily rounds of school, but allowed +to air itself, requires only a few hair-pins, and, if it is naturally +wavy, follows its own will with good effect. While as to her eyes, what +in them seemed piercing at short range melted to an engaging frankness +in the soft light under the trees. In short, if she had been any other +than Maria Maxwell, music teacher, Bart's staid cousin and the avowed +family spinster, I should have thought of her as a fine-looking woman +who only needed a magic touch of some sort to become positively +handsome. Coffee and paper finished, I became aware that Bart was gazing +at me.</p> + +<p>"Well," I said, extending my hand, "what next?" I had speedily made up +my mind that Bart should take the initiative in our camping-out +arrangement, and I therefore did not suggest that the first thing to be +done was to set our camp itself in order.</p> + +<p>"Come out," he said, taking my hand in the same way that the Infant does +when she wishes to lead the way to the discovery of the fairyland that +lies beyond the mead<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span>ows of the farm. So we sauntered out. Once under +the sun, the same delicious thought occurred to each that, certain +prudences having been seen to, we were for the time without +responsibilities, and the fact made us laugh for the very freedom of it +and pull one another hither and thither like a couple of children.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile the word <i>knoll</i> had not been uttered, but our feet were at +once drawn in its direction by an irresistible force, and presently we +found ourselves standing at the lower end of the ridge and looking up +the slope!</p> + +<p>"I wish we had a picture of it as it must have been before the land was +cleared,—it would be a great help in replanting," I said; "it needs +something dense and bold for a background to the rocks."</p> + +<p>"The skeleton of the old barn on the other side spoils it; it ought to +come down," was Bart's rejoinder. "It seems as if everything we wish to +do hinges on some other thing."</p> + +<p>This barn had been set back against the knoll so that from the house the +hayloft window seemed like a part of a low shed. Certainly our forbears +knew the ways of the New England wind very thoroughly, judging by the +way they huddled their houses and outbuildings in hollows or under +hillsides to avoid its stress. And <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span>when they couldn't do that, they +turned sloping, humpbacked roofs toward the northeast to shed the snow +and tempt the wind in its wild moods to play leapfrog and thus pass +over.</p> + +<p>Such a roof as this has the house at the next farm, and judging by the +location of the old hay barn, and the lay of the road, it must have once +belonged to this adjoining property rather than to ours.</p> + +<p>Slowly we circled the knoll, dropped into the hollow, and stood upon the +uneven floor of wide chestnut planks that was to be our camp. Other +lodgers had this barn besides ourselves and, unlike ourselves, +hereditary tenants. Swallows of steel-blue wings hung their nests in a +whispering colony against the beams, a pair of gray squirrels arched +their tails at us and chattering whisked up aloft, where they evidently +have a family in the dilapidated pigeon cote, while among some +cornstalks and other litter in the low earth cellar beneath we could +hear the rustling doubtless born of the swift little feet of mice. (Yes, +I know that it is a feminine quality lacking in me, but I have never yet +been able to conjure up any species of fear in connection with these +playful little rodents.)</p> + +<p>The cots, table, chairs, and screens were as I had placed them several +days ago; but it was not the interior <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span>that held us but the view looking +eastward across the sunlit meadows. In fact this side of the barn had +the wide openings of an observatory. The gnarled apple trees of the +orchard still bore pink-and-white wreaths on the shady side, and the +purling of bluebirds blended with the voice of the river that ran +between the hills afar off—the same stream that further up country was +to be pent between walls and prisoned to make a reservoir. Sitting +there, we gazed upon the soft yet glowing beauty of it all, with never a +thought of pick and spade, grub axe or crowbar, to pry between the rocks +of the knoll to find the depth or quality of its soil or test the +planting possibilities.</p> + +<p>"Let us go up to the woods and see Blake; he wrote me that he is to be +there to-day, and suggested we should both meet him and see the +treasure-trove to be found there before the spring blossoms are quite +shed," said Bart, suddenly, fumbling among the letters in his pocket; +"and by the way, he said he would come back with us. He evidently +forgets that we are not 'at home' to company!"</p> + +<p>"But <i>The Man from Everywhere</i> is not company. He is simply a permanent +institution and can go on dropping in as usual all summer if he likes. +Ann-stasia adores him, for did he not bring her a beautiful sandal<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>wood +rosary of carved beads from somewhere and a pair of real tortoise-shell +combs not two months ago? And of course Maria Maxwell will not object; +why should she? he will come and go as usual, and she will hardly know +that he is in the house."</p> + +<p>Barney harnessed the mild-faced horse of our neighbour's lending to that +most comfortable of all vehicles, a buggy with an ample box behind and a +top that can be dropped and made into a deep pocket to hold gleanings, +or raised as a shield from sun and rain. Ah! dear Mrs. Evan, is there +anything that turns a sober, settled married couple backward to the +enchanted "engaged" region like driving away through the spring lanes in +a buggy pulled by a horse who has had nature-loving owners, so that he +seems to know by intuition when to pause and when it would be most +acceptable to his passengers to have him wander from the beaten track +and browse among the tender wayside grasses that always seem so much +more tempting than any pasture grazing?</p> + +<p>As you will infer from this, Romeo is not only of a gentle, meditative +disposition, but his harness is destitute of a check rein, overdraw, or +otherwise.</p> + +<p>"Have you put in the trowels?" I asked, as we drove out the gate, the +reins hanging so loosely from between<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> Bart's knees, as he lit his pipe, +that it was by mere chance that Romeo took the right turn.</p> + +<p>"No, I never thought of them; this is merely a prospecting trip. Did you +put in the lunch?"</p> + +<p>I was obliged to confess that I had not, but later on a box of +sandwiches was found under the seat in company with Romeo's nose-bag of +oats, this indication being that, as Barney alone knew directly of our +destination, he must have informed Anastasia, who took pity, regarding +us, as she does, as a cross between lunatics and the babes in the woods.</p> + +<p>We chose byways, and only crossed the macadamized highroad, that haunt +of automobiles, once, and after an hour's sauntering crossed the river +and drove into the woodlots to the north of it, now the property of the +water company, who have already posted warning to trespassers. We +straightway began to trespass, seeing <i>The Man from Everywhere</i> on +horseback coming down to meet us.</p> + +<p>Without an apparent change of soil or altitude, the scenery at once grew +more bold and dramatic.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" I said. "We have been driving through lanes lined by +dogwood and yet that little tree below and the scrubby bit of hillside +make a more perfect picture than any we have seen!"</p> + +<p><a name="illus-102" id="illus-102"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/illus-102.jpg" alt="The Pictorial Value of Evergreens." title="The Pictorial Value of Evergreens." /></div> +<h4><span class="smcap">The Pictorial Value of Evergreens</span>.</h4> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p><p>Bart, who had left the buggy and was walking beside it with <i>The Man</i>, +who had dismounted and led his nag, turned and looked backward, but did +not answer.</p> + +<p>"It is the evergreens that give it the quality," said <i>The Man</i>, "even +though they are only those stiff little Noah's-ark cedars. I notice it +far and wide, wherever I go; a landscape is never monotonous so long as +there is a pine, spruce, hemlock, or bit of a cedar to bind it together. +I believe that is why I am never content for long in the land of palms!"</p> + +<p>"I love evergreens in winter, but I've never thought much about them in +the growing leafy season; they seem unimportant then," I said.</p> + +<p>"Unimportant or not, they are still there. Look at that wall of trees +rising across the river! Every conceivable tint of green is there, +besides shades of pink and lavender in leaf case and catkin, but what +dominates and translates the whole? The great hemlocks on the crest and +the dark pointed cedars off on the horizon where the woodland thins +toward the pastures. Whether you separate them or not, they are there. +People are only just beginning to understand the value of evergreens in +their home gardens, both as windbreaks and backgrounds. No, I don't mean +stark, isolated specimens, stiff as Christmas trees. You have <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>a +magnificent chance to use them on that knoll of yours that you are going +to restore!"</p> + +<p>As he was speaking I thought Bart paid very scant attention, but +following his pointing finger I at once saw what had absorbed him. On +the opposite side of the river, extending into the brush lots, was a +knoll the size and counterpart of ours, even in the way that it lay by +the compass, only this was untouched, as nature planned it, and the +model for our restoration.</p> + +<p>"Do you clear the land as far back as this?" Bart asked of <i>The Man</i>, +eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, not for the sake of the land, but for the boulders and loose rock +on those ledges; all the rock hereabout will be little enough for our +masonry!"</p> + +<p>"Then," said Bart, "I'm going to transplant the growth on this knoll, +root and branch, herb and shrub, moss and fern, to our own, if it takes +me until Christmas! It isn't often that a man finds an illustrated plan +with all the materials for carrying it out under his hand for merely the +taking. There are enough young hemlocks up there to windbreak our whole +garden. The thing I'm not sure about is just when it will do to begin +the transplanting. Meanwhile I'll make a list of the plants we know that +we can add to as others develop and blossom."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span></p><p>So he set to work on his list then and there, <i>The Man from Everywhere</i> +helping, because he can name a plant from its leaves or even the twigs.</p> + +<p>I said that I would write to you <i>at once</i> and ask you or Evan to tell +us about the best way to transplant all the wild things, except woody +shrubs and trees, because we know it's best to wait for those until leaf +fall. But as it turns out, I've waited six days—oh! such aggravating +days when there is so much to decide and do!</p> + +<p>That afternoon <i>The Man</i> rode home with us, as a matter of course, we +quite forgetting that instead of late dinner, as usual, the meal would +be tea, as the Infant and Maria Maxwell are to dine now at one! As a +shower threatened, it seemed much more natural for us to turn into the +house than the camp, and before I knew how it happened I was sitting at +the head of my own table serving soup instead of tea! I dared not look +at Maria, but as the meal was nearly ended she remarked demurely, +looking out of the west window to where the shower was passing off +slantwise, leaving a glorious sunset trail in its wake, "Wouldn't you +like to have your coffee in camp, as the rain forced you to take dinner +indoors?" by which I knew that Maria would not allow us to lose sight of +our outdoor intentions.</p> + +<p>Bart laughed, and <i>The Man</i>, gazing around the table <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span>innocently said, +"Oh, has <i>it</i> begun, and am I intruding and breaking up plans? Why +didn't you tell me?"</p> + +<p>So we went out through the sweet-smelling twilight, or rather the glow +that comes before it, and as we idly sipped the coffee, lo and behold, +the old farm lay before us—a dream picture painted by the twilight! The +little window-panes, iridescent with age and bulged into odd shapes by +yielding sashes, caught the sunset hues and turned to fire opals; the +light mist rising over the green meadows where the flowers now slept +with heads bent and eyes closed lent the green and pearl tints of those +mysterious gems to which drops of rain or dew strung everywhere made +diamond settings.</p> + +<p>"By Jove!" exclaimed Bart, "how beautiful the Opie farm looks to-night! +If a real-estate agent could only get a photograph of what we see, we +should soon have a neighbour to rescue the place!"</p> + +<p>"You mustn't call it the Opie farm any more; it is Opal Farm from +to-night!" I cried, "and no one shall buy it unless they promise to +leave in the old windows and let the meadow and crab orchard stay as +they are, besides giving me right of way through it quite down to the +river woods!"</p> + +<p>But to get back by this circuitous route to the threatened danger with +which I opened this letter—</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p><p>The postman whistled, as he has an alluring way of doing when he brings +the evening mail, always hoping that some one will come out for a bit of +evening gossip, in which he is rarely disappointed.</p> + +<p>We all started to our feet, but Maria, whose special duty it had become +to look over the mail, distanced us all by taking a short cut, +regardless of wet grass.</p> + +<p>Talk branched into divers pleasant ways, and we had almost forgotten her +errand when she returned and, breaking abruptly into the conversation, +said to Bart, "Sorry to interrupt, but the postman reports that there +are three large crates of live stock down at the station, and the agent +says will you please send for them to-night, as he doesn't dare leave +them out, there are so many strangers about, and they will surely stifle +if he crowds them into the office!"</p> + +<p>"Live stock!" exclaimed Bart, "I'm sure I've bought nothing!" Then, as +light broke in his brain,—"Maybe it's that setter pup that Truesdale +promised me as soon as it was weaned, which would be about now!"</p> + +<p>"Would a setter pup come in three crates?" inquired <i>The Man</i>, solemnly.</p> + +<p>"It must be live plants and not live stock!" I said, coming to Bart's +rescue, "for Aunt Lavinia Cortright <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span>wrote me last week that she was +sending me some of her prize pink Dahlias, and some gladioli bulbs!"</p> + +<p>"Possibly these might fill three large cases!" laughed Bart, in his +turn.</p> + +<p>"Why not see if any of those letters throw light upon the mystery, and +then I'll help 'hook up,' as I suppose Barney has gone home, and we will +bring up the crates even if they contain crocodiles!" said <i>The Man</i>, +cheerfully. Complications always have an especially cheering effect upon +him, I've often noticed.</p> + +<p>The beams of a quarter moon were picturesque, but not a satisfactory +light by which to read letters, especially when under excitement, so +Bart brought out a carriage lantern with which we had equipped our camp, +and proceeded to sort the mail, tossing the rejected letters into my +lap.</p> + +<p>Suddenly he paused at one, extra bulky and bearing the handwriting of +his mother, weighed it on the palm of his hand, and opened it slowly. +From it fell three of the yellow-brown papers upon which receipts for +expressage are commonly written; I picked them up while Bart read +slowly—</p> + +<p>"<span class="smcap">My dear Son</span>,</p> + +<p>"We were most glad to hear through daughter Mary of your eminently +sensible and frugal plan for passing <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span>your summer vacation in the +improvement of your land without the expense of travel.</p> + +<p>"Wishing to give you some solid mark of our approval, as well as to +contribute what must be a material aid to your income, father and I send +you to-day, by express, three crates of Hens—one of White Leghorns, one +of Plymouth Rocks, and one of Brown Dorkings, a male companion +accompanying each crate, as I am told is usual. We did not select an +incubator, thinking you might have some preference in the matter, but it +will be forthcoming when your decision is made.</p> + +<p>"Of course I know that you cannot usually spare the time for the care of +these fowls, but it will be a good outdoor vocation for Mary, amusing +and lucrative, besides being thoroughly feminine, for such poultry +raising was considered even in my younger days.</p> + +<p>"A book, <i>The Complete Guide to Poultry Farming</i>, which I sent Mary a +year ago on her birthday, as a mere suggestion, will tell her all she +need know in the beginning, and the responsibility and occupation itself +will be a good corrective for giving too much time to the beauties of +the flower garden, which are merely pleasurable.</p> + +<p>"I need not remind you that the different breeds should be housed +separately, but you who always had a gift <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span>for carpentry can easily +arrange this. Indeed it was only yesterday that in opening a chest of +drawers I came across a small lead saw bought for sixpence, with which +you succeeded in quite cutting through the large Wisteria vine on +Grandma Bartram's porch! I wished to punish you, but she said—'No, +Susanna, rather preserve the tool as a memento of his industry and +patience.'</p> + +<p>"I wish that I could be near to witness your natural surprise on +receiving this token of our approval, but I must trust Mary to write us +of it.</p> + +<p class='center'> +"Your mother,</p> +<p><span class="smcap" style="margin-left: 22em;">"Susan Bartram Penrose."</span> +</p> + +<p>With something between a groan and a laugh Bart dropped this letter into +my lap, with the others.</p> + +<p>"So, after a successful struggle all these five years of our country +life against the fatal magnetism of <i>Hens</i> that has run epidemic up and +down the population of commuting householders, bringing financial +prostration to some and the purely nervous article to others; after +avoiding 'The Wars of the Chickens, or Who scratched up those Early +Peas,'—events as celebrated in local history as the Revolution or War +of the Rebellion,—we are to be forced into the chicken business for the +good of Bart's health and pocket, and my mental discipline, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span>and also +that a thrifty Pennsylvania air may be thrown about our altogether too +delightful and altruistic summer arrangements! It's t-o-o bad!" I +wailed.</p> + +<p>Of course I know, Mrs. Evan, that I was in a temper, and that my +"in-laws" mean well, but since comfortable setting hens have gone out of +fashion, and incubators and brooders taken their place, there is no more +pleasure or sentiment about raising poultry than in manufacturing any +other article by rule. It's a business, and a very pernickety one to +boot, and it's to keep Bart away from business that we are striving. +Besides, that chicken book tells how many square feet per hen must be +allowed for the exercising yards, and how the pens for the little chicks +must be built on wheels and moved daily to fresh pasture. All the +vegetable garden and flower beds and the bit of side lawn which I want +for mother's rose garden would not be too much! But I seem to be leaving +the track again.</p> + +<p>Bart didn't say a word, except that "At any rate we must bring the fowls +up from the station," and as the stable door was locked and the key in +Barney's pocket, Bart and <i>The Man</i> started to walk down to the village +to look him up in some of his haunts, or failing in this to get the +express wagon from the stable.</p> + +<p>Maria and I sat and talked for some time about <i>The</i><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span> <i>Man from +Everywhere</i>, the chickens, and the location of the rose beds. She is +surprisingly keen about flowers, considering that it is quite ten years +since her own home in the country was broken up, but then I think this +is the sort of knowledge that stays by one the longest of all. I hope +that I have succeeded in convincing her that <i>The Man</i> is not company to +be bothered about, but a comfortable family institution to come and go +as he likes, to be taken easily and not too seriously.</p> + +<p>When the moon disappeared beyond the river woods, we went to the +southwest porch, and there decided that the piece of lawn where we had +some uninteresting foliage beds one summer was the best place for the +roses and we might possibly have a trellis across the north wall for +climbers. Would you plant roses in rows or small separate beds? And how +about the soil? But perhaps the plan you are sending me will explain all +this.</p> + +<p>It was more than an hour before the men returned, and, not having found +Barney, Bart had signed for the poultry in order to leave the express +agent free to go home, and had left word at the stable for them to send +the crates up as soon as the long wagon returned from Leighton, whither +it had gone with trunks.</p> + +<p>After much discussion we decided that the fowls <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span>should be housed for +the night in the small yard back of the stable, where the Infant's cow +(a present from <i>my</i> mother) spends her nights under the shed.</p> + +<p>"Did you find any signs of a chicken house on the place when you first +came?" asked Maria, in a matter-of-fact tone, as if its location was the +only thing now to be considered.</p> + +<p>"Yes, there was one directly in the fence line at the eastern gap where +we see the Three Brothers Hills," said Bart, "and I've always intended +to plant a flower bed of some sort there both to hide the gap in the +wall and that something may be benefited by the hen manure of decades +that must have accumulated there!"</p> + +<p>"How would the place do for the new hen-house?" pursued Maria, +relentlessly.</p> + +<p>"Not at all!" I snapped very decidedly: "it is directly in the path the +cool summer winds take on their way to the dining room, and you know at +best fowl houses are not bushes of lemon balm!"</p> + +<p>"Then why not locate your bed of good-smelling things in the gap, and +sup on nectar and distilled perfume," said <i>The Man from Everywhere</i>, +soothingly.</p> + +<p>"The very thing! and I will write Mrs. Evan at once for a list of the +plants in her 'bed of sweet odours,'<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> as she calls it." Then presently, +as the men sat talking, Maria having gone into the house, our summer +work seemed to lie accomplished and complete before me, even as you once +saw your garden of dreams before its making,—the knoll restored to its +wildness, ending not too abruptly at the garden in some loose rock; the +bed of sweet odours filling the gap between it and the gate of the +little pasture in the rear; straight beds of hardy plants bordering the +vegetable squares; the two seed beds topping the furthest bit, then a +space of lawn with the straight walk of the old garden running through, +to the sundial amid some beds of summer flowers at the orchard end, +while the open lawn below the side porch is given up to roses!</p> + +<p>I even crossed the fence in imagination, and took in the possibilities +of Opal Farm. If only I could have some one there to talk flowers and +other perplexities to, as you have Lavinia Cortright, without going +through the front gate!</p> + +<p>Two hours must have passed in pleasant chat, for the hall clock, the +only one in the front part of the house we had not stopped, was chiming +eleven when wheels paused before the house and the latch of the gate +that swung both ways gave its double click!</p> + +<p>"The hens have come!" I cried in dismay, the dream <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span>garden vanishing +before an equally imaginary chorus of clucks and crows.</p> + +<p>Mr. Hale himself, the stable keeper, appeared at the house corner at the +same moment that Bart and <i>The Man</i> reached it. Consternation sat upon +his features, and his voice was fairly husky as he jerked out,—"They've +gone,—clean gone,—Mr. Penrose, all three crates! and the dust is so +kicked up about that depot that you can't read out no tracks. Some +loafers must hev seen them come and laid to get in ahead o' you, as +hevin' signed the company ain't liable! What! don't you want to drive +down to the sheriff's?" and Mr. Hale's lips hung loose with dismay at +Bart's apparent apathy.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Hale," said Bart, in mock heroic tones, "I thank you for your +sympathy, but because some troubles fall upon us unawares, it does not +follow that we should set bait for others!"</p> + +<p>Whereupon Mr. Hale the next day remarked that he didn't know whether or +not Penrose was taking action in the matter, because you could never +judge a good lawyer's meanings by his speech.</p> + +<p>However, if the hens escaped, so did we, and the next morning Bart +forgot his paper until afternoon, so eager was he to test the depth of +soil in the knoll.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span></p><p>I'm sending you a list of the wild things at hand. Will you tell me in +due course which of the ferns are best for our purpose? I've noticed +some of the larger ones turn quite shabby early in August.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p> +<h2>VII</h2> + +<h3>A SIMPLE ROSE GARDEN</h3> + +<p class='center'>(Barbara Campbell to Mary Penrose)</p> + +<p><i>Oaklands, June 5.</i> Yesterday my roses began to bloom. The very old bush +of thorny, half-double brier roses with petals of soft yellow crêpe, in +which the sunbeams caught and glinted, took the lead as usual. Before +night enough Jacqueminot buds showed rich colour to justify my filling +the bowl on the greeting table, fringing it with sprays of the yellow +brier buds and wands of copper beech now in its velvety perfection of +youth. This morning, the moment that I crossed my bedroom threshold, the +Jacqueminot odour wafted up. Is there anything more like the incense of +praise to the flower lover? Not less individual than the voice of +friends, or the song of familiar birds, is the perfume of flowers to +those who live with them, and among roses none impress this +characteristic more poignantly than the crimson Jacqueminot and the +silver-pink La France, equally delicious and absolutely different.</p> + +<p>As one who has learned by long and sometimes disastrous experience, to +one who is now really plunging <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>headlong into the sea of garden +mysteries and undercurrents for the first time, I give you warning! if +you have a real rose garden, or, merely what Lavinia Cortright calls +hers, a rosary of assorted beads, try as far as possible to have all +your seed sowing and transplanting done before the June rose season +begins, that you may give yourself up to this one flower, heart, soul, +yes, and body also! It was no haphazard symbolist that, in troubadour +days, gave Love the rose for his own flower, for to be its real self the +rose demands all and must be all in all to its possessor.</p> + +<p>As for you, Mary Penrose, who eschewed hen-keeping as a deceitful +masquerade of labour, under the name of rural employment, ponder deeply +before you have spade put to turf in your south lawn, and invest your +birthday dollars in the list of roses that at this very moment I am +preparing to send you, with all possible allurement of description to +egg you on. For unless you have very poor luck, which the slope of your +land, depth of soil, and your own pertinacity and staying qualities +discount, many more dollars in quarters, halves, or entire will follow +the first large outlay, and I may even hear of your substituting the +perpetual breakfast prune of boarding-houses for your grapefruit in +winter, or being overcome in summer by the prevail<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span>ing health-food +epidemic, in order that you may plunder the housekeeping purse +successfully.</p> + +<p><a name="illus-119" id="illus-119"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/illus-119.jpg" alt="My roses are scattered here, there, and +everywhere." title="My roses are scattered here, there, and +everywhere." /></div> +<h4><span class="smcap">My roses are scattered here, there, and +everywhere.</span></h4> + + +<p>But this is the time and hour that one gardener, on a very modest scale, +may be excused if she overrates the charms of rose possessing, for it is +a June morning, both bright and overcast by turns. A wood thrush is +practising his arpegios in the little cedar copse on one side, and a +catbird is hurling every sort of vocal challenge and bedevilment from +his ancestral syringa bush on the other, and all between is a gap filled +with a vista of rose-bushes—not marshalled in a garden together, but +scattered here, there, and everywhere that a good exposure and deep +foothold could be found.</p> + +<p>As far as the arrangement of my roses is concerned, "do as I say, not as +I do" is a most convenient motto. I have tried to formalize my roses +these ten years past, but how can I, for my yellow brier (Harrison's) +has followed its own sweet will so long that it makes almost a hedge. +The Madame Plantiers of mother's garden are stalwart shrubs, like many +other nameless bushes collected from old gardens hereabout, one +declining so persistently to be uprooted from a particularly cheerful +corner that it finds itself in the modern company of Japanese iris, and +inadvertently sheds its petals to make rose-water of the birds' bath.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span></p><p>An English sweetbrier of delicious leafage hobnobs with honeysuckle and +clematis on one of the wren arbours, while a great nameless bush of +exquisite blush buds, quite destitute of thorns (one of the many +cuttings sent "the Doctor's wife" in the long ago), stands an +unconscious chaperone between Marshall P. Wilder and Mrs. John Lang.</p> + +<p>I must at once confess that it is much better to keep the roses apart in +long borders of a kind than to scatter them at random. By so doing the +plants can be easily reached from either side, more care being taken not +to overshadow the dwarf varieties by the more vigorous.</p> + +<p>Lavinia Cortright has left the old-fashioned June roses that belonged to +her garden where they were, but is now gathering the new hybrids after +the manner of Evan's little plan. In this way, without venturing into +roses from a collector's standpoint, she can have representatives of the +best groups and a continuous supply of buds of some sort both outdoors +and for the house from the first week in June until winter.</p> + +<p>To begin with, roses need plenty of air. This does not mean that they +flourish in a draught made by the rushing of north or east wind between +buildings or down a cut or roadway. If roses are set in a mixed border, +the tendency is inevitably to crowd or flank them <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>by some succulent +annual that overgrows the limit we mentally set for it, thereby stopping +the circulation of air about the rose roots, and lo! the harm is done!</p> + +<p>If you want good roses, you must be content to see a little bare, brown +earth between the bushes, only allowing a narrow outside border of +pansies, the horned bedding violets (<i>cornuta</i>), or some equally compact +and clean-growing flower. To plant anything thickly between the roses +themselves prevents stirring the soil and the necessary seasonal +mulchings, for if the ground-covering plants flourish you will dislike +to disturb them.</p> + +<p>The first thing to secure for your rosary is sun—sun for all the +morning. If the shadow of house, barn, or of distant trees breaks the +direct afternoon rays in July and August, so much the better, but no +overhead shade at any time or season. This does not prevent your +protecting a particularly fine quantity of buds, needed for some special +occasion, with a tentlike umbrella, such as one sees fastened to the +seat in pedlers' wagons. A pair of these same umbrellas are almost a +horticultural necessity for the gardener's comfort as well, when she +sits on her rubber mat to transplant and weed.</p> + +<p>Given your location, consideration of soil comes next, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span>for this can be +controlled in a way in which the sun may not be, though if the ground +chosen is in the bottom of a hollow or in a place where surface water is +likely to settle in winter, you had better shift the location without +more ado. It was a remark pertinent to all such places that Dean Hole +made to the titled lady who showed him an elaborately planned rose +garden, in a hollow, and waited for his praise. She heard only the +remark that it was an admirable spot for <i>ferns</i>!</p> + +<p>If your soil is clayey, and holds water for this reason, it can be +drained by porous tiles, sunk at intervals in the same way as meadow or +hay land would be drained, that is if the size of your garden and the +lay of the land warrants it. If, however, the roses are to be in +separate beds or long borders, the earth can be dug out to the depth of +two and a half or three feet, the good fertile portion being put on one +side and the clay or yellow loam, if any there be, removed. Then fill +the hole with cobblestones, rubbish of old plaster, etc., for a foot in +depth (never tin cans); mix the good earth thoroughly with one-third its +bulk of well-rotted cow dung, a generous sprinkling of unslaked lime and +sulphur, and replace, leaving it to settle for a few days and watering +it thoroughly, if it does not rain, before planting.</p> + +<p>One of the advantages of planting roses by themselves <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span>is that the +stirring of the soil and giving of special fertilizers when needful may +be unhampered.</p> + +<p>In the ordinary planting of roses by the novice, the most necessary +rules are usually the first violated. The roses are generally purchased +in pots, with a certain amount of foliage and a few buds produced by +forcing. A hole is excavated, we will suppose, in a hardened border of +hardy plants that, owing to the tangle of roots, can be at best but +superficially dug and must rely upon top dressing for its nutriment. +Owing to the difficulty of digging the hole, it is likely to be a tight +fit for the pot-bound ball of calloused roots that is to fill it. Hence, +instead of the woody roots and delicate fibres being carefully spread +out and covered, so that each one is surrounded by fresh earth, they are +jammed just as they are (or often with an additional squeeze) into a +rigid socket, and small wonder if the conjunction of the two results in +blighting and a lingering death rather than the renewal of vitality and +increase.</p> + +<p>Evan, who has had a wide experience in watching the development of his +plans, both by professional gardeners and amateurs, says that he is +convinced more and more each day that, where transplanting of any sort +fails, it is due to carelessness in the securing of the root anchors, +rather than any fault of the dealer who supplies the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span>plants, this of +course applying particularly to all growths having woody roots, where +breakage and wastage cannot be rapidly restored. When a rose is once +established, its persistent roots may find means of boring through soil +that in its first nonresistant state is impossible. While stiff, +impervious clay is undesirable, a soil too loose with sand, that allows +the bush to shift with the wind, instead of holding it firmly, is quite +as undesirable.</p> + +<p>In planting all hardy or half-hardy roses,—whether they are of the type +that flower once in early summer, the hybrid perpetuals that bloom +freely in June and again at intervals during late summer and autumn, or +the hybrid teas that, if wisely selected and protected, combine the +wintering ability of their hardy parents with the monthly blooming cross +of the teas,—it is best to plant dormant field-grown plants in October, +or else as early in April as the ground is sufficiently dry and frost +free.</p> + +<p>These field-grown roses have better roots, and though, when planted in +the spring, for the first few months the growth is apparently slower +than that of the pot-grown bushes, it is much more normal and +satisfactory, at least in the Middle and New England states of which I +have knowledge.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p><p>All roses, even the sturdy, old-fashioned damasks, Madame Plantier, and +the like, should have some covering in winter, such as stable litter of +coarse manure with the straw left in. Hybrid perpetuals I hill up well +with earth after the manner of celery banked for bleaching, the trenches +between making good water courses for snow water, while in spring cow +manure and nitrate of soda is scattered in these ruts before the soil is +restored to its level by forking.</p> + +<div class="figleft"> + <a href="images/illus-159.jpg"><img + src="images/illus-159-tb.jpg" + alt="Pillar for Corners of Rose Bed." /></a><br /> + <span class="smcap">Pillar</span> for<br />Corners of<br />Rose Bed. + </div> +<p>The hybrid teas, of which La France is the best exponent, should be +hilled up and then filled in between with evergreen branches, upland +sedge grass, straw or corn stalks, and if you have the wherewithal, they +may be capped with straw.</p> + +<p>I do not care for leaves as a covering, unless something coarse +underlies them, for in wet seasons they form a cold and discouraging +poultice to everything but the bob-tailed meadow mice, who love to bed +and burrow under them. Such tea roses as it is possible to winter in the +north should be treated in the same way, but there is something else to +be suggested about their culture in another place.</p> + +<p>The climbing roses of arbours, if in very exposed situations, in +addition to the mulch of straw and manure, may have corn stalks stacked +against the slats, which <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span>makes a windbreak well worth the trouble. But +the more tender species of climbing roses should be grown upon pillars, +English fashion. These can be snugly strawed up after the fashion of +wine bottles, and then a conical cap of the waterproof tar paper used by +builders drawn over the whole, the manure being banked up to hold the +base firmly in place. With this device it is possible to grow the lovely +Gloire de Dijon, in the open, that festoons the eaves of English +cottages, but is our despair.</p> + +<p>Not long ago we invented an inexpensive "pillar" trellis for roses and +vines which, standing seven feet high and built about a cedar +clothes-pole, the end well coated with tar before setting, is both +symmetrical and durable, not <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>burning tender shoots, as do the metal +affairs, and costing, if the material is bought and a carpenter hired by +the day, the moderate price of two dollars and a half each, including +paint, which should be dark green.</p> + +<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/illus-165.jpg"><img src="images/illus-165-tb.jpg" alt="Rose Garden. With outside Border of Gravel and +Grass." title="Rose Garden. With outside Border of Gravel and +Grass." /></a></div> +<h4><span class="smcap">Rose Garden.</span> With outside Border of Gravel and +Grass.</h4> + +<p>Evan has made a sketch of it for you. He finds it useful in many ways, +and in laying out a new garden these pillars, set at corners or at +intervals along the walks, serve to break the hot look of a wide expanse +and give a certain formality that draws together without being too stiff +and artificial.</p> + +<p>For little gardens, like yours and mine, I think deep-green paint the +best colour for pergola, pillars, seats, plant tubs, and the like. White +paint is clean and cheerful, but stains easily. If one has the +surroundings and money for marble columns and garden furniture, it must +form part of a well-planned whole and not be pitched in at random, but +the imitation article, compounded of cement or whitewashed wood, belongs +in the region of stage properties or beer gardens!</p> + +<p>The little plan I'm sending you needs a bit of ground not less than +fifty feet by seventy-five for its development, and that, I think, is +well within the limits of your southwest lawn. The pergola can be made +of rough cedar posts with the bark left on. Evan says that there are any +quantity of cedar trees in your river woods that <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>are to be cleared for +the reservoir, and you can probably get them for a song.</p> + +<p>The border enclosing the grass plots is four feet in width, which allows +you to reach into the centre from either side. Two rows of hybrid +perpetuals or three of hybrid tea or summer roses can be planted in +these beds, according to their size, thus allowing, at the minimum, for +one hundred hybrid perpetuals, fifty hybrid teas, fifty summer roses, +and eighteen climbers, nine on either side of the pergola, with four +additional for the corner pillars.</p> + +<p>The irregular beds in the small lawns should not be planted in set rows, +but after the manner of shrubberies. Rugosa roses, if their colours be +well chosen, are best for the centre of these beds. They are striking +when in flower and decorative in fruit, while the handsome leaves, that +are very free from insects, I find most useful as green in arranging +other roses the foliage of which is scanty. The pink-and-white damask +roses belong here, and the dear, profuse, and graceful Madame +Plantier,—a dozen bushes of this hybrid China rose of seven leaflets +are not too many. For seventy years it has held undisputed sway among +hardy white roses and has become so much a part of old gardens that we +are inclined to place its origin too far back in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>the past among +historic roses, because we cannot imagine a time when it was not. This +is a rose to pick by the armful, and grown in masses it lends an air of +luxury to the simplest garden.</p> + +<p><a name="illus-128" id="illus-128"></a></p> +<div class="figright"><img src="images/illus-128.jpg" alt="Madame Plantier at Van Cortland Manor" title="Madame Plantier at Van Cortland Manor" /></div> +<h4><span class="smcap">Madame Plantier at Van Cortland Manor</span>.</h4> + +<p>Personally, I object to the rambler tribe of roses for any but large +gardens, where in a certain sense the personality of flowers must +sometimes be lost in decorative effect. A scentless rose has no right to +intrude on the tender intimacies of the woman's garden, but pruned back +to a tall standard it may be cautiously mingled with Madame Plantier +with good effect, lending the pale lady the reflected touch of the +colour that gives life.</p> + +<p>For the pergola a few ramblers may be used for rapid effect, while the +slower growing varieties are making wood, but sooner or later I'm sure +that they will disappear before more friendly roses, and even to-day the +old-fashioned Gem of the Prairies, Felicité Perpetual, and Baltimore +Belle seem to me worthier. Colour and profusion the rambler has, but +equally so has the torrent of coloured paper flowers that pours out of +the juggler's hat, and they are much bigger.</p> + +<p>No, I'm apt to be emphatic (Evan calls it pertinacious), but I'm sure +the time will come when at least the crimson rambler, trained over a +gas-pipe arch, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span>except for purely decorative purposes, will be as much +disliked by the real rose lover as the tripod with the iron pot painted +red and filled with red geraniums!</p> + +<p>The English sweetbrier is a climbing or pillar rose, capable of being +pruned into a bush or hedge that not only gives fragrance in June but +every time the rain falls or dew condenses upon its magic leaves. This +you must have as well as some of its kin, the Penzance +hybrid-sweetbriers, either against the pergola or trained to the corner +pillars, where you will become more intimate with them.</p> + +<p>You may be fairly sure of success in wintering well-chosen hybrid +perpetual roses and the hybrid teas. If, for any reason, certain +varieties that succeed in Lavinia Cortright's garden and ours do not +thrive with you, they must be replaced by a gradual process of +elimination. You alone may judge of this. I'm simply giving you a list +of varieties that have thriven in my garden; others may not find them +the best. Only let me advise you to begin with roses that have stood a +test of not less than half a dozen years, for it really takes that long +to know the influence of heredity in this highly specialized race. After +the rose garden has shown you all its colours, it is easy to supplement +a needed tint here or a proven newcomer there without <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span>speculating, as +it were, in garden stock in a bull market. Too much of spending money +for something that two years hence will be known no more is a financial +side of the <i>Garden-Goozle</i> question that saddens the commuter, as well +as his wife. It is a continual proof of man's, and particularly woman's, +innocency that such pictures as horticultural pedlers show when +extolling their wares do not deter instead of encouraging purchasers. If +the fruits and flowers were believable, as depicted, still they should +be unattractive to eye and palate.</p> + +<p>The hybrid perpetuals give their great yield in June, followed by a more +or less scattering autumn blooming. It is foolish to expect a rose +specialized and proven by the tests climatic and otherwise of Holland, +England, or France, and pronounced a perpetual bloomer, to live up to +its reputation in this country of sudden extremes: unveiled summer heat, +that forces the bud open before it has developed quality, causing +certain shades of pink and crimson to fade and flatten before the flower +is really fit for gathering. Americans in general must be content with +the half loaf, as far as garden roses are concerned, for in the cooler +parts of the country, where the development of the flower is slower and +more satisfactory, the winter lends added dangers.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span></p><p>Good roses—not, however, the perfect flowers of the connoisseur or +even of the cottage exhibitions of England—may be had from early June +until the first week of July, but the hybrid tea roses that brave the +latter part of that month and August are but short lived, even when +gathered in the bud. Those known as summer bedders of the Bourbon class, +chiefly scentless, of which Appoline is a well-known example, are simply +bits of decorative colour without the endearing attributes of roses, and +garden colour may be obtained with far less labour.</p> + +<p>In July and August you may safely let your eyes wander from the rosary +to the beds of summer annuals, the gladioli, Japan lilies, and Dahlias, +and depend for fragrance on your bed of sweet odours. But as the nights +begin to lengthen, at the end of August, you may prepare for a tea-rose +festival, if you have a little forethought and a very little money.</p> + +<p>You have, I think, a florist in your neighbourhood who raises roses for +the market. This is my method, practised for many years with comforting +success. Instead of buying pot-grown tea roses in April or May, that, +unless a good price (from twenty-five cents up) is paid for them, will +be so small that they can only be called bushes at the season's end, I +go to our florist <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span>and buy fifty of the bushes that he has forced during +the winter and being considered spent are cast out about June first, in +order to fill in the new stock.</p> + +<p>All such roses are not discarded each season, but the process is carried +on in alternate benches and years, so that there are always some to be +obtained. These plants, big, tired-looking, and weak in the branches, I +buy for the nominal sum of ten dollars per hundred, five dollars' worth +filling a long border when set out in alternating rows. On taking these +home, I thin out the woodiest shoots, or those that interfere, and plant +deep in the border, into which nitrate of soda has been dug in the +proportion of about two ounces to a plant.</p> + +<p>After spreading out the roots as carefully as possible, I plant firmly +and water thoroughly, but do not as yet prune off the long branches. In +ten days, having given meanwhile two waterings of liquid manure, I prune +the bushes back sharply. By this time they will have probably dropped +the greater part of their leaves, and having had a short but sufficient +nap, are ready to grow, which they proceed to do freely. I do not +encourage bloom in July, but as soon as we have dew-heavy August nights +it begins and goes on, increasing in quality until hard frost. Many of +these bushes have <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span>wintered comfortably and on being pruned to within +three inches of the ground have lasted many years.</p> + +<p>As to the varieties so treated, that is a secondary consideration, for +under these circumstances you must take what the florist has to offer, +which will of course be those most suitable to the winter market. I have +used Perle des Jardins, Catherine Mermet, Bride and Bridesmaid, Safrano, +Souvenir d'un Ami, and Bon Silene (the rose for button-hole buds) with +equal success, though a very intelligent grower affirms that both Bride +and Bridesmaid are unsatisfactory as outdoor roses.</p> + +<p>I do not say that the individual flowers from these bushes bear relation +to the perfect specimens of greenhouse growth in anything but fragrance, +but in this way I have roses all the autumn, "by the fistful," as +Timothy Saunders's Scotch appreciation of values puts it, though his +spouse, Martha Corkle, whose home memories are usually expanded by the +perspective of time and absence, in this case speaks truly when she says +on receiving a handful, "Yes, Mrs. Evan, they're nice and sweetish and I +thank you kindly, but, ma'am, they couldn't stand in it with those that +grows as free as corn poppies round the four-shillin'-a-week cottages +out Gloucester way, and <i>no</i> disrespec' intended."</p> + +<p>The working season of the rose garden begins the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span>first of April with +the cutting out of dead wood and the shortening and shaping of last +year's growth. With hardy roses the flowers come from fresh twigs on old +growth. I never prune in the autumn, because winter always kills a bit +of the top and cutting opens the tubular stem to the weather and induces +decay. Pruning is a science in itself, to be learned by experience. This +is the formula that I once wrote on a slate and kept in my attic desk +with my first <i>Boke of the Garden</i>.</p> + +<p><i>April 1.</i> Uncover bushes, prune, and have the winter mulch thoroughly +dug in. Place stakes in the centre of bushes that you know from +experience will need them. Re-tie climbers that have broken away from +supports, but not too tightly; let some sprays swing and arch in their +own way.</p> + +<p><i>May.</i> As soon as the foliage begins to appear, spray with whale-oil +soap lotion mixed hot and let cool: strength—a bit the size of a walnut +to a gallon of water. Do this every two weeks until the rosebuds show +decided colour, then stop. This is to keep the rose Aphis at bay, the +little soft green fly that is as succulent as the sap upon which it +feeds.</p> + +<p>If the spring is damp and mildew appears, dust with sulphur flower in a +small bellows.</p> + +<p><i>June.</i> The Rose Hopper or Thrip, an active little <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span>pale yellow, +transparent-winged insect that clings to the under side of the leaf, +will now come if the weather is dry; dislodged easily by shaking, it +immediately returns. <i>Remedy</i>, spraying leaves from underneath with +water and applying powdered helebore with a bellows.</p> + +<p>If <i>Black Spot</i>, a rather recent nuisance, appears on the leaves, spray +with Bordeaux Mixture, bought of a horticultural dealer, directions +accompanying.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile the leaf worm is sure to put in appearance. This is also +transparent and either brownish green, or yellow, seemingly according to +the leaves upon which it feeds. <i>Remedy</i>, if they won't yield to +helebore (and they seldom do unless very sickly), brush them off into a +cup. An old shaving brush is good for this purpose, as it is close set +but too soft to scrape the leaf.</p> + +<p><i>June 15.</i> When the roses are in bloom, stop all insecticides. There is +such a thing as the cure being worse than the disease, and a rose garden +redolent of whale-oil soap and phosphates and encrusted with helebore +and Bordeaux Mixture has a painful suggestion of a horticultural +hospital.</p> + +<p>Now is the time for the Rose Chafer, a dull brownish beetle about half +an inch long, who times his coming up out of the ground to feast upon +the most fragrant and luscious roses. These hunt in couples and are +wholly <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>obnoxious. Picking into a fruit jar with a little kerosene in +the bottom is the only way to kill them. In one day last season Evan +came to my rescue and filled a quart jar in two hours; they are so fat +and spunky they may be considered as the big game among garden bugs, and +their catching, if not carried to an extreme, in the light of sport.</p> + +<p><i>July.</i> See that all dead flowers are cut off and no petals allowed to +mould on the ground. Mulch with short grass during hot, dry weather, and +use liquid manure upon hybrid teas and teas every two weeks, immediately +after watering or a rain. Never, at any season, allow a rose to wither +on the bush!</p> + +<p><i>August.</i> The same, keeping on the watch for all previous insects but +the rose beetle; this will have left. Mulch hybrid perpetuals if a dry +season, and give liquid manure for the second blooming.</p> + +<p><i>September.</i> Stir the ground after heavy rains, and watch for tendencies +of mould.</p> + +<p><i>October.</i> The same.</p> + +<p><i>November.</i> Begin to draw the soil about roots soon after black frost, +and bank up before the ground freezes, but do not add straw, litter, or +manure in the trenches until the ground is actually frozen, which will +be from December first onward, except in the case <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span>of teas, which should +be covered gradually until the top is reached.</p> + +<p>By this you will judge, Mary Penrose, that a rosary has its labours, as +well as pleasures, and that like all other joys it is accompanied by +difficulties. Yet you can grow good roses if you <i>will</i>, but the +difficulty is that most people <i>won't</i>. I think, by the way, that remark +belongs to Dean Hole of fragrant rose-garden memory, and of a truth he +has said all that is likely to be spoken or written about the rose on +the side of both knowledge and human fancy for many a day.</p> + +<p>Modern roses of the hybrid-perpetual and hybrid-tea types may be bought +of several reliable dealers for twenty-five dollars per hundred, in two +conditions, either grown on their own roots or budded on Manette or +brier stock. Personally I prefer the first or natural condition, if the +constitution of the plant is sufficiently vigorous to warrant it. There +are, however, many indispensable varieties that do better for the +infusion of vigorous brier blood. A budded rose will show the junction +by a little knob where the bud was inserted; this must be planted at +least three inches below ground so that new shoots will be encouraged to +spring from <i>above</i> the bud, as those below are merely wild, worthless +suckers, to be removed as soon as they appear.</p> + +<p><a name="illus-138" id="illus-138"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/illus-138.jpg" alt="A Convenient Rose Bed." title="A Convenient Rose Bed." /></div> +<h4><span class="smcap">A Convenient Rose Bed.</span></h4> + +<p>How can you tell wild suckers from the desired growth? At first by +following them back to the root until you have taken their measure, but +as soon as experience has enlightened you they will be as easily +recognized at sight as the mongrel dog by a connoisseur. Many admirable +varieties, like Jacqueminot, Anne de Diesbach, Alfred Colomb, Madame +Plantier, and all the climbers, do so well on their own roots that it is +foolish to take the risk of budded plants, the worse side of which is a +tendency to decay at the point of juncture. Tea roses, being of rapid +growth and flowering wholly upon new wood, are perfectly satisfactory +when rooted from cuttings.</p> + +<p>Of many well-attested varieties of hybrid perpetuals, hybrid China, or +other so-called June roses, you may at the start safely select from the +following twenty.</p> + +<div class="centered"> +<table cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="Roses" style="width: 80%;"> + <tr> + <td class="tdcplain" colspan="2"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span> +<i>Pink, of various shades</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain" style="width: 40%;">1. Anne de Diesbach.</td> + <td class="tdlplain" style="width: 60%;">One of the most fragrant, hardy, and altogether satisfactory of hybrid + perpetual roses. Forms a large bush, covered with large deep carmine-pink flowers. Should + be grown on own root.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">2. Paul Neyron.</td> + <td class="tdlplain"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> + Rose pink, of large size, handsome even when fully open. Fragrant and hardy.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">3. Cabbage, or Rose of 100 Leaves.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">The Provence rose of history and old gardens, supposed to have been known + to Pliny. Rich pink, full, fragrant, and hardy. Own roots.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">4. Magna Charta.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">A fine fragrant pink rose of the hybrid China type. Not seen as often + as it should be. Own roots.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">5. Clio.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">A vigorous grower with flesh-coloured and pink-shaded blossoms.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">6. Oakmont.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">Exquisite deep rose, fragrant, vigorous, and with a long blooming season.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdcplain" colspan="2"><br /><i>White</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">7. Marchioness of Londonderry.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">Free, full, and fragrant. Immense cream-white flowers, carried on long + stems. Very beautiful.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">8. Madame Plantier (Hybrid China).</td> + <td class="tdlplain"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 61%;"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span>A medium-sized, pure white rose, + with creamy centre; flowers so profusely as to appear to be in clusters. Delicately fragrant, leaves + deep green and remarkably free from blights. Perfectly hardy; forms so large a bush in time that it should + be placed in the rose shrubbery rather than amid smaller species.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">9. Margaret Dickson.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">A splendid, finely formed, fragrant white rose, with deep green foliage.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">10. Coquette des Blanches.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">One of the very hardy white roses, an occasional pink streak tinting the + outside petals. Cup-shaped and a profuse bloomer.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">11. Coquette des Alps.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">A very hardy bush, coming into bloom rather later than the former and + lasting well. Satisfactory.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdcplain" colspan="2"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span> + <br /><i>Red and Crimson</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">12. General Jacqueminot.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">Bright velvety crimson. The established favourite of its colour and + class, though fashion has in some measure pushed it aside for newer varieties. May be grown to a + large shrub. Fragrant and hardy. Best when in bud, as it opens rather flat.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">13. Alfred Colomb.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">Bright crimson. Full, sweet. A vigorous grower and entirely + satisfactory. If you can grow but one red rose, take this.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">14. Fisher Holmes.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">A seedling of Jacqueminot, but of the darkest velvety crimson; fragrant, + and blooms very early.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">15. Marshal P. Wilder.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">Also a seedling of Jacqueminot. Vigorous and of well-set foliage. + Full, large flowers of a bright cherry red. Very fragrant.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">16. Marie Bauman.</td> + <td class="tdlplain"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span> + A crimson rose of delicious fragrance and lovely shape. This does best when budded on brier or Manette + stock, and needs petting and a diet of liquid manure, but it will repay the trouble.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">17. Jules Margottin.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">A fine, old-fashioned, rich red rose, fragrant, and while humble in + its demands, well repays liberal feeding.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">18. John Hopper.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">A splendid, early crimson rose, fragrant and easily cared for.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">19. Prince Camille de Rohan.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">The peer of dark red roses, not large, but rich in fragrance and of + deep colour.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">20. Ulrich Brunner.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">One of the best out-of-door roses, hardy, carries its bright cerise + flowers well, which are of good shape and substance; has few diseases.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdcplain" colspan="2"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> + <br /><i>Moss Roses</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">1. Blanch Moreau (Perpetual).</td> + <td class="tdlplain">A pure, rich white; the buds, which are heavily mossed, borne in clusters.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">2. White Bath.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">The most familiar white moss rose, sometimes tinged with pink. Open + flowers are attractive as well as buds.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">3. Crested Moss.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">Rich pink, deeply mossed, each bud having a fringed crest; fragrant and full.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">4. Gracilis.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">An exquisite moss rose of fairylike construction, the deep pink buds being + wrapped and fringed with moss.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">5. Common Moss.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">A hardy pink variety, good only in the bud.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain" colspan="2" style="padding-left: 5em;">The moss roses as a whole only bloom satisfactorily in June.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdcplain" colspan="2"><br /><i>Climbers</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdcplain" colspan="2">1.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">1. English Sweetbrier.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">Single pink flowers of the wild-rose type. Foliage of delicious fragrance, + perfuming the garden after rain the season through.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td colspan="2" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> + <br /><i>Penzance Hybrid Sweetbriers,<br /> + Having Fragrant Foliage and Flowers<br /> + of Many Beautiful Colours</i><br /><br /></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">2. Amy Robsart.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">Pink.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">3. Anne of Geierstein.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">Crimson.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">4. Minna.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">White.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">5. Rose Bradwardine.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">Deep rose.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdcplain" colspan="2"><br />2.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">1. Climbing Jules Margottin.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">Rosy carmine, very fragrant and full, satisfactory for the + pergola, but more so for a pillar, where in winter it can be protected + from wind by branches or straw.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">2. Baltimore Belle.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">The old-fashioned blush rose, with clean leaves and solid flowers of good + shape. Blooms after other varieties are over. Trustworthy and satisfactory, + though not fragrant in flower or leaf.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">3. Gem of the Prairie.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">Red flowers of large size, but rather flat when open. A seedling from + Queen of the Prairie, and though not<span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span> + as free as its parent, it has the desirable quality of fragrance.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">4. Climbing Belle Siebrecht (Hybrid Tea).</td> + <td class="tdlplain">Fragrant, vigorous, and of the same deep pink as the standard variety. Grow on pillars.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">5. Gloire de Dijon.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">Colour an indescribable blending of rose, buff, and yellow, deliciously + fragrant, double to the heart of crumpled, crêpelike petals. A tea rose and, as an + outdoor climber, tender north of Washington, yet it can be grown on a pillar by covering as + described on page 126.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdcplain" colspan="2"><br /><i>Hybrid Tea Roses</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">1. La France.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">The fragrant silver-pink rose, with full, heavy flowers,—the combination + of all a rose should be. In the open garden the sun changes its + delicate<span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span> + colour quickly. Should be gathered in the bud at evening or, better yet, early morning. + Very hardy if properly covered, and grows to a good-sized bush.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">2. Kaiserin Augusta Victoria.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">White, with a lemon tint in the folds; the fragrance is peculiar to + itself, faintly suggesting the Gardenia.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">3. Gruss an Teplitz.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">One of the newer crimson roses, vigorous, with well-cupped flowers. + Good for decorative value in the garden, but not a rose of sentiment.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">4. Killarney.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">One of the newer roses that has made good. Beautiful pointed buds of + shell-pink, full and at the same time delicate. The foliage is very handsome. If well + fed, will amply repay labour.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">5. Souvenir de Malmaison.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">A Bourbon rose that should be + <span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span> + treated like a hybrid tea. Shell-pink, fragrant flowers, that have much the same way of opening + as Gloire de Dijon. A constant bloomer.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">6. Clothilde Soupert.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">A polyantha or cluster rose of vigorous growth and glistening + foliage, quite as hardy as the hybrid tea. It is of dwarf growth and suitable for + edging beds of larger roses. The shell-pink flowers are of good form and very double; as they + cluster very thickly on the ends of the stems, the buds should be thinned out, as they have + an aggravating tendency to mildew before opening.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">7. Souvenir de President Carnot.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">A charming rose with shadows of all the flesh tints, from white through + blush to rose; sturdy and free.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">8. Caroline Testout.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">Very large, round flowers, of a + <span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> + delicate shell-pink, flushed with salmon; sturdy.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdcplain" colspan="2"><br /><i>Teas</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">1. Bon Silene.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">The old favourite, unsurpassed for fragrance as a button-hole flower, or + table decoration when blended with ferns or fragrant foliage plants. Colour "Bon Silene," + tints of shaded pink and carmine, all its own.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">2. Papa Gontier.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">A rose as vigorous as the hybrid teas, and one that may be easily + wintered. Pointed buds of deep rose shading to crimson and as fragrant as Bon Silene, + of which it is a hybrid. Flowers should be gathered in the bud.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">3. Safrano.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">A true "tea" rose of characteristic shades of buff and yellow, with the + tea fragrance in all its perfection.<span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span> + Best in the bud. Vigorous and a fit companion for Papa Gontier and Bon Silene.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">4. Perle des Jardins.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">An exquisite, fragrant double rose of light clear yellow, suggesting the + Marechal Niel in form, but of paler colour. Difficult to winter out of doors, but worth the + trouble of lifting to cold pit or light cellar, or the expense of renewing annually. + One of the lovable roses.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">5. Bride.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">The clear white rose, sometimes with lemon shadings used for forcing; clean, + handsome foliage and good fragrance. Very satisfactory in my garden when old plants are used, + as described.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">6. Bridesmaid.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">The pink companion of the above with similar attributes.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> + 7. Etoille de Lyon.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">A vigorous, deep yellow rose, full and sweet. Almost as hardy as a hybrid + tea and very satisfactory.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">8. Souvenir d'un Ami.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">A deliciously fragrant light pink rose, with salmon shadings. Very + satisfactory and as hardy as some of the hybrid teas.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdcplain" colspan="2"><br /><i>Miscellaneous Roses for the Shrubbery</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">1. Harrison's Yellow.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">An Austrian brier rose with clear yellow semi-double flowers. Early and + very hardy. Should be grown on its own roots, as it will then spread into a thicket and make + the rosary a mass of shimmering gold in early June.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdcplain" colspan="2"><br /><i>Damask Roses</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain"> </td> + <td class="tdlplain">Should be grown on own root, when they will form shrubs five feet high.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">2. Madame Hardy.</td> + <td class="tdlplain"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> + Pure white. Very fragrant, well-cupped flower, Time tried and sturdy.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">3. Rosa Damascena Triginitipela.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">Rose colour.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdcplain" colspan="2"><br /><i>Rugosa</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain"> </td> + <td class="tdlplain">The tribe of Japanese origin, conspicuous as bushes of fine foliage + and handsome shape, as well as for the large single blossoms that are followed by seed + vessels of brilliant scarlet hues.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">4. Agnes Emily Carman.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">Flowers in clusters, "Jacqueminot" red, with long-fringed golden stamens. + Continuous bloomer. Hardy and perfect.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">5. Rugosa alba.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">Pure white, highly scented.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">6. Rugosa rubra.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">Single crimson flowers of great +beauty.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlplain">7. Chedane Guinoisseau.</td> + <td class="tdlplain">Flowers, satin pink and very large. Blooms all the summer.</td> + </tr> +</table> +</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span><br /><br /></p> + +<p>Now, Mary Penrose, having made up your mind to have a rosary, cause +garden line and shovel to be set in that side lawn of yours without +hesitation. Do not wait until autumn, because you cannot plant the hardy +roses until then and do not wish to contemplate bare ground. This sight +is frequently wholesome and provocative of good horticultural digestion. +You need only begin with one-half of Evan's plan, letting the pergola +enclose the walk back of the house, and later on you can add the other +wing.</p> + +<p>If the pergola itself is built during the summer, you can sit under it, +and by going over your list and colour scheme locate each rose finally +before its arrival. By the way, until the climbers are well started you +may safely alternate them with vines of the white panicled clematis, +that will be in bloom in August and can be easily kept from clutching +its rose neighbours!</p> + +<p>By and by, when you have planted your roses, tucked them in their winter +covers, and can sit down with a calm mind, I will lend you three +precious rose books of mine. These are Dean Hole's <i>Book about Roses</i>, +for both the wit and wisdom o't; <i>The Amateur Gardener's Rose Book</i>, +rescued from the German by John Weathers, F.R.H.S., for its common +sense, well-arranged list of roses, and beautiful coloured plates, and +H.B. Ell<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span>wanger's little treatise on <i>The Rose</i>, a competent chronology +of the flower queen up to 1901, written concisely and from the American +standpoint. If I should send them now, you would be so bewildered by the +enumeration of varieties, many unsuited to this climate, intoxicated by +the descriptions of Rose-garden possibilities, and carried away by the +literary and horticultural enthusiasm of the one-time master of the +Deanery Garden, Rochester, that, like the child turned loose in the toy +shop, you would lose the power of choosing.</p> + +<p>Lavinia Cortright lost nearly a year in beginning her rosary, owing to a +similar condition of mind, and Evan and I long ago decided that when we +read we cannot work, and <i>vice versa</i>, so when the Garden of Outdoors is +abed and asleep each year, we enter the Garden of Books with fresh +delight.</p> + +<p>Have you a man with quick wit and a straight eye to be the spade hand +during the Garden Vacation? If not, make haste to find him, for, as you +have had Barney for five years, he is probably too set in his ways to +work at innovations cheerfully!</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p> +<h2>VIII</h2> + +<h3>A MIDNIGHT ADVENTURE</h3> + +<p class='center'>(Mary Penrose to Barbara Campbell)</p> + + +<p><i>June 21.</i> The rosary has been duly surveyed, staked according to the +plan, and the border lines fixed with the garden line dipped in +whitewash, so that if we only plant a bed at a time, our ambition will +always be before us. But as yet no man cometh to dig. This process is of +greater import than it may seem, because with the vigorous +three-year-old sod thus obtained do we purpose to turf the edges of the +beds for hardy and summer flowers that border the squares of the +vegetable garden. These strips now crumble earth into the walks, and the +slightest footfall is followed by a landslide. We had intended to use +narrow boards for edging, but Bart objects, like the old retainer in +Kipling's story of <i>An Habitation Enforced</i>, on the ground that they +will deteriorate from the beginning and have to be renewed every few +years, whereas the turf will improve, even if it is more trouble to care +for.</p> + +<p>At present the necessity of permanence is one of the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>things that is +impressing us both, for after us—the Infant! Until a year ago I had a +positive dread of being so firmly fixed anywhere that to spread wings +and fly here and there would be difficult, but now it seems the most +delightful thing to be rooted like the old apple tree on the side hill, +the last of the old orchard, that has leaned against the upland winds so +many years that it is well-nigh bent double, yet the root anchors hold +and it is still a thing of beauty, like rosy-cheeked old folk with snowy +hair. I do not think that I ever realized this in its fulness until I +left the house and came out, though but a short way, to live with and in +it all.</p> + +<p>You were right in thinking that Barney would not encourage +innovations,—he does not! He says that turf lifted in summer always +lies uneasy and breeds worms.</p> + +<p>This seems to be an age for the defiance of horticultural tradition, for +we are finding out every day that you can "lift" almost anything of +herbaceous growth at any time and make it live, if you are willing to +take pains enough, though of course transplanting is done with less +trouble and risk at the prescribed seasons.</p> + +<p>The man-with-the-shovel question is quite a serious one hereabouts at +present, for the Water Company has engaged all the rough-and-ready +labourers for a long <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>season and that has raised both the prices and +the noses of the wandering accommodators in the air. Something will +probably turn up. Now we are transplanting hardy ferns; for though the +tender tops break, there is yet plenty of time for a second growth and +rooting before winter.</p> + +<p><a name="illus-156" id="illus-156"></a></p> +<div class="figright"><img src="images/illus-156.jpg" alt="The last of the old orchard." title="The last of the old orchard." /></div> +<h4>"<span class="smcap">The last of the old orchard</span>."</h4> + +<p class='center'>Copyright, 1903, H. Hendrickson.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile there is a leisurely old carpenter who recently turned up as +heir of the Opal Farm, Amos Opie by name, who is thinking of living +there, and has signified his willingness to undertake the pergola by +hour's work, "if he is not hustled," as soon as the posts arrive.</p> + +<p>The past ten days have been full of marvellous discoveries for the +"peculiar Penroses," as Maria Maxwell heard us called down at the Golf +Club, where she represented me at the mid-June tea, which I had wholly +forgotten that I had promised to manage when I sent out those P.P.C. +cards and stopped the clocks!</p> + +<p>It seems that the first impression was that financial disaster had +overtaken us, when instead of vanishing in a touring car preceded by +tooting and followed by a cloud of oil-soaked steam, we took to our own +woods, followed by Barney with our effects in a wheelbarrow. It is a +very curious fact—this attributing of every action a bit out of the +common to the stress of pocket <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span>hunger. It certainly proves that +advanced as we are supposed to be to-day as links in the evolutionary +chain, we have partially relapsed and certainly show strong evidences of +sheep ancestry.</p> + +<p>Haven't you noticed, Mrs. Evan, how seldom people are content to accept +one's individual tastes or desire to do a thing without a good and +sufficient reason therefor? It seems incomprehensible to them that any +one should wish to do differently from his neighbour unless from +financial incapacity; the frequency with which one is suspected of being +in this condition strongly points to the likelihood that the critics +themselves chronically live beyond their means and in constant danger of +collapse.</p> + +<p>If this was thought of us a few weeks ago, it seems to have been +sidetracked by Maria Maxwell's contribution to, and management of, the +golf tea. She is said not only to have compounded viands that are +ordinarily sold in exchange for many dollars by New York confectioners, +but she certainly made more than a presentable appearance as "matron" of +the receiving committee of young girls. Certainly Maria with a music +roll, a plain dark suit, every hair tethered fast, and common-sense +shoes, plodding about her vocation in snow and mud, and Maria "let +loose," as Bart calls it, are a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span>decided contrast. Except that she has +not parted with her sunny common-sense, she is quite a new person. Of +course I could not have objected to it, but I was afraid that she might +take it into her head to instruct the Infant in vocal music after the +manner of the locustlike sounds that you hear coming over the lowered +tops of school windows as soon as the weather grows warm, or else take +to practising scales herself, for we had only known the technical part +of her calling. In short, we feared that we should be do-re-mi-ou'd past +endurance. Instead of which, scraps of the gayest of ballads float over +the knoll in the evening, and the Infant's little shrill pipe is being +inoculated with real music, <i>via</i> Mother Goose melodies sung in a +delightfully subdued contralto.</p> + +<p>From the third day after her arrival people began to call upon Maria. I +made such a positive declaration of surrender of all matters pertaining +to the household, including curiosity, when Maria took charge,—and she +in return promised that we should not be bothered with anything not "of +vital importance to our interests,"—that, unless she runs through the +housekeeping money before the time, I haven't a ghost of an excuse for +asking questions,—but I do wonder how she manages! Also, to whom the +shadows belong that cross the south piazza <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>at night or intercept the +rays of the dining-room lamp, our home beacon of dark nights.</p> + +<p>In addition to the usual and convenient modern shirt-waist-and-skirt +endowment, Maria had when she came but two gowns, one of black muslin +and the other white, with improvised hats to match,—simple, graceful +gowns, yet oversombre.</p> + +<p>But lo! she has blossomed forth like a spring seed catalogue, and Bart +insists that I watched the gate with his field-glass an hour the +afternoon of the tea, to see her go out. I did no such thing; I was +looking at an oriole's nest that hangs in the elm over the road, but I +could not help seeing the lovely pink flower hat that she wore atilt, +with just enough pink at the neck and streamers at the waist of her +dress to harmonize.</p> + +<p>I visited the larder that evening for supper supplies,—yes, we have +become so addicted to the freedom of outdoors that for the last few days +Bart has brought even the dinner up to camp, waiting upon me +beautifully, for now we have entirely outgrown the feeling of the first +few days that we were taking part in a comedy, and have found ourselves, +as it were—in some ways, I think, for the first time.</p> + +<p>Anastasia seemed consumed with a desire for a dish of gossip, but was +not willing to take the initiative. She <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span>chuckled to herself and tried +several perfectly transparent ways of attracting my attention, until I +took pity on her, a very one-sided pity too, for, between ourselves, +Anastasia is the domestic salt and pepper that gives the Garden Vacation +a flavour that I should sadly miss.</p> + +<p>"Miss Marie," she exclaimed, "do be the tastiest creaytur ever I set me +eyes on." (She refused absolutely to call her Maria; that name, she +holds, is only fit for a settled old maid, "and that same it's not sure +and fair to mark any woman wid being this side the grave.")</p> + +<p>Then I knew that I only had to sit down and raise my eyes to Anastasia's +face in an attitude of attention, to open the word gates, and this I +did.</p> + +<p>"Well, fust off win she got the invite ter sing at the swarry that tops +off the day's doings down to that Golf Club, she was that worried about +hats you never seen the like! She wus over ter Bridgeton, and Barney +swore he drove her ter every milliner in the place, and says she ter me, +pleasant like, that evenin', when returned, in excuse fer havin' nothin' +to show, 'Oh, Annie, Annie, it would break yer heart to see the little +whisp of flowers they ask five dollars for; to fix me hats a trifle +would part me from a tin-dollar bill!'"</p> + +<p>(The sentiments I at once perceived might be Maria's, but their +translation Anastasia's.)</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span></p><p>"Now Miss Marie, she's savin' like,—not through meanness, but because +she's got the good Irish heart that boils against payin' rint, and she's +hoardin' crown by shillin' till she kin buy her a cabin and to say a +pertaty patch for a garden, somewhere out where it's green! Faith! but +she'll do it too; she's a manager! Yez had orter see the illigant boned +turkey she made out o' veal, stuck through with shrivelled black ground +apples, she called 'puffles'! an glued it up foine wid jelly. Sez I, +'They'll never know the difference,' but off she goes and lets it out +and tells the makin' uv it ter every woman on the hill,—that's all I +hev agin her. She's got a disease o' truth-telling when there's no need +that would anguish the saints o' Hiven theirselves!</p> + +<p>"'I kin make better 'n naturaler-lookin' hats fer nothin', here at home, +than they keep in N' York,' she says after looking out the back window a +piece. 'And who'll help yer?' says I, 'and where'll yer git the posies +and what all?'</p> + +<p>"'I bought some bolts o' ribbon to-day,' says she, smilin'; 'and fer the +rest, the garden, you, and I will manage it together, if you'll lend me +a shelf all to meself in the cold closet whenever I need it!' Sure fer a +moment I wuz oneasy, fer I thought a wild streak run branchin' through +all the boss's family!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span></p><p>(At the words Garden, You, and I, there flashed through me the thought +of some telepathic influence at work.)</p> + +<p>"'The garden's full o' growin' posies that outshames the flower-makers; +watch out and see, Anastasia!'</p> + +<p>"Well and I did!! This mornin' early she picks a lot o' them sticky pink +flowers by the stoop, the colour o' chiny shells, wid spokes in them +like umbrellas, and the thick green leaves, and after leavin' 'em in +water a spell, puts 'em in me cold closet, a small bit o' wet moss tied +to each stem end wid green sewin' silk! A piece after dinner out she +comes wid the hat that's covered with strong white lace, and she cocks +it this way and pinches it that and sews the flowers to it quick wid a +big thread and a great splashin' bow on behind, and into the cold box +agin!</p> + +<p>"'That's fer this afternoon,' says she, and before she wore it off (a +hat that Eve, mother o' sin, and us all would envy), she'd another ready +for the night! 'Will it spoil now and give yer away, I wonder?' says I, +anxious like.</p> + +<p>"'Not fer two hours, at least; and it'll keep me from stayin' too long; +if I do, it'll wither away and leave me all forlorn, like Cinderella and +her pumpkin coach!' she said a-smilin' kind uv to herself in me <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>kitchen +mirror, when she put the hat on. 'But I'm not insultin' God's flowers +tryin' to pass them off for French ones, Annie,' says she. 'I'm settin' +a new garden fashion; let them follow who will!' and away wid her! That +same other is in here now, and it's no sin to let yer peep, gin it's ye +own posies and ye chest they're in." So, throwing open the door +Anastasia revealed the slate shelf covered by a sheet of white paper, +while resting on an empty pickle jar, for a support, was the second hat, +of loosely woven black straw braid, an ornamental wire edging the brim +that would allow it to take a dozen shapes at will. It was garlanded by +a close-set wreath of crimson peonies grading down to blush, all in half +bud except one full-blown beauty high in front and one under the brim +set well against the hair, while covering the wire, caught firm and +close, were glossy, fragrant leaves of the wild sweetbrier made into a +vine.</p> + +<p>Ah, well, this is an unexpected development born of our experiment and a +human sort of chronicle for The Garden, You, and I.</p> + +<p>One of the most puzzling things in this living out-of-doors on our own +place is the reversal of our ordinary viewpoints. Never before did I +realize how we look at the outdoor world from inside the house, where +inani<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span>mate things force themselves into comparison. Now we are seeing +from outside and looking in at ourselves, so to speak, very much like +the robin, who has his third nest, lop-sided disaster having overtaken +the other two, in the old white lilac tree over my window.</p> + +<p>Some of our doings, judged from the vantage point of the knoll, are very +inconsistent. The spot occupied by the drying yard is the most suitable +place for the new strawberry bed, and is in a direct line between the +fence gap, where my fragrant things are to be, and the Rose Garden. +Several of the walks that have been laid out according to the plan, when +seen from this height, curve around nothing and reach nowhere. We shall +presently satisfy their empty embraces with shrubs and locate various +other conspicuous objects at the terminals.</p> + +<p>Also, the house is kept too much shut up; it looks inhospitable, seen +through the trees, with branches always tossing wide to the breeze and +sun. Even if a room is unoccupied by people, it is no reason why the sun +should be barred out, and at best we ourselves surely spend too much +time in our houses in the season when every tree is a roof. We have +decided not to move indoors again this summer, but to lodge here in the +time between vacations and to annex the Infant.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span></p><p>Oh, Mrs. Evan, dear! there is one thing in which <i>The Man from +Everywhere</i> reckoned without his host! Stopping the clocks when we went +in camp did not dislodge Time from the premises; rather did it open the +door to his entrance hours earlier than usual, when one of the chiefest +luxuries we promised ourselves was late sleeping.</p> + +<p>Stretched on our wire-springed, downy cots (there is positively no +virtue in sleeping on hard beds, and Bart considers it an absolute +vice), there is a delicious period before sleep comes. Bats flit about +the rafters, and an occasional swallow twitters and shifts among the +beams as the particular nest it guarded grew high and difficult to mount +from the growth of the lusty brood within. The scuffle of little feet +over the rough floor brings indolent, half-indifferent guessing as to +which of the lesser four-foots they belonged. The whippoorwills down in +the river woods call until they drop off, one by one, and the timid +ditty of a singing mouse that lives under the floor by my cot is the +last message the sandman sends to close our eyes before sleep. And such +sleep! That first steel-blue starlit night in the open we said that we +meant to sleep and sleep it out, even if we lost a whole day by it. It +seemed but a moment after sleep had claimed us, when, struggling through +the heavy darkness, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span>came far-away light strands groping for our eyes, +and soft, half-uttered music questioning the ear. Returning I opened my +eyes, and there was the sun struggling slowly through the screen of +white birches in Opie's wood lot, and scattering the night mists that +bound down the Opal Farm with heavy strands; the air was tense with +flitting wings, bird music rose, fell, and drifted with the mist, and it +was only half-past four! You cannot kill time, you see, by stopping +clocks—with nature day <i>Is</i>, beyond all dispute. In two days, by +obeying instead of opposing natural sun time, we had swung half round +the clock, only now and then imitating the habits of our four-footed +brothers that steal abroad in the security of twilight.</p> + +<p><a name="illus-166" id="illus-166"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/illus-166.jpg" alt="The Screen of White Birches." title="The Screen of White Birches." /></div> +<h4><span class="smcap">The Screen of White Birches</span>.</h4> + +<p class='center'>Copyright, 1901, H. Hendrickson.</p> + + + +<p><i>June 24.</i> Amos Opie, the carpenter, owner of Opal Farm, is now keeping +widower's hall in the summer kitchen thereof. A thin thread of smoke +comes idly from the chimney of the lean-to in the early morning, and at +evening the old man sits in the well-house porch reading his paper so +long as the light lasts, a hound of the ancient blue-spotted variety, +with heavy black and tan markings, keeping him company.</p> + +<p>These two figures give the finishing touch to the picture that lies +beyond us as we look from the sheltered corner of the camp, and +strangely enough, though old Opie <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span>is not of the direct line and has +never lived in this part of New England before, he goes about with a +sort of half-reminiscent air, as if picking up a clew long lost, while +Dave, the hound, at once assumed proprietary rights and shows an uncanny +wisdom about the well-nigh fenceless boundaries. After his master has +gone to bed, Dave will often come over to visit us, after the calm +fashion of a neighbour who esteems it a duty. At least that was his +attitude at first; but after a while, when I had told him what a fine, +melancholy face he had, that it was a mistake not to have christened him +Hamlet, and that altogether he was a good fellow, following up the +conversation with a comforting plate of meat scraps (Opie being +evidently a vegetarian), Dave began to develop a more youthful +disposition. A week ago Bart's long-promised, red setter pup arrived, a +spirit of mischief on four clumsy legs. Hardly had I taken him from his +box (I wished to be the one to "first foot" him from captivity into the +family, for that is a courtesy a dog never forgets) when we saw that +Dave was sitting just outside the doorless threshold watching solemnly.</p> + +<p>The puppy, with a gleeful bark, licked the veteran on the nose, whereat +the expression of his face changed from one of uncertainty to a smile of +indulgent if ma<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>ture pleasure, and now he takes his young friend on a +daily ramble down the pasture through the bit of marshy ground to the +river, always bringing him back within a reasonable length of time, with +an air of pride. Evidently the hound was lonely.</p> + +<p><i>The Man from Everywhere</i>, who prowls about even more than usual, using +Bart's den for his own meanwhile, says that the setter will be ruined, +for the hound will be sure to trail him on fox and rabbit, and that in +consequence he will never after keep true to birds, but somehow we do +not care, this dog-friendship between the stranger and the pup is so +interesting.</p> + +<p>By the way, we have financially persuaded Opie to leave his straggling +meadow, that carpets our vista to the river, for a wild garden this +summer, instead of selling it as "standing grass," which the purchasers +had usually mown carelessly and tossed into poor-grade hay, giving a +pittance in exchange that went for taxes.</p> + +<p>So many flowers and vines have sprung up under shelter of the +tumble-down fences that I was very anxious to see what pictures would +paint themselves if the canvas, colour, and brushes were left free for +the season through. Already we have had our money's worth, so that +everything beyond will be an extra dividend.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span> The bit of marshy ground +has been for weeks a lake of iris, its curving brink foamed with meadow +rue and Osmundas that have all the dignity of palms.</p> + +<p>Now all the pasture edge is set with wild roses and wax-white blueberry +flowers. Sundrops are grouped here and there, with yellow thistles; the +native sweetbrier arches over gray boulders that are tumbled together +like the relic of some old dwelling; and the purple red calopogon of the +orchid tribe adds a new colour to the tapestry, the cross-stitch filling +being all of field daisies. Truly this old farm is a well-nigh perfect +wild garden, the strawberries dyeing the undergrass red, and the hedges +bound together with grape-vines. It does not need rescuing, but letting +alone, to be the delight of every one who wishes to enjoy.</p> + +<p>On being approached as to his future plans, Amos Opie merely sets his +lips, brings his finger-tips together, and says, "I'm open to offers, +but I'm not bound to set a price or hurry my decisions."</p> + +<p>Meanwhile I am living in a double tremor, of delight at the present and +fear lest some one may snap up the place and give us what the comic +paper called a Queen Mary Anne cottage and a stiff lawn surrounded by a +gas-pipe fence to gaze upon. O for a pair of neighbours who would join +us in comfortable vagabondage, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span>leave the white birches to frame the +meadows and the wild flowers in the grass!</p> + +<p><i>June 25.</i> We have been having some astonishing thunder-storms of nights +lately, and I must say that upon one occasion I fled to the house. Two +nights ago, however, the sun set in an even sky of lead, there was no +wind, no grumblings of thunder. We had passed a very active day and +finished placing the stakes on the knoll in the locations to be occupied +by shrubs and trees, all numbered according to the tagged specimens over +in the reservoir woods.</p> + +<p><i>The Man from Everywhere</i> suggested this system, an adaptation, he says, +from the usual one of numbering stones for a bit of masonry. It will +prevent confusion, for the perspective will be different when the leaves +have fallen, and as we lift the bushes, each one will go to its place, +and we shall not lose a year's growth, or perhaps the shrub itself, by a +second moving. Our one serious handicap is the lack of a pair of extra +hands, in this work as in the making of the rose bed, for our +transplanting has developed upon a wholesale plan. Barney does not +approve of our passion for the wild; besides, between potatoes and corn +to hoe, celery seedlings to have their first transplanting, vegetables +to pick, turf grass to mow, and edges to keep trim, with a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span>horse and +cow to tend in addition, nothing more can be expected of him.</p> + +<p>I was half dozing, half listening, as usual, to the various little night +sounds that constantly pique my curiosity, for no matter how long you +may have lived in the country you are not wholly in touch with it until +you have slept at least a few nights in the open,—when rain began to +fall softly, an even, persevering, growing rain, entirely different from +the lashing thunder-showers, and though making but half the fuss, was +doubly penetrating. Thinking how good it was for the ferns, and +venturing remarks to Bart about them, which, however, fell on sleep-deaf +ears, I made sure that the pup was in his chosen place by my cot and +drifted away to shadow land, glad that something more substantial than +boughs covered me!</p> + +<p>I do not know how long it was before I wakened, but the first sound that +formulated itself was the baying of Dave, the hound, from the well-house +porch, where he slept when his evening rambles kept him out until after +Amos Opie had gone to bed. Having freed his mind, Dave presently +stopped, but other nearer-by sounds made me again on the alert.</p> + +<p>The rain, that was falling with increasing power, held one key; the drip +from the eaves and the irregular gush <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span>from a broken waterspout played +separate tunes. I am well used to the night-time bravado of mice, who +fight duels and sometimes pull shoes about, of the pranks of squirrels +and other little wood beasts about the floor, but the noise that made me +sit up in the cot and reach over until I could clutch Bart by the arm +belonged to neither of these. There was a swishing sound, as of water +being wrung from something and dropping on the floor, and then a human +exclamation, blended of a sigh, a wheeze, and a cough, at which the pup +wakened with a growl entirely out of proportion to his age and +inexperience.</p> + +<p>"I wonder, now, is that a dog or only uts growl ter sind me back in the +wet fer luv av the laugh at me?" chirped a voice as hoarse as a buttery +brogue would allow it to be.</p> + +<p>My clutch had brought Bart to himself instantly, and at the words he +turned the electric flashlight, that lodged under his pillow, full in +the direction of the sound, where it developed a strange picture and +printed it clearly on the opposite wall.</p> + +<p>In the middle of the circle of light was a little barefoot man, in +trousers and shirt; a pair of sodden shoes lay at different angles where +they had been kicked off, probably making the sound that had wakened me, +and at <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span>the moment of the flash he was occupied in the wringing out of a +coat that seemed strangely long for the short frame upon which it had +hung. The face turned toward us was unmistakably Irish, comical even, +entirely unalarming, and with the expression, blended of terror and +doubt, that it now wore, he might have slipped from the pages of a +volume of Lever that lay face down on the table. The nose turned up at +the tip, as if asking questions of the eyes, that hid themselves between +the half-shut lids in order to avoid answering. The skin was tanned, and +yet you had a certain conviction that minus the tan the man would be +very pale, while the iron-gray hair that topped the head crept down to +form small mutton-chop whiskers and an Old Country throat thatch that +was barely half an inch long.</p> + +<p>Bart touched me to caution silence, and I, seeing at once that there was +nothing to fear, waited developments.</p> + +<p>As soon as he could keep his eyes open against the sudden glare, the +little man tried to grasp the column of light in his fingers, then +darted out of it, and I thought he had bolted from the barn; but no, he +was instantly back again, and dilapidated as he was, he did not look +like a professional tramp.</p> + +<p>"No, yez don't fool Larry McManus agin! Yez are a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span>mane, cold light with +all yer blinkin', and no fire beneath to give 'im the good uv a cup o' +tay or put a warm heart in 'im! Two nights agone 'twas suspicion o' rats +kep' me from shlapin', yesternight 'twas thought o' what wud become of +poor Oireland (Mary rest her) had we schnakes there ter fill the drames +o' nights loike they do here whin a man's a drap o'er full o' comfort. +'Tis a good roof above! Heth, thin, had I a whisp o' straw and a bite, +wid this moonlight fer company, I'd not shog from out this the night to +be King!</p> + +<p>"Saints! but there's a dog beyant the bark!" he cried a minute after, as +the pup crept over to him and began to be friendly,—"I wonder is a mon +sinsible to go to trustin' the loight o' any moon that shines full on a +pitch-black noight whin 'tis rainin'? Och hone! but me stomach's that +empty, gin I don't put on me shoes me lungs'll lake trou the soles o' me +fate, and gin I do, me shoes they're that sopped, I'll cough them +up—o-whurra-r-a! whurra-a! but will I iver see Old Oireland agin,—I +don't know!"</p> + +<p>Bart shut off the light, slipped on his shoes, and drawing a coat over +his pajamas lighted the oil stable lantern, hung it with its back toward +me, on a long hook that reached down from one of the rafters, and bore +down upon Larry, whose face was instantly wreathed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span>in puckered smiles +at the sight of a fellow-human who, though big, evidently had no +intention of being aggressive.</p> + +<p>"Well, Larry McManus," said Bart, cheerfully, "how came you in this barn +so far away from Oireland a night like this?"</p> + +<p>"Seein' as yer another gintleman o' the road in the same ploice, what +more loike than the misfortune's the same?" replied he, lengthening his +lower lip and stretching his stubby chin, which he scratched cautiously. +Then, as he raised his eyes to Bart's, he evidently read something in +his general air, touselled and tanned as he was, that shifted his +opinion at least one notch.</p> + +<p>"Maybe, sor, you're an actor mon, sor, that didn't suit the folks in the +town beyant, sor, but I'd take it as praise, so I would, for shure +they're but pigs there,—I couldn't stop wid thim meself! Thin agin, +mayhap yer jest a plain gintleman, a bit belated, as it were,—a little +belated on the way home, sor,—loike me, sor, that wus moinded to be in +Kildare, sor, come May-day, and blessed Peter's day's nigh come about +an' I'm here yit!"</p> + +<p>"You are getting on the right scent, Larry," said Bart, struggling with +laughter, and yet, as he said after, not <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span>wishing possibly to huff this +curious person. "I hope I'm a gentleman, but I'm not tramping about; +this is my barn, in which my wife and I are sleeping, so if I were you, +I wouldn't take off that shirt until I can find you a dry one!"</p> + +<p>The change that came over the man was comical. In a lightning flash he +had fastened the few buttons in his blouse that it had taken his +fumbling fingers several moments to unloose, and dropping one hand to +his side, he held it there rigid as he saluted with two fingers at the +brim of an imaginary hat; while his roving eye quickly took in the +various motley articles of furniture of our camp,—a small kitchen table +with oil-stove and tea outfit of plain white ware, some plates and +bowls, a few saucepans, half a dozen chairs, no two alike, and the two +cots huddled in the shadows,—his voice, that had been pitched in a +confidential key, arose to a wail:—</p> + +<p>"The Saints luv yer honor, but do they be afther havin' bad landlords in +Meriky too, that evicted yer honor from yer house, sor? I thought here +nigh every poor body owned their own bit, ground and roof, sor, let +alone a foine man loike yerself that shows the breedin' down to his tin +toes, sor. Oi feel fer yer honor, fer there wuz I meself set out wid pig +and cow both, sor (for thim bein'<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span> given Kathy by her aunt fer her +fortin could not be took), six years ago Patrick's tide, sor, and hadn't +she married Mulqueen that same week, sor (he bein' gardener a long time +to his Riverence over in England, sor, and meetin' Kathy only at his +mother's wakin'), I'd maybe been lodged in a barn meself, sor! Sure, hev +ye the cow below ud let me down a drap o' milk?"</p> + +<p>Then did Bart laugh long and heartily, for this new point of view in +regard to our doings amused him immensely. Of all the local motives +attributed to our garden vacation, none had been quite so naïve and +unexpected as this!</p> + +<p>"But we haven't been evicted," said Bart, unconsciously beginning to +apologize to an unknown straggler. "I own this place and my home is +yonder; we are camping here for our health and pleasure. Come, it's time +you gave an account of yourself, as you are trespassing." That the +situation suddenly began to annoy Bart was plain.</p> + +<p>Ignoring the tail of the speech, Larry saluted anew: "Sure, sor, I knew +ye at first fer gintleman and leddy, which this same last proves; a rale +gintleman and his leddy can cut about doin' the loikes of which poor +folks ud be damned fer! I mind well how Lord Kilmartin's youngest—she +wid the wild red hair an' eyes that wud <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span>shame a doe—used to go +barefoot through the dew down to Biddie Macks's cabin to drink fresh +buttermilk, whin they turned gallons o' it from their own dairy. Some +said, underbreath, she was touched, and some wild loike, but none spoke +loud but to wish her speed, fer that's what it is to be a leddy!</p> + +<p>"Meself, is it? Och, it's soon told. Six years lived I there wid Kathy +and Mulqueen, workin' in the garden, he keepin' before me, until one day +his Riverence come face agin me thruble. Oh, yis, sor, that same, that +bit sup that's too much for the stomick, sor, and so gets into the toes +and tongue, sor! Four times a year the spell's put on me, sor, and gin I +shlape it over, I'm a good man in between, sor, but that one time, sor, +Mulqueen was sint to Lunnon, sor, and I missed me shlape fer mischief.</p> + +<p>"Well, thinks I, I'll go to Meriky and see me Johnny, me youngest; most +loike they're more used to the shlapin' spells out there where all is +free; but they wasn't! Johnny's a sheriff and got money wid his woman, +and she's no place in her house fit fer the old man resting the drap +off. So he gives me money to go home first class, and says he'll sind +another bit along to Kathy fer me keepin'.</p> + +<p>"This was come Easter, and bad cess, one o' me shlapes was due, and so +I've footed it to get a job to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span>take me back to Kathy. If I could strike +a port just right, Hiven might get me home between times in a cattle +boat.</p> + +<p>"I'm that well risted now I could do good work if I had full feed, maybe +till Michaelmas. Hiven rest ye, sor, but have ye ever a job o' garden +work now on yer estate, sor, that would kape me until I got the bit to +cross to Kathy?"</p> + +<p>As Bart hesitated, I burst forth, "Have you ever tended flowers, Larry?"</p> + +<p>"Flowers, me leddy?—that's what I did fer his Riverence, indoors and +out, and dressed them fer the shows, mem, and not few's the prize money +we took. His Riverence, he called a rose for Kathy, that is to say +Kathleen; 'twas that big 'twould hide yer face. Flowers, is it? Well, I +don't know!"</p> + +<p>Bart, meanwhile, had made a plan, telling Larry that he would draw a cup +of tea and give him something to eat, while he thought the matter over. +He soon had the poor fellow wrapped in an old blanket and snoring +comfortably in the straw, while, as the rain had stopped and dawn began +to show the outlines of Opal Farm, Bart suggested that I had best go +indoors and finish my broken sleep, while he had a chance to scrutinize +Larry by daylight before committing himself.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span></p><p>When he rejoined me several hours later for an indoor breakfast, for it +had turned to rain again and promised several days of the saturate +weather that makes even a mountain camp utterly dreary, he brought me +the news that Larry was to work for me especially, beginning on the rose +bed,—that he would lodge with Amos Opie and take his meals with +Anastasia, who thinks it likely that they are cousins on the mothers' +side, as they are both of the same parish and name. The <i>exact</i> way of +our meeting with him need not be dwelt upon domestically, for the sake +of discipline, as he will have more self-respect among his fellows in +the combination clothes we provided, "until his baggage arrives." He is +to be paid no money, and allowed to "shlape" if a spell unhappily +arrives. When the season is over, Bart agrees to see him on board ship +with a prepaid passage straight to Kathy, and whatever else is his due +sent to her! Meanwhile he promised to "fit the leddy with the tastiest +garden off the old sod!"</p> + +<p>So here we are!</p> + +<p>This chronicle should have a penny-dreadful title, "Their Midnight +Adventure, or How it Rained a Rose Gardener!" Tell me about the ferns +next time; we have only moved the glossy Christmas and evergreen-crested +wood ferns as yet, being sure of these.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span></p><p>How about our fencing? Ask Evan. You remember that we have a +picket-fence toward the road, but on three sides the boundary is only a +tumble-down stone wall in which bird cherries have here and there found +footing. We have a chance to sell the stones, and Bart is thinking of +it, as it will be too costly to rebuild on a good foundation. The old +wall was merely a rough-laid pile.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span></p> +<h2>IX</h2> + +<h3>FERNS, FENCES, AND WHITE BIRCHES</h3> + +<p class='center'>(Barbara Campbell to Mary Penrose)</p> + + +<p><i>Hemlock Hills, July 3.</i> For nearly a week we have been sauntering +through this most entrancing hill country, practically a pedestrian +trip, except that the feet that have taken the steps have been shod with +steel instead of leather. Your last chronicle has followed me, and was +read in a region so pervaded by ferns that your questions concerning +their transplanting would have answered themselves if you could have +only perched on the rock beside me. There is a fern-lined ravine below, +a fern-bordered road in front; and above a log cottage, set in a +clearing in the hemlocks which has for its boundaries the tumble-down +fence piled by the settlers a century or two ago, its crevices now +filled by leaf-mould, has become at once a natural fernery and a +barrier. Why do you not use your old wall in a like manner? Of course +your stones may be too closely piled and lack the time-gathered +leaf-mould, but a little discretion in removing or tipping a stone here +and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span>there, and a crowbar for making pockets, would work wonders. You +might even exchange the surplus rocks for leaf-mould, load by load; at +any rate large quantities of fern soil must be obtainable for the +carting at the reservoir woods.</p> + +<p>Imagine the effect, if you please, of that irregular line of rocks +swathed in vines and sheltering great clumps of ferns, while it will +afford an endless shelter for every sort of wild thing that you may pick +up in your rambles. Of course you need not plant it all at once, but +having made the plan, develop it at leisure.</p> + +<p>You should never quite finish a country place unless you expect to leave +it. The something more in garden life is the bale of hay before the +horse's nose on the uphill road. Last year, for almost a week, we +thought our garden quite as finished as the material and surroundings +would allow,—it was a strange, dismal, hollow sort of feeling. However, +it was soon displaced by the desire that I have to collect my best roses +in one spot, add to them, and gradually form a rosary where the Garden +Queen and all her family may have the best of air, food, and lodgings. +You see I feared that the knoll, hardy beds, and rose garden were not +sufficient food for your mind to ruminate, so I add the fern fence as a +sort of dessert!</p> + +<p><a name="illus-184" id="illus-184"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/illus-184.jpg" alt="An endless shelter for every sort of wild +thing." title="An endless shelter for every sort of wild +thing." /></div> +<h4>"<span class="smcap">An endless shelter for every sort of wild +thing</span>."</h4> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span></p><p>"Where is the shade that ferns need?" I hear you ask, "for except +under some old apple trees and where the bird cherries grow (and they, +though beautiful at blooming time and leaf fall, attract tent +caterpillars), the stone wall lies in the sun!"</p> + +<p>Yes, but in one of the woodland homes of this region I have seen a +screen placed by such a rustic stone fence that it not only served the +purpose of giving light shade, but was a thing of beauty in itself, +dividing the vista into many landscapes, the frame being long or upright +according to the planter's fancy.</p> + +<p>Do you remember the old saying "When away keep open thine eyes, and so +pack thy trunk for the home-going?"</p> + +<p>On this drive of ours I've been cramming my trunk to overflowing, and +yet the ideas are often the simplest possible, for the people of this +region, with more inventive art than money, have the perfect gift of +adapting that which lies nearest to hand.</p> + +<p>You spoke in your last chronicle of the screen of white birches through +which you saw the sun rise over the meadows of Opal Farm. This birch +springs up in waste lands almost everywhere. We have it in abundance in +the wood lot on the side of our hill, and it is scattered through the +wet woods below our wild walk, showing that all it needs is a foothold.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span></p><p>Because it is common and the wood rather weak and soft, landscape +gardening has rather passed it by, turning a cold shoulder, yet the +slender tree is very beautiful. True, it has not the length of life, the +girth and strength of limb, of the silver-barked canoe birch, but the +white birch will grow in a climate that fevers its northern cousin. In +spite of its delicate qualities, it is not a trivial tree, for I have +seen it with a bole of more than forty feet in length, measuring +eighteen inches through at the ground. When you set it, you are not +planting for posterity, perhaps, but will gain a speedy result; and the +fertility of the tree, when once established, will take care of the +future.</p> + +<p>What is more charming after a summer shower than a natural cluster of +these picturesque birches, as they often chance to group themselves in +threes, like the Graces—the soft white of the trunks, with dark +hieroglyphic shadows here and there disappearing in a drapery of glossy +leaves, green above and reflecting the bark colour underneath, all +a-quiver and more like live things poised upon the russet twigs than +delicate pointed leaves! Then, when the autumn comes, how they stand out +in company with cedar bushes and sheep laurel on the hillsides to make +beautiful the winter garden, and we stand in mute admiration when these +white birches reach from <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span>a snowbank and pencil their frosty tracery +against a wall of hemlocks.</p> + +<p>This is the simple material that has been used with such wonderful +effect. In the gardens hereabout they have flanked their alleys with the +birches, for even when fully grown their habit is more poplar-like than +spreading, and many plants, like lilies, requiring partial shade +flourish under them; while for fences and screens the trees are planted +in small groups, with either stones and ferns, or shrubs set thick +between, and the most beautiful winter fence that Evan says he has ever +seen in all his wanderings amid costly beauty was when, last winter, in +being here to measure for some plans, he came suddenly upon an informal +boundary and screen combined, over fifty feet in length, made of white +birches,—the groups of twos and threes set eight or ten feet apart, the +gaps being filled by Japanese barberries laden with their scarlet fruit. +Even now this same screen is beautiful enough with its shaded greens, +while the barberries in their blooming time, and the crimson leaf glow +of autumn, give it four distinct seasons.</p> + +<p>The branches of the white birch being small and thickly set, they may be +trimmed at will, and windows thus opened here and there without the look +of artifice or stiffness.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span></p><p>Fences are always a moot question to the gardener, for if she has a +pleasant neighbour, she does not like to raise an aggressive barrier or +perhaps cut off the view, yet to a certain extent I like being walled in +at least on two sides. A total lack of boundaries is too +impersonal,—the eye travels on and on: there is nothing to rest it by +comparison. Also, where there are no fences or hedges,—and what are +hedges but living fences,—there is nothing to break the ground draught +in winter and early springtime. The ocean is much more beautiful and +full of meaning when brought in contact with a slender bit of coast. The +moon has far more majesty when but distancing the tree-tops than when +rolling apparently at random through an empty sky. A vast estate may +well boast of wide sweeps and open places, but the same effect is not +gained, present fashion to the contrary, by throwing down the barriers +between a dozen homes occupying only half as many acres. Preferable is +the cosey English walled villa of the middle class, even though it be a +bit stuffy and suggestive of earwigs. The question should not be to +fence or not to fence, but rather <i>how</i> to fence usefully and +artistically, and any one who has an old stone wall, such as you have, +moss grown and tumble-down, with the beginnings of wildness already +achieved, has no excuse for failure. We have <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span>seen other fences here +where bushes, wire, and vines all take part, but they cannot compete +with an old wall.</p> + +<p>With ferns, a topic opens as long and broad and deep as the glen below +us, and of almost as uncertain climbing, for it is not so much what +ferns may be dug up and, as individual plants, continue to grow in new +surroundings, but how much of their haunt may be transplanted with them, +that the fern may keep its characteristics. Many people do not think of +this, nor would they care if reminded. Water lilies, floating among +their pads in the still margin of a stream, with jewelled dragon-flies +darting over, soft clouds above and the odour of wild grapes or swamp +azalea wafting from the banks, are no more to them than half a dozen +such lilies grown in a sunken tub or whitewashed basin in a backyard; +rather are they less desirable because less easily controlled and +encompassed. Such people, and they are not a few, belong to the tribe of +Peter Bell, who saw nothing more in the primrose by the river's brim +than that it was a primrose, and consequently yellow. Doubtless it would +have looked precisely the same to him, or even more yellow, if it had +bloomed in a tin can!</p> + +<p>We do not treat our native ferns with sufficient respect. Homage is paid +in literature to the palm, and it is an emblem of honour, but our New +England ferns, many <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span>of them equally majestic, are tossed into heaps for +hay and mown down by the ruthless scythe of the farmer every autumn when +he shows his greatest agricultural energy by stripping the waysides of +their beauty prior to the coming of the roadmender with his awful +"turn-piking" process. If, by the way, the automobilists succeed in +stopping this piking practice, we will print a nice little prayer for +them and send it to Saint Peter, so that, though it won't help them in +this world,—that would be dangerous,—it will by and by!</p> + +<p>In the woods the farmer allows the ferns to stand, for are they not one +of the usual attributes of a picnic? Stuck in the horses' bridle, they +keep off flies; they serve to deck the tablecloth upon which the food is +spread; gathered in armfuls, they somewhat ease the contact of the +rheumatic with the rocks, upon which they must often sit on such +occasions. They provide the young folks with a motive to seek something +further in the woods, and give the acquisitive ladies who "press things" +much loot to take home, and all without cost.</p> + +<p>This may not be respectful treatment, but it is not martyrdom; the fern +is a generous plant, a thing of wiry root-stock and prehistoric +tenacity; it has not forgotten that tree ferns are among its ancestors; +when it is discouraged, it rests and grows again. But imagine the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span>feelings of a mat of exquisite maidenhair rent from a shady slope with +moss and partridge vine at its feet, and quivering elusive woodland +shade above, on finding itself unceremoniously crowded into a bed, +between cannas or red geraniums! Or fancy the despair of either of the +wide-spreading Osmundas, lovers of stream borders opulent with +leaf-mould, or wood hollows deep with moist richness, on finding +themselves ranged in a row about the porch of a summer cottage, each one +tied firmly to a stake like so many green parasols stuck in the dry loam +point downward!</p> + +<p>It is not so much a question of how many species of native ferns can be +domesticated, for given sufficient time and patience all things are +possible, but how many varieties are either decorative, interesting, or +useful away from their native haunts. For any one taking what may be +called a botanical interest in ferns, a semi-artificial rockery, with +one end in wet ground and the other reaching dry-wood conditions, is +extremely interesting. In such a place, by obtaining some of the earth +with each specimen and tagging it carefully, an out-of-door herbarium +may be formed and something added to it every time an excursion is made +into a new region. Otherwise the ferns that are worth the trouble of +transplanting and supplying with soil akin to that from which <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span>they +came, are comparatively few. Of decorative species the Osmundas easily +lead; being natives of swampy or at least moist ground, they should have +a like situation, and yet so strong are their roots and crown of leaves +that they will flourish for years after the moisture that has fed them +has been drained and the shading overgrowth cut away, even though +dwarfed in growth and coarsened in texture. Thus people seeing them +growing under these conditions in open fields and roadside banks mistake +their necessities.</p> + +<p>The Royal fern (<i>Osmunda regalis</i>) positively demands moisture; it will +waive the matter of shade in a great degree, but water it must have.</p> + +<p>The Cinnamon fern, that encloses the spongelike, brown, fertile fronds +in the circle of green ones, gains its greatest size of five feet in +roadside runnels or in springy places between boulders in the river +woods; yet so accommodating is it that you can use it at the base of +your knoll if a convenient rock promises both reasonable dampness and +shelter.</p> + +<p>The third of the family (<i>Osmunda Claytonia</i>) is known as the +Interrupted fern, because in May the fertile black leaflets appear in +the middle of the fronds and interrupt the even greenness. This fern +will thrive in merely moist soil and is very charming early in the +season, but <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span>like the other two, out of its haunts, cannot be relied +upon after August.</p> + +<p>As a fern for deep soil, where walking room can be allowed it, the +common brake, or bracken (<i>Pteris aquilina</i>) is unsurpassed. It will +grow either in sandy woods or moist, and should have a certain amount of +high shade, else its broad fronds, held high above the ground +umbrella-wise, will curl, grow coarse, and lose the fernlike quality +altogether. You can plant this safely in the bit of old orchard that you +are giving over to wild asters, black-eyed Susan, and sundrops, but mind +you, be sure to take both Larry and Barney, together with a long +post-hole spade, when you go out to dig brakes,—they are not things of +shallow superficial roots, I can assure you.</p> + +<p>A few years ago Evan, Timothy Saunders, and I went brake-hunting, I +selecting the groups and the menkind digging great solid turfs a foot or +more in depth, in order to be sure the things had native earth enough +along to mother them into comfortable growth. Proudly we loaded the big +box wagon, for we had taken so much black peat (as the soil happened to +be) that not a root hung below and success was certain.</p> + +<p>When, on reaching home, in unloading, one turf fell from the cart and +crumbled into fragments, to my <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span>dismay I found that the long, tough +stalk ran quite through the clod and we had no roots at all, but that +(if inanimate things can laugh) they were all laughing at us back in the +meadow and probably another foot underground. Yet brakes are well worth +the trouble of deep digging, for if once established, a waste bit, where +little else will flourish, is given a graceful undergrowth that is able +to stand erect even though the breeze plays with the little forest as it +does with a field of grain. Then, too, the brake patch is a treasury to +be drawn from when arranging tall flowers like foxgloves, larkspurs, +hollyhocks, and others that have little foliage of their own.</p> + +<p>The fact that the brake does not mature its seeds that lie under the +leaf margin until late summer also insures it a long season of +sightliness, and when ripeness finally draws nigh, it comes in a series +of beautiful mellow shades, varying from straw through deep gold to +russet, such as the beech tree chooses for its autumn cloak.</p> + +<p>Another plant there is, a low-growing shrub, having long leaves with +scalloped edges, giving a spicy odour when crushed or after rain, that I +must beg you to plant with these brakes. It is called Sweet-fern, merely +by courtesy, from its fernlike appearance, for it is of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span>the bayberry +family and first cousin to sweet gale and waxberry.</p> + +<p>The digging of this also is a process quite as elusive as mining for +brakes; but when once it sets foot in your orchard, and it will enjoy +the drier places, you will have a liberal annex to your bed of sweet +odours, and it may worthily join lemon balm, mignonette, southernwood, +and lavender in the house, though in the garden it would be rather too +pushing a companion.</p> + +<p>Next, both decorative and useful, comes the Silvery Spleenwort, that is +content with shade and good soil of any sort, so long as it is not rank +with manure. It has a slender creeping root, but when it once takes +hold, it flourishes mightily and after a year or so will wave +silver-lined fronds three feet long proudly before you, a rival of +Osmunda!</p> + +<p>A sister spleenwort is the beautiful Lady fern, whose lacelike fronds +have party-coloured stems, varying from straw through pink and reddish +to brown, giving an unusual touch of life and warmth to one of the cool +green fern tribe. In autumn the entire leaf of this fern, in dying, +oftentimes takes these same hues; it is decorative when growing and +useful to blend with cut flowers. It naturally prefers woods, but will +settle down comfort<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span>ably in the angle of a house or under a fence, and +will be a standby in your wall rockery.</p> + +<p>The ferns that seem really to prefer the open, one taking to dry and two +to moist ground, are the hay-scented fern (<i>Dicksonia punctilobula</i>), +the New York fern (<i>Dryopteris Noveboracencis</i>), and the Marsh +Shield-fern. Dicksonia has a pretty leaf of fretwork, and will grow +three feet in length, though it is usually much shorter. It is the fern +universal here with us, it makes great swales running out from wood +edges to pastures, and it rivals the bayberry in covering hillsides; it +will grow in dense beds under tall laurels or rhododendrons, border your +wild walk, or make a setting of cheerful light green to the stone wall; +while if cut for house decoration, it keeps in condition for several +days and almost rivals the Maidenhair as a combination with sweet peas +or roses.</p> + +<p>The New York fern, when of low stature, is one of the many bits of +growing carpet of rich cool woods. If it is grown in deep shade, the +leaves become too long and spindling for beauty. When in moist ground, +quite in the open, or in reflected shade, the fresh young leaves of a +foot and under add great variety to the grass and are a perfect setting +for table decorations of small flowers. We have these ferns all through +the dell. If they are <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span>mown down in June, July sees a fresh crop, and +their spring green is held perpetual until frost.</p> + +<p>The Marsh Shield-fern of gentian meadows is the perfect small fern for a +bit of wet ground, and is the green to be used with all wild flowers of +like places. One day last autumn I had a bouquet of grass-of-Parnassus, +ladies' tresses, and gentian massed thickly with these ferns, and the +posey lived for days on the sunny window shelf of the den (for gentians +close their eyes in shade),—a bit of the September marshland brought +indoors.</p> + +<p>The two Beech-ferns, the long and the broad, you may grow on the knoll; +give the long the dampest spots, and place the broad where it is quite +dry. As the rootstocks of both these are somewhat frail, I would advise +you to peg them down with hairpins and cover well with earth. By the +way, I always use wire hairpins to hold down creeping rootstocks of +every kind; it keeps them from springing up and drying before the +rootlets have a chance to grasp the soil.</p> + +<p>The roots of Maidenhair should always be treated in this way, as they +dry out very quickly. This most distinctive of our New England ferns +will grow between the rocks of your knoll, as well as in deep nooks in +the fence. It seems to love rich side-hill woods and craves <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span>a rock +behind its back, and if you are only careful about the soil, you can +have miniature forests of it with little trouble. As for maidenhair, all +its uses are beauty!</p> + +<p>Give me a bouquet of perfect wild rosebuds within a deep fringe of +maidenhair to set in a crystal jar where I may watch the deep pink +petals unfold and show the golden stars within; let me breathe their +first breath of perfume, and you may keep all the greenhouse orchids +that are grown.</p> + +<p>Though you can have a variety of ferns in other locations, those that +will thrive best on the knoll and keep it ever green and in touch with +laurel and hemlock, are but five,—the Christmas fern, the Marginal +Shield-fern, the common Rock Polypody, the Ebony Spleenwort, and the +Spinulose Wood-fern. Of the first pair it is impossible to have too +many. The Christmas fern, with its glistening leaves of holly green, has +a stout, creeping rootstock, which must be firmly secured, a few stones +being added temporarily to the hairpins to give weight. The Evergreen +Wood-fern and Ebony Spleenwort, having short rootstocks, can be tucked +into sufficiently deep holes between rocks or in the hollows left by +small decayed stumps, while the transplanting of the Rock Polypody is an +act where luck, recklessness, and a pinch of magic must all be combined.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span></p><p>You will find vast mats of these leathery little Polypodys growing with +rock-selaginella on the great boulders of the river woods. As these are +to be split up for masonry, the experiment of transferring the polypody +is no sin, though it savours somewhat of the process of skin-grafting. +Evan and I have tried the experiment successfully, so that it is no +fable. We had a bit of shady bank at home that proved by the mosses that +grew on it that it was moistened from beneath the year through. The +protecting shade was of tall hickories, and a rock ledge some twenty +feet high shielded it from the south and east. We scraped the moss from +a circle of about six feet and loosened the surface of the earth only, +and very carefully. Then we spread some moist leaf-mould on the rough +but flat surface of a partly exposed rock. Going to a near-by bit of +woods that was being despoiled, as in your valley, we chose two great +mats of polypody and moss that had no piercing twigs to break the +fabric, and carefully peeled them from the rocks, as you would bark from +a tree, the matted rootstocks weaving all together. Moistening these +thoroughly, we wrapped them in a horse blanket and hurried home. The +earth and rock already prepared were sprinkled with water and the fern +fabric applied and gently but firmly pressed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span>down, that resting on the +earth being held by the ever useful hairpin!</p> + +<p>The rock graft was more difficult, but after many failures by way of +stones that rolled off, a coarse network of cords was put across and +fastened to whatever twigs or roots came in the way. Naturally a period +of constant sprinkling followed, and for that season the rock graft +seemed decidedly homesick, but the next spring resignation had set in, +and two years later the polypodys had completely adopted the new +location and were prepared to appropriate the whole of it.</p> + +<p>So you see that there are comparatively only a few ferns, after all, +that are of great value to The Garden, You, and I, and likewise there +are but a few rules for their transplanting, viz.:—</p> + +<p>Don't bother about the tops, for new ones will grow, but look to the +roots, and do not let them be exposed to the air or become dry in +travel. Examine the quality of soil from which you have taken the ferns, +and if you have none like it nearer home, take some with you for a +starter! Never dig up more on one day than you can plant during the +next, and above all remember that if a fern is worth tramping the +countryside for, it is worth careful planting, and that the moral +remarks made about the care in setting out of roses <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span>apply with double +force to the handling of delicate wild flowers and ferns.</p> + +<p>Good luck to your knoll, Mary Penrose, and to your fern fence, if that +fancy pleases you. May the magic of fern seed fill your eyes and let you +see visions, the goodly things of heart's desire, when, all being +accomplished, you pause and look at the work of your hands.</p> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"And nimble fay and pranksome elf</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">Flash vaguely past at every turn,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.3em;">Or, weird and wee, sits Puck himself,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">With legs akimbo, on a fern!"</span><br /> +</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span></p> +<h2>X</h2> + +<h3>FRANKNESS,—GARDENING AND OTHERWISE</h3> + +<p class='center'>(Mary Penrose to Barbara Campbell)</p> + + +<p><i>July 15.</i>—<i>Midsummer Night.</i> Since the month came in, vacation time +has been suspended, insomuch that Bart goes to the office every day, +Saturdays excepted; but we have not returned to our indoor bedroom. Once +it seemed the definition of airy coolness, with its three wide windows, +white matting, and muslin draperies, but now—I fully understand the +relative feelings of a bird in a cage and a bird in the open. The air +blows through the bars and the sun shines through them, but it is still +a cage.</p> + +<p>In these warm, still nights we take down the slat screens that hang +between the hand-hewn chestnut beams of the old barn, and with the open +rafters of what was a hay-loft above us, we look out of the door-frame +straight up at the stars and sometimes drag our cots out on the wide +bank that tops the wall, overlooking the Opal Farm, and sleep wholly +under the sky.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span></p><p>These two weeks past we have had the Infant with us at night, clad in a +light woollen monkey-suit nighty with feet, her crib being, however, +under cover. Her open-eyed wonder has been a new phase of the vacation. +Knowing no fear, she has begun to develop a feeling of kinship with all +the small animals, not only of the barn but dwellers on Opal Farm as +well, and when she discovered a nest of small mice in an old tool-box +under the eaves and proposed to take them, in their improvised house, to +her very own room at the opposite end, this "room" being a square marked +around her bed by small flower-pots, set upside down, I protested, as a +matter of course, saying that mice were not things to handle, and +besides they would die without their mother.</p> + +<p>The Infant, still clutching the box, looked at me in round-eyed wonder: +"I had Dinah and the kittens to play with in the nursery, didn't I, +mother?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly!"</p> + +<p>"And when Ann-stasia brought them up in her ap'n, Dinah walked behind, +didn't she?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I think so!"</p> + +<p>"Ver-r-y well, the mouse mother will walk behind too, and I love mice +better'n cats, for they have nicer hands; 'sides, mother, don't you know +who mice really and truly are, and why they have to hide away? They <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span>are +the horses that fairlies drive, and I'm going to have these for the +fairlies in my village!" making a sweep of her arm toward the encampment +of flower-pots; "if you want fairlies to stay close beside your bed, you +must give them horses to drive, 'cause when it gets cold weather cobwebs +gets too sharp for them to ride on and there isn't always fireflies 'n +candle worms to show 'em the way,—'n it's true, 'cause Larry says so!" +she added, probably seeing the look of incredulity on my face.</p> + +<p>"Larry knows fairlies and they're really trulies; if you're bad to them, +you'll see the road and it won't be there, and so you'll get into +Hen'sy's bog! Larry did,—and if you make houses for them like mine +(pointing to the flower-pots) and give 'em drinks of milk and flower +wine, they'll bring you <i>lots</i> of childrens! They did to Larry, so I'm +trying to please 'em wif my houses, so's to have some to play wif!"</p> + +<p>Larry's harmless folklore (for when he is quite himself, as he is in +these days, he has a certain refinement and an endless fund of +marvellous legends and stories), birds and little beasts for friends, +dolls cut from paper with pansies fastened on for faces, morning-glories +for cups in which to give the fairies drink, what could make a more +blissful childhood for our little maid? That is <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span>the everlasting pity of +a city childhood. Creature comforts may be had and human friends, but +where is the vista that reaches under the trees and through the long +meadow-grass where the red-gold lily bells tinkle, up the brook bed to +the great flat mossy rock, beneath which is the door to fairyland, the +spotted turtle being warder. Fairyland, the country of eternal youth and +possibility!</p> + +<p>I wouldn't give up the fairies that I once knew and peopled the solemn +woods with down in grandfather's Virginia home for a fortune, and even +now, any day, I can put my ear to the earth, like Tommy-Anne, and hear +the grass grow. It occurred to me yesterday that the Infant, in age, +temperament, and heredity, is suited to be a companion for your Richard. +Could you not bring him down with you before the summer is over? Though, +as the unlike sometimes agree best, Ian and she might be more +compatible, so bring them both and we will turn the trio loose in the +meadows of Opal Farm with a mite of a Shetland pony that <i>The Man from +Everywhere</i> has recently bestowed upon the Infant—crazy, extravagant +man! What we shall do with it in winter I do not know, as we cannot yet +run into the expense of keeping such live stock. But why bother? it is +only midsummer now, grazing is plentiful and seems <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span>to suit the needs of +this spunky little beast, and the Infant riding him "across country," as +Bart calls her wanderings about Opal Farm, is a spectacle too pretty to +be denied us. Yes, I know I'm silly, and that you have the twins to +rhapsodize about, but girls are so much more picturesque in the clothes! +What! thought she wore gingham bloomers! Yes, but not all the time, for +Maria will frill her up and run her with ribbons of afternoons!</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>Back to the house and garden! I'm wandering, but then I'm Lady Lazy this +summer, as <i>The Man from Everywhere</i> calls me, and naturally a bit +inconsequent! As I said, Bart is at the office daily, and will be for +another week, but Lady Lazy has not returned to what Maria Maxwell calls +"The Tyranny of the Three M's,"—the mending basket, the market book, +and the money-box! I was willing, quite willing; in fact it is only fair +that Maria should have her time of irresponsibility, for I know that she +has half a dozen invitations to go to pleasant places and meet people, +one being from Lavinia Cortright to visit her shore cottage. I'm always +hoping that Maria may meet the "right man" some summer day, but that she +surely will never do if she stays here.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span></p><p>"I've everything systematized, and it's easier for me to go on than +drop the needles for a fortnight or so and then find, on coming back, +that you have been knitting a mitten when I had started the frame of a +sock," Maria said, laughing; "make flower hay while the crop is to be +had for the gathering, my lady! Another year you may not have such free +hands!"</p> + +<p>Then my protests grew weaker and weaker, for the establishment had +thriven marvellously well without my daily interference. The jam closet +shows rows of everything that might be made of strawberries, cherries, +currants, and raspberries, and it suddenly struck me that possibly if +domestic machinery is set going on a consistent basis, whether it is not +a mistake to do too much oiling and tightening of a screw here and +there, unless distinct symptoms of a halt render it absolutely +necessary.</p> + +<p>"Very well," I said, with a show of spunk, "give me one single task, +that I may not feel as if I had no part in the homemaking. Something as +ornamental and frivolous as you choose, but that shall occupy me at +least two hours a day!"</p> + +<p>Maria paused a moment; we were then standing in front of the fireplace, +where a jar of bayberry filled the place of logs between the andirons. +First, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span>casting her eyes through the doors of dining room, living room, +and den, she fixed them on me with rather a mischievous twinkle, as she +said, "You shall gather and arrange the flowers for the house; and +always have plenty of them, but never a withered or dropsical blossom +among them all. You shall also invent new ways for arranging them, new +combinations, new effects, the only restriction being that you shall not +put vases where the water will drip on books, or make the house look +like the show window of a wholesale florist. I will give you a fresh +mop, and you can have the back porch and table for your workshop, and if +I'm not mistaken, you will find two hours a day little enough for the +work!" she added with very much the air of some one engaging a new +housemaid and presenting her with a broom!</p> + +<p>It has never taken me two hours to gather and arrange the flowers, and +though of course we are only beginning to have much of a garden, we've +always had flowers in the house,—quantities of sweet peas and such +things, besides wild flowers. I began to protest, an injured feeling +rising in my throat, that she, Maria Maxwell, music teacher, city bound +for ten years, should think to instruct <i>me</i> of recent outdoor +experience.</p> + +<p>"Yes, you've always had flowers, but did you pick <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span>the sweet peas or did +Barney? Did you cram them haphazard into the first thing that came handy +(probably that awful bowl decorated in ten discordant colours and +evidently a wedding present, for such atrocities never find any other +medium of circulation)? Or did you separate them nicely, and arrange the +pink and salmon peas with the lavender in that plain-coloured Sevres +vase that is unusually accommodating in the matter of water, then +putting the gay colours in the blue-and-white Delft bowl and the duller +ones in cut glass to give them life? Having plenty, did you change them +every other day, or the moment the water began to look milky, or did you +leave them until the flowers clung together in the first stages of +mould? Meanwhile, the ungathered flowers on the vines were seriously +developing peas and shortening their stems to be better able to bear +their weight. And, Mary Penrose,"—here Maria positively glared at me as +if I had been a primary pupil in the most undesirable school of her +route who was both stone deaf and afflicted with catarrh, "did you wash +out your jars and vases with a mop every time you changed the flowers, +and wipe them on a towel separate from the ones used for the pantry +glass? No, you never did! You tipped the water out over there at the end +of the piazza by the honeysuckles, because you couldn't quite <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span>bring +yourself to pouring it down the pantry sink, refilled the vases, and +that was all!"</p> + +<p>In spite of a certain sense of annoyance that I felt at the way in which +Maria was giving me a lecture, and somehow when a person has taught for +ten years she (particularly <i>she</i>) inevitably acquires a rather +unpleasant way of imparting the truth that makes one wish to deny it, I +stood convicted in my own eyes as well as in Maria's. It had so often +happened that when either Barney had brought in the sweet peas and left +them on the porch table, or Bart had gathered a particularly beautiful +wild bouquet in one of his tramps, I had lingered over a book or some +bit of work upstairs until almost the time for the next meal, and then, +seeing the half-withered look of reproach that flowers wear when they +have been long out of water, I have jammed them helter-skelter into the +first receptacle at hand.</p> + +<p>Sometimes a little rough verbal handling stirs up the blood under a +too-complacent cuticle. Maria's preachment did me good, the more +probably because the time was ripe for it, and therefore the past two +weeks have been filled with new pleasures, for another thing that the +month spent in the open has shown me is the wonderful setting the +natural environment and foliage gives to a flower. At first the +completeness appeals insensibly, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span>and unless one is of the temperament +that seeks the cause behind the effect, it might never be realized.</p> + +<p>The Japanese have long since arrived at a method of arranging flowers +which is quality and intrinsic value as opposed to miscellaneous +quantity. The way of nature, however, it seems to me, is twofold, for +there are flowers that depend for beauty, and this with nature that +seems only another word for perpetuity, upon the strength of numbers, as +well as those that make a more individual appeal. The composite +flowers—daisies, asters, goldenrod—belong to the class that take +naturally to massing, while the blue flag, meadow and wood lilies, +together with the spiked orchises, are typical of the second.</p> + +<p>By the same process of comparison I have decided that jars and vases +having floral decorations themselves are wholly unsuitable for holding +flowers. They should be cherished as bric-a-brac, when they are worthy +specimens of the art of potter and painter, but as receptacles for +flowers they have no use beyond holding sprays of beautiful foliage or +silver-green masses of ferns.</p> + +<p>Porcelain, plain in tint and of carefully chosen colours, such as +beef-blood, the old rose, and peach-blow hues, in which so many simple +forms and inexpensive bits of Japanese pottery may be bought, a peculiar +creamy <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span>yellow, a dull green, gobelin, and Delft blue and white, sacred +to the jugs and bowls of our grandmothers, all do well. Cut glass is a +fine setting for flowers of strong colour, but kills the paler hues, and +above and beyond all is the dark moss-green glass of substantial texture +that is fashioned in an endless variety of shapes. By chance, gift, and +purchase we have gathered about a dozen pieces of this, ranging from a +cylinder almost the size of an umbrella-stand down through fluted, +hat-shaped dishes, for roses or sweet peas, to some little troughs of +conventional shapes in which pansies or other short-stemmed flowers may +be arranged so as to give the look of an old-fashioned parterre to the +dining table.</p> + +<p>I had always found these useful, but never quite realized to the full +that green or brown is the only consistent undercolour for all field and +grass-growing flowers until this summer. But during days that I have +spent browsing in the river woods, while Bart and Barney, and more +recently Larry, have been digging the herbs that we have marked, I have +realized the necessity of a certain combination of earth, bark, and +dead-leaf browns in the receptacles for holding wood flowers and the +vines that in their natural ascent clasp and cling to the trunks and +limbs of trees.</p> + +<p>Several years ago mother sent me some pretty flower-<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span>holders made of +bamboos of different lengths, intended evidently to hang against +door-jambs or in hallways. The pith was hollowed out here and there, and +the hole plugged from beneath to make little water pockets. These did +admirably for a season, but when the wood dried, it invariably split, +and treacherous dripping followed, most ruinous to furniture.</p> + +<p>A few weeks back, when looking at some mossed and gnarled branches in +the woods, an idea occurred to Bart and me at the same moment. Why could +we not use such pieces as these, together with some trunks of your +beloved white birch, to which I, <i>via</i> the screen at Opal Farm, was +becoming insensibly devoted at the very time that you wrote me?</p> + +<p>Augur holes could be bored in them at various distances and angles, if +not too acute; the thing was to find glass, in bottle or other forms, to +fit in the openings. This difficulty was solved by <i>The Man from +Everywhere</i> on his reappearance the night before the Fourth, after an +absence of a whole week, laden with every manner of noise and fire +making arrangement for the Infant, though I presently found that Bart +had partly instigated the outfit, and the two overgrown boys revelled in +fire-balloons and rockets under cover of the Infant's enthusiasm, much +as the grandpa goes to the circus as an <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span>apparent martyr to little +Tommy's desire! A large package that, from the extreme care of its +handling, I judged must hold something highly explosive, on being opened +divulged many dozens of the slender glass tubes, with a slight lip for +holding cord or wire, such as, filled with roses or orchids, are hung in +the garlands of asparagus vines and smilax in floral decorations of +either houses or florists' windows. These tubes varied in length from +four to six inches, the larger being three inches in diameter.</p> + +<p>"Behold your leak-proof interiors!" he cried, holding one up. "Now set +your wits and Bart's tool-box to work and we shall have some speedy +results!"</p> + +<p>Dear <i>Man from Everywhere</i>, he had bought a gross of the glasses, +thereby reminding me of a generous but eccentric great-uncle of ours who +had a passion for attending auctions, and once, by error, in buying, as +he supposed, twelve yellow earthenware bowls, found himself confronted +by twelve <i>dozen</i>. Thus grandmother's storeroom literally had a golden +lining, and my entire childhood was pervaded with these bowls, several +finally falling into my possession for the mixing of mud pies! But +between the durability of yellow bowls and blown-glass tubes there is +little parallel, and already I have found the advantage of having a good +supply in stock.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span></p><p>Our first natural flower-holder is a great success. Having found a +four-pronged silver birch, with a broken top, over in the abandoned +gravel-pit (where, by the way, are a score of others to be had for the +digging, and such easy digging too), Larry sawed it off a bit below the +ground, so as to give it an even base. The diameter of the four uprights +was not quite a foot, all told, and these were sawn of unequal lengths +of four, six, seven, and nine inches, care being taken not to "haggle," +as Larry calls it, the clean white bark in the process.</p> + +<p>Then Bart went to work with augur and round chisel, and bored and +chipped out the holes for the glass tubes, incidentally breaking two +glasses before we had comfortably settled the four, for they must fit +snugly enough not to wiggle and tip, and yet not so tight as to bind and +prevent removal for cleaning purposes. This little stand of natural wood +was no sooner finished and mounted on the camp table than its +possibilities began to crowd around it. Ferns being the nearest at hand, +I crawled over the crumbling bank wall into the Opal Farm meadow and +gathered hay-scented, wood, and lady ferns from along the fence line and +grouped them loosely in the stand. The effect was magical, a bit of its +haunt following the fern indoors.</p> + +<p>Next day I gathered in the hemlock woods a basket <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span>of the waxy, +spotted-leaved pipsissewa, together with spikes and garlands of club +moss. I had thought these perfect when steadied by bog moss in a flat, +cut-glass dish, but in the birch stump they were entirely at home. If +these midsummer wood flowers harmonize so well, how much more charming +will be the blossoms of early spring, a season when the white birch is +quite the most conspicuous tree in the landscape! Picture dog-tooth +violets, spring beauties, bellwort, Quaker-ladies, and great tufts of +violets, shading from white to deepest blue, in such a setting! Or, of +garden things, poets' narcissus and lilies-of-the-valley!</p> + +<p>Other receptacles of a like kind we have in different stages of +progress, made of the wood of sassafras, oak, beech, and hackberry, +together with several irregular stumps of lichen-covered cedar. Two long +limbs with several short side branches Bart has flattened on the back +and arranged with picture-hooks, so that they can be bracketed against +the frame of the living-room door, opposite the flower-greeting table +that I have fashioned after yours. These are to be used for vines, and I +shall try to keep this wide, open portal cheerfully garlanded.</p> + +<p>The first week of my flower wardenship was a most strenuous one. I use +the word reluctantly, but having <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span>tried half a dozen others, no +equivalent seemed to fit. I had flowers in every room in the house, +bedchambers included, using in this connection the cleanest-breathed and +longest-lived blossoms possible.</p> + +<p>Late as was the sowing, the annuals remaining in the seed bed have begun +to yield a glorious crop. The fireplaces were filled with black-eyed +Susans from the fields and hollyhocks from an old self-seeded colony at +Opal Farm, and every available vase, bowl, and pitcher had something in +it. How I laboured! I washed jars, sorted colours, and freshened still +passable arrangements of the day before, and all the while I felt sure +that Maria was watching me, with an amused twinkle in the tail of her +eye!</p> + +<p>One day, the middle of last week, the temperature dropped suddenly, and +we fled from camp to the house for twenty-four hours, lighted the logs +in the hall, and actually settled down to a serious game of whist in the +evening, Maria Maxwell, <i>The Man</i>, Bart, and I. Yes, I know how you +detest the game, but I—though I am not exactly amused by it—rather +like it, for it gives occupation at once for the hands and thoughts and +a cover for studying the faces and moods of friends without the reproach +of staring.</p> + +<p>By the way, <i>The Man</i> has hired half the house from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> Amos Opie—it was +divided several years ago—and established helter-skelter bachelor +quarters at Opal Farm. Bart has told him, over and over again, how +welcome he is to stay here, under any and all conditions, while he works +in the vicinity, but he says that he needs a lot of room for his traps, +muddy boots, etc., while Opie, a curious Jack-at-all-trades, gives him +his breakfast. I'm wondering if <i>The Man</i> felt that he was intruding +upon Maria by staying here, or if she has any Mrs. Grundy ideas and was +humpy to him, or even suggested that he would better move up the road. +She is quite capable of it!</p> + +<p>However, he seems glad enough to drop in to dinner of an evening now, +and the two are so delightfully cordial and unembarrassed in their talk, +neither yielding a jot to the other, in the resolute spinster and +bachelor fashion, that I must conclude that his going was probably a +natural happening.</p> + +<p>This evening, while Maria and I were waiting together for the men to +finish toying with their coffee cups and match-boxes and emerge +refreshed from the delightful indolence of the after-dinner smoke, the +odour of the flowers—intensified both by dampness and the +woodsmoke—was very manifest.</p> + +<p>"How do you like your employment?" asked Maria.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span></p><p>"I like the decorative and inventive part of it," I said, thinking into +the fire, "but I believe"—and here I hesitated as a chain of peculiar +green flame curled about the log and held my attention. "That it is +quite as possible to overdo the house decoration with flowers as it is +to spoil a nice bit of lawn with too many fantastic flower beds!" Bart +broke in quite unexpectedly, coming behind me and raising my face, one +hand beneath my chin. "Isn't that what you were thinking, my Lady Lazy?"</p> + +<p>"Truly it was, only I never meant to let it pop out so suddenly and +rudely," I was forced to confess. "In one way it would seem impossible +to have too many flowers about, and yet in another it is unnatural, for +are not nature's unconscious effects made by using colour as a central +point, a focus that draws the eye from a more sombre and soothing +setting?"</p> + +<p>"How could we enjoy a sunset that held the whole circle of the horizon +at once?" chimed in <i>The Man</i>, suddenly, as if reading my thoughts. "Or +twelve moons?" added Bart, laughing.</p> + +<p>No, Mrs. Evan, I am convinced by so short a trial as two weeks that the +art of arranging flowers for the house is first, your plan of having +some to greet the guest as he enters, a bit of colour or coolness in +each room <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span>where we pause to read or work or chat, and a table +garnishing to render æsthetic the aspect and surroundings of the human +animal at his feeding time; otherwise, except at special seasons of +festivity, a surplus of flowers in the house makes for restlessness, not +peace. Two days ago I had thirty-odd vases and jars filled with flowers, +and I felt, as I sat down to sew, as if I was trespassing in a bazaar! +Also, if there are too many jars of various flowers in one room, it is +impossible that each should have its own individuality.</p> + +<p>To-day I began my new plan. I put away a part of my jars and vases and +deliberately thought out what flowers I would use before gathering them.</p> + +<p>The day being overcast though not threatening, merely the trail, as it +were, of the storm that had passed, and the den being on the north side +of the house and finished in dark woodwork and furniture, I gathered +nasturtiums in three shades for it, the deep crimson, orange-scarlet, +and canary-yellow, but not too many—a blue-and-white jar of the Chinese +"ginger" pattern for one corner of the mantel-shelf, and for the +Japanese well buckets, that are suspended from the central hanging lamp +by cords, a cascade of blossoms of the same colour still attached to +their own fleshy vines and interspersed with the foliage. Strange as it +may seem, this little bit <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span>of pottery, though of a peculiar deep pink, +harmonizes wonderfully well with the barbaric nasturtium colours. There +seems to be a kind of magic blended with the form and colour of these +buckets, plain and severe in shape, that swing so gracefully from their +silken cords, for they give grace to every flower that touches them. +When filled with stiff stalks of lilies-of-the-valley or tulips, they +have an equally distinguished air as when hung with the bells of +columbines or garlands of flowering honeysuckles twisted about the cords +climbing quite up to the lamp.</p> + +<p>In the hall I placed my tallest green-glass jar upon the greeting table +and filled it with long stalks of red and gold Canada lilies from the +very bottom of Amos Opie's field, where the damp meadow-grass begins to +make way for tussocks and the marshy ground begins.</p> + +<p>The field now is as beautiful as a dream; the early grasses have +ripened, and above them, literally by the hundreds,—rank, file, +regiment, and platoon,—stand these lilies, some stalks holding twenty +bells, ranged as regularly as if the will of man had set them there, and +yet poised so gracefully that we know at once that no human touch has +placed them. I wish that you could have stood with me in the doorway of +the camp and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span>looked across that field this morning. Bart declared the +sight to be the first extra dividend upon our payment to Amos Opie for +leaving the grass uncut.</p> + +<p>I left the stalks of the lilies full three feet long and used only their +own foliage, together with some broad-leaved grasses, to break the too +abrupt edge of the glass. This is a point that must be remembered in +arranging flowers, the keeping the relative height and habit of the +plant in the mind's eye. These lilies, gathered with short stems and +massed in a crowded bunch, at once lose their individuality and become +mere little freckled yellow gamins of the flower world.</p> + +<p>A rather slender jar or vase also gives an added sense of height; +long-stemmed flowers should never be put in a flat receptacle, no matter +how adroitly they may be held in place. Only last month I was called +upon to admire a fine array of long-stemmed roses that were held in a +flat dish by being stuck in wet sand, and even though this was covered +by green moss, the whole thing had a painfully artificial and embalmed +look, impossible to overcome.</p> + +<p>For the living room, which is in quiet green tones and +chintz-upholstered wicker furniture, I gathered Shirley poppies. They +are not as large and perfectly developed as those I once saw in your +garden from fall-sown seed, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span>but they are so delicately tinted and the +petals so gracefully winged that it seemed like picking handfuls of +butterflies.</p> + +<p>Maria Maxwell has shown me how, by looking at the stamens, I can tell if +the flower is newly opened, for by picking only such they will last two +full days. How lasting are youthful impressions! She remembers all these +things, though she has had no very own garden these ten years and more. +Will the Infant remember creeping into my cot in these summer mornings, +cuddling and being crooned to like a veritable nestling, until her +father gains sufficient consciousness to take his turn and delight her +by the whistled imitation of a few simple bird songs? Yes, I think so, +and I would rather give her this sort of safeguard to keep off harmful +thoughts and influences than any worldly wisdom.</p> + +<p>The poppies I arranged in my smallest frosted-white and cut-glass vases +in two rows on the mantel-shelf, before the quaint old oblong mirror, +making it look like a miniature shrine. Celia Thaxter had this way of +using them, if I remember rightly, the reflection in the glass doubling +the beauty and making the frail things seem alive!</p> + +<p>For the library, where oak and blue are the prevailing tints, I filled a +silver tankard with a big bunch of blue <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span>cornflowers, encircled by the +leaves of "dusty miller," and placed it on the desk.</p> + +<p>The dining-room walls are of deep dark red that must be kept cool in +summer. At all seasons I try to have the table decorations low enough +not to oblige us to peer at one another through a green mist, and to-day +I made a wreath of hay-scented ferns and ruby-spotted Japan lilies +(<i>Speciosum rubrum</i>, the tag says—they were sent as extras with my +seeds), by combining two half-moon dishes, and in the middle set a +slender, finely cut, flaring vase holding two perfect stems, each +bearing half a dozen lily buds and blossoms. These random bulbs are the +first lilies of my own planting. There are a few stalks of the white +Madonna lilies in the grass of the old garden and a colony of tiger +lilies and an upright red lily with different sort of leaves, all +clustered at the root, following the tumble-down wall, the rockery to +be. I am fascinated by these Japanese lilies and desire more, each stalk +is so sturdy, each flower so beautifully finished and set with jewels +and then powdered with gold, as it were. Pray tell me something about +the rest of the family! Do they come within my range and pocket, think +you? The first cost of a fair-sized bed would be considerable, but if +they are things that by care will endure, it is some<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span>thing to save up +for, <i>when the rose bed is completed</i>—take note of that!</p> + +<p>When Bart came home this afternoon, he walked through the rooms before +going out and commented on the different flowers, entirely simple in +arrangement, and lingered over them, touching and taking pleasure in +them in a way wholly different from last week, when each room was a +jungle and I was fairly suffering from flower surfeit.</p> + +<p>Now I find myself taking note of happy combinations of colour in other +people's gardens and along the highways for further experiments. I seem +to remember looking over a list of flower combinations and suggestions +in your garden book. Will you lend it to me?</p> + +<p>By the way, opal effects seem to circle about the place this season—the +sunsets, the farm-house windows, and finally that rainy night when we +were playing whist, when <i>The Man</i>, taking a pencil from his pocket, +pulled out a little chamois bag that, being loose at one end, shed a +shower of the unset stones upon the green cloth, where they lay winking +and blinking like so many fiery coals.</p> + +<p>"Are you a travelling jeweler's shop?" quizzed Bart.</p> + +<p>"No," replied <i>The Man</i>, watching the stones where they lay, but not +attempting to pick them up; "the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span>opal is my birth stone, and I've +always had a fancy for picking them up at odd times and carrying them +with me for luck!"</p> + +<p>"I thought that they are considered unlucky," said Maria, holding one in +the palm of her hand and watching the light play upon it.</p> + +<p>"That is as one reads them," said <i>The Man</i>; "to me they are +occasionally contradictory, that is all; otherwise they represent +adaptation to circumstances, and inexpensive beauty, which must always +be a consolation."</p> + +<p>Then he gave us each one, "to start a collection," he said. I shall have +mine set as a talisman for the Infant. I like this new interpretation of +the stone, for to divine beauty in simple things is a gift equal to +genius.</p> + +<p>Maria, however, insisted upon giving an old-fashioned threepenny bit, +kept as a luck penny in the centre of her purse, in exchange. How can +any woman be so devoid of even the little sentiment of gifts as she is?</p> + +<p>A moment later <i>The Man from Everywhere</i> electrified us by saying, in +the most casual manner, "Now that we are on the subject of opals, did I +tell you that, being in some strange manner drawn to the place, I have +made Opie an offer for the Opal Farm?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span></p><p>"Good enough! but what for?" exclaimed Bart, nearly exposing a very +poor hand.</p> + +<p>"How splendid!" I cried, checking an impulse to throw my arms around his +neck so suddenly that I shied my cards across the room—"Then the meadow +need never be cut again!"</p> + +<p>"What a preposterous idea! Did he accept the offer?" jerked Maria +Maxwell, with a certain eagerness.</p> + +<p><i>The Man's</i> face, already of a healthy outdoor hue, took a deeper colour +above the outline of his closely cropped black beard, which he declined +to shave, in spite of prevailing custom.</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid my popularity as a neighbour is a minor quality, when even +my Lady Lazy makes it evident that her enthusiasm is for meadow weeds +and not myself!"</p> + +<p>"When would you live there?" asked practical Bart.</p> + +<p>"All the time, when I'm not elsewhere!" said <i>The Man</i>. "No, seriously, +I want permanent headquarters, a house to keep my traps in, and it can +easily be somewhat remodelled and made comfortable. I want to own a +resting-place for the soles of my feet when they are tired, and is it +strange that I should pitch my tent near two good friends?"</p> + +<p>It was a good deal for <i>The Man</i> to say, and instantly there was +hand-shaking and back-clapping between<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span> Bart and himself, and the game +became hopelessly mixed.</p> + +<p>As for Maria, she as nearly sniffed audibly at the idea as a well-bred +woman could. It is strange, I had almost fancied during the course of +the past month, and especially this evening, that <i>The Man's</i> glance, +when toward her, held a special approval of a different variety than it +carried to Bart and me! If Maria is going to worry him, she shall go +back to her flat! I've often heard Bart say that men's feelings are very +woundable at forty, while at twenty-five a hurt closes up like water +after a pebble has been dropped in it.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>Yes, Maria <i>has</i> been rude to <i>The Man</i>, and in my house, too, where she +represents me! Anastasia told me! I suppose I really ought not to have +listened, but it was all over before I realized what she was saying.</p> + +<p>"Yes, mem, for all Miss Marie do be fixed out, so tasty and pleasant +like to everybody, and so much chicked up by the country air, she's no +notion o' beaus or of troubling wid the men!"</p> + +<p>"What do you mean, Anastasia?" said I, in perfect innocence. "Of course +Miss Maria is not a young girl to go gadding about!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span></p><p>"It's not gadding I mean, mem, but here on the porch, one foine night, +jest before the last time Mister Blake went off fer good, they was sat +there some toime, so still that, says I to meself, 'When they do foind +spach, it'll be something worth hearing!'</p> + +<p>"'Do I annoy you by staying here? Would you prefer I went elsewhere?' +says he, and well I moind the words, for Oi thought an offer was on the +road, and as 'twas the nearest I'd been to wan, small wonder I got +excoited! Then Miss Marie spoke up, smooth as a knife cutting ice +cream,—'To speak frankly,' says she, 'you do not exactly annoy me, but +I'd much rather you went elsewhere!' Och, but it broke me heart, the +sound of it!"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span></p> +<h3>LIST OF FLOWER COMBINATIONS FOR THE TABLE FROM BARBARA'S <i>GARDEN BOKE</i></h3> + + +<blockquote><p>HEAVILY SCENTED FLOWERS, SUCH AS HYACINTHS, LEMON AND AURATUM LILIES, +POLYANTHUS NARCISSUS, MAGNOLIAS, LILACS, AND THE LIKE, SHOULD BE +AVOIDED.</p></blockquote> + +<ul> +<li>Snowdrops and pussy-willows.</li> +<li>Hepaticas and moss.</li> +<li>Spice-bush and shad-bush sprays.</li> +<li>Trailing arbutus and sweet, white garden violets.</li> +<li>Double daffodils and willow sprays.</li> +<li>Crocus buds and moss.</li> +<li>Blue garden scillas and wild white saxifrage.</li> +<li>Black-birch catkins and wind-flowers.</li> +<li>Plants of the various wild violets, according to season, arranged<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">in an earthen pan with a moss or bark covering.</span></li> +<li>Old-fashioned myrtle, with its glossy leaves, and single narcissus,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">or English primroses.</span></li> +<li>Bleeding-heart and young ferns.</li> +<li>English border primroses in small rose bowls.</li> +<li>Lilies-of-the-valley, with plenty of their own leaves, and poets'<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">narcissus.</span></li> +<li>Tulip-tree flowers and leaves.</li> +<li>The wild red-and-gold columbine with young white-birch sprays.</li> +<li>Pinxter flower and the New York or wood fern.</li> +<li>Jack-in-the-pulpit with its own leaves, in a bark or moss<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">covered jar.</span><br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span></li><li>Pink moccasin-flowers with ferns, in bark-covered jar.</li> +<li>Pansies with ivy or laurel leaves, arranged in narrow dishes to<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">form a parterre about a central mirror.</span></li> +<li>Iceland poppies with small ferns or grasses.</li> +<li>May pinks and forget-me-nots.</li> +<li>Blue larkspurs and deutzia (always put white with blue flowers).</li> +<li>Peonies with evergreen ferns, in a central jar.</li> +<li>Sweet-william, arranged in separate colours for parterre effect<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">or in a large blue-and-white bowl, with graceful sprays of</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">honeysuckle flowers.</span><br /></li> +<li>Wild roses with plenty of buds and foliage, in blue-and-white<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">bowls.</span></li> +<li>Roses in large sprays with branches of the young leaves of copper<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">beech—or masses of Chinese honeysuckle.</span></li> +<li>Roses with short stems arranged with their own or <i>rugosa</i> foliage<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">in blue-and-white dishes that have coarse wire netting fitted</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">to the top to keep the flowers in place.</span></li> +<li>White field daisies, clover, and flowering grasses, in a large<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">bowl or jar.</span></li> +<li>Mountain laurel with its own leaves, in central jar and parterre<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">dishes.</span></li> +<li>Nasturtiums, in cut-glass bowl or vase, with the foliage of<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">lemon verbena.</span></li> +<li>Sweet peas of five colours with a fringe of maiden-hair ferns,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">the deepest colour in a central jar, with other smaller</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">bowls at corners, and small ferns laid around mirror and</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">on cloth between.</span></li> +<li>Japan lilies, single flowers, in parterre dishes with ivy leaves, and<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">sprays in central vase.</span></li> +<li>Balsams arranged in effect of set borders.</li> +<li>Asters in separate colours.<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span></li><li>Spotted-leaved pipsissewa of the woods with fern border, in bark-covered<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">dish.</span></li> +<li>Red and gold bell meadow lilies, in large jar, with field grasses.</li> +<li>Gladioli—the flowers separated from the stalks and arranged<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">with various leaves for parterre effect, or stalks laid upon the</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">cloth with evergreen ferns to separate the places at a</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">formal meal.</span></li> +<li>Sweet sultan, in separate colours, in rose bowls, with fragrant<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">geranium or lemon-verbena foliage.</span></li> +<li>Shirly poppies with grasses or green rye, in four slender vases<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">about a larger centrepiece.</span></li> +<li>Margaret or picotee carnations with mignonette, arranged loosely<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">in a cut-glass vase or bowl.</span></li> +<li>Green rye, wheat, or oats with the blue garden cornflower—or<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">wild blue chickory.</span></li> +<li>Wild asters with heavy tasselled marsh-grasses.</li> +<li>Goldenrods with purple iron weed and vines of wild white<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">clematis, arranged about a flat dish of peaches and pears.</span></li> +<li>All through autumn place your central mirror on a mat made by<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">laying freshly gathered coloured leaves upon the cloth.</span></li> +<li>Wallflowers and late pansies.</li> +<li>White Japanese anemonies and ferns.</li> +<li>Grass of Parnassus, ladies tresses, and marsh shield ferns.</li> +<li>Garden chrysanthemums, in blue-and-white jars and bowls, on a<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">large mat of brown magnolia leaves.</span></li> +<li>Sprays of yellow witch-hazel flowers and leaves of red oak.</li> +<li>Sprays of coral winterberry, from which leaves have been<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">removed, and white-pine tassels.</span></li> +<li>Club-mosses, small evergreen ferns, and partridge vine with its<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">red berries, in a bark-covered dish of earth.</span></li> +</ul> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span></p> +<h2>XI</h2> + +<h3>A SEASIDE GARDEN</h3> + + +<p class='center'>(Barbara Campbell to Mary Penrose)</p> + +<p><i>Gray Rocks, July 19.</i> Your epistle upon the evils of an excess of +flowers in the house found us here with the Cortrights and Bradfords, +and I read it with Lavinia and Sylvia on either side, as the theme had +many notes in it familiar to us all! There are certainly times and +seasons when the impulse is overpowering to lay hold of every flower +that comes in the way and gather it to one's self, to cram every +possible nook and corner with this portable form of beauty and fairly +indulge in a flower orgie. Then sets in a reaction that shows, as in so +many things, the middle path is the best for every day. Also there are +many enthusiastic gardeners, both among those who grow their own flowers +and those who cause them to be grown, who spare neither pains nor money +until the flowers are gathered; then their grip relaxes, and the house +arrangement of the fruit of their labour is left to chance.</p> + +<p>In many cases, where a professional gardener is in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span>charge, several +baskets, containing a confused mass of blossoms, are deposited daily in +porch or pantry, often at a time when the mistress is busy, and they are +either overlooked or at the last moment crammed into the first +receptacle that comes to hand, from their very inopportuneness creating +almost a feeling of dislike.</p> + +<p>When once lodged, they are frequently left to their fate until they +become fairly noisome, for is there anything more offensive to æsthetic +taste than blackened and decaying flowers soaking in stagnant water?</p> + +<p>Was it not Auerbach, in his <i>Poet and Merchant</i>, who said, "The lovelier +a thing is in its perfection, the more terrible it becomes through its +corruption"? and certainly this applies to flowers.</p> + +<p>Flowers, like all of the best and lasting pleasures, must be taken a +little seriously from the sowing of the seed to the placing in the vase, +that they may become the incense of home, and the most satisfactory way +of choosing them for this use is to make a daily tour about the garden, +or, if a change is desired, through the fields and highways, and, with +the particular nook you wish to fill in mind, gather them yourself.</p> + +<p>Even the woman with too wide a selection to gather from personally can +in this way indicate what she wishes.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span></p><p>In the vegetable garden the wise man thinks out his crop and arranges a +variety for the table; no one wishes every vegetable known to the season +every day, and why should not the eye be educated and nourished by an +equal variety?</p> + +<p>We are all very much interested in your flower-holders of natural wood, +and I will offer you an idea in exchange, after the truly coöperative +Garden, You, and I plan. In the flower season, instead of using your +embroidered centrepieces for the table, which become easily stained and +defaced by having flowers laid upon them, make several artistic table +centres of looking-glass, bark, moss, or a combination of all three.</p> + +<p>Lavinia Cortright and I, as a beginning, have oval mirrors of about +eighteen inches in length, with invisibly narrow nickel bindings. +Sometimes we use these with merely an edge of flowers or leaves and a +crystal basket or other low arrangement of flowers in the centre. The +glass is only a beginning, other combinations being a birch-bark mat, +several inches wider than the glass, that may be used under it so that a +wide border shows, or the mat by itself as a background for delicate +wood flowers and ferns. A third mat I have made of stout cardboard and +covered with lichens, reindeer moss, and bits of mossy bark, and I never +go <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span>to the woods but what I see a score of things that fairly thrust +themselves before me and offer to blend with one of these backgrounds, +and by holding the eye help to render meal-times less "foody," as Sukey +Latham puts it, though none the less nourishing.</p> + +<p>Last night when we gathered at dinner, a few moments after our arrival +and our first meeting at this cottage, I at once became aware that +though host and hostess were the same delightful couple, we were not +dining at Meadow's End, their Oaklands cottage, but at Gray Rocks, with +silver sea instead of green grass below the windows. While the sea +surroundings were brought indoors and on the centre of the dinner table +the mirror was edged by a border of sea-sand, glistening pebbles and +little shells were arranged as a background instead of mosses and +lichens, and rich brown seaweeds still moist with the astringent tonic +sea breath edged this frame, and the more delicate rose-coloured and +pale green weeds seemed floating upon the glass, that held a giant +periwinkle shell filled with the pink star-shaped sabbatia, or sea pink, +of the near-by salt marshes. There was no effort, no strain after +effect, but a consistent preparation of the eye for the simple meal of +sea food that followed.</p> + +<p>In front of the cottage the rocks slope quickly to the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span>beach, but on +either side there is a stretch of sand pocketed among the rocks, and in +the back a dune stops abruptly at the margin of wide salt meadows, +creek-fed and unctuous, as befits the natural gardens of the sea.</p> + +<p>The other cottages lying to the eastward are gay in red-and-white +striped awnings, and porch and window boxes painted red or green are +filled with geraniums, nasturtiums, petunias,—any flowers, in short, +that will thrive in the broiling sun, while some of the owners have +planted buoy-like barrels at the four corners of their enclosures and +filled them with the same assortment of foliage plants with which they +would decorate a village lawn. This use of flowers seemed at once to +draw the coolness from the easterly breeze and intensify the heat that +vibrates from the sand.</p> + +<p>Have you ever noticed that the sea in these latitudes has no affinity +for the brightest colours, save as it is a mirror for the fleeting +flames of sunrise and sunset?</p> + +<p>The sea-birds are blended tints of rock, sand, sky, and water, save the +dash of coral in bill and foot of a few, just as the coral of the +wild-rose hips blends with the tawny marsh-grasses. Scarlet is a colour +abhorred even by the marshes, until late in autumn the blaze of samphire +consumes them with long spreading tongues <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span>of flame. How can people be +so senseless as to come seaward to cool their bodies, and yet so +surround themselves with scarlet that it is never out of range of the +eye?</p> + +<p>Lavinia Cortright and the botanical Bradfords, as Evan calls them, +because though equally lovers of flowers, they go further than some for +the reason why that lies hid beneath the colour and perfume, have laid +out and are still developing a sand garden that, while giving the +cottage home the restful air that is a garden's first claim, has still +the distinct identity of the sand and sea!</p> + +<p>To begin, with one single exception, they have drawn upon the wild for +this garden, even as you are doing in the restoration of your knoll. +Back of the cottage a dozen yards is a sand ridge covering some fairly +good, though mongrel, loam, for here, as along most of the coasts of +sounds and bays, the sea, year by year, has bitten into the soil and at +the same time strewn it with sand. Considering this as the garden +boundary, a windbreak of good-sized bayberry bushes has been placed +there, not in a stiff line, but in blended groups, enclosing three +sides, these bays being taken from a thicket of them farther toward the +marshes.</p> + +<p>An alley from the back porch into this enclosure is bordered on either +side by bushes of beach plum, that, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span>when covered with feathery white +bloom in May, before the leaves appear, gives the sandy shore the only +orchard touch it knows. Of course the flowering period is over when the +usual shore season begins, though nowadays there is no off time—people +go to shore and country when they are moved; yet the beach plum is a +picturesque bush at any time, especially when, in September, it is +loaded with the red purple fruit. In the two spaces on either side the +alley the sand is filled with massed plants that, when a little more +time has been given them for stretching and anchoring their roots, will +straightway weave a flower mat upon the sand.</p> + +<p>Down beyond the next point, one day last autumn, Horace and Sylvia found +a plantation of our one New England cactus, the prickly pear (<i>Opuntia +opuntia</i>). We have it here and there in our rocky pasture; but in +greater heat and with better underfeeding it seemed a bit of a tropical +plain dropped on the eastern coast. Do you know the thing? The leaves +are shaped like the fans of a lobster's tail and sometimes are +several-jointed, smooth except for occasional tufts of very treacherous +spikes, and of a peculiar semitranslucent green; the half-double flowers +set on the leaf edges are three inches across and of a brilliant +sulphur-yellow, with tasselled stamens; the fruit is fleshy, somewhat +fig-shaped, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span>of a dark red when ripe—altogether a very decorative +plant, though extremely difficult to handle.</p> + +<p>After surveying the plantation on all sides, the tongs used by the +oyster dredges suggested themselves to Horace, and thus grasped, the +prickly pears were safely moved and pegged in their new quarters with +long pieces of bent wire, the giant equivalents of the useful hairpins +that I recommended for pegging down your ferns.</p> + +<p>Now the entire plot of several yards square, apparently untroubled by +the removal, is in full bloom, and has been for well-nigh a month, they +say, though the individual blossoms are but things of a day. Close by, +another yellow flower, smaller but more pickable, is just now waving, +the rock rose or frostweed, bearing two sorts of flowers: the +conspicuous yellow ones, somewhat resembling small evening primroses, +while all the ground between is covered with an humble member of the +rock rose family—the tufted beach heather with its intricate branches, +reminding one more of a club-moss than a true flowering plant. Not a +scrap of sand in the enclosure is left uncovered, and the various plants +are set closely, like the grasses and wild flowers of a meadow, the sand +pinweed that we gather, together with sea lavender, for winter bouquets +much resembling a flowering grass.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span></p><p>The rabbit-foot clover takes kindly to the sandy soil, and, as it +flowers from late May well into September, and holds its little furry +tails like autumn pussy-willows until freezing weather, makes a very +interesting sort of bed all by itself, and massed close to it, as if +recognizing the family relationship, is the little creeping bush clover +with its purplish flowers.</p> + +<p>Next, set thickly in a mass representing a stout bush, comes the fleshy +beach pea with rosy purple flowers. When it straggles along according to +its sweet will, it has a poor and weedy look, but massed so that the +somewhat difficult colour is concentrated, it is very decorative, and it +serves as a trellis for the trailing wild bean, a sand lover that has a +longer flowering season.</p> + +<p>A patch of a light lustrous purple, on closer view, proves to be a mass +of the feathered spikes of blazing star or colic-root, first cousin of +the gay-feather of the West, that sometimes grows six feet high and has +been welcomed to our gardens.</p> + +<p>On the opposite side of the beach-plum alley, the Bradfords have made +preparations for autumn glory, such as we always drive down to the marsh +lands from Oaklands not only to see but to gather and take home. Masses +of the fleshy tufted seaside goldenrod, now just beginning to throw up +its stout flowerstalks, flank a bed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span>of wild asters twenty feet across. +Here are gathered all the asters that either love or will tolerate dry +soil, a certain bid for their favour having been made by mixing several +barrels of stiff loam with the top sand, as an encouragement until the +roots find the hospitable mixture below.</p> + +<p>The late purple aster (<i>patens</i>) with its broad clasping leaves, the +smooth aster (<i>lævis</i>) with its violet-blue flowers, are making good +bushes and preparing for the pageant. Here is the stiff white-heath +aster, the familiar Michaelmas daisy, that is so completely covered with +snowy flowers that the foliage is obliterated, and proves its hold upon +the affections by its long string of names,—frostweed, white rosemary, +and farewell summer being among them,—and also the white-wreath aster, +with the flowers ranged garland-wise among the rigid leaves, and the +stiff little savory-leaved aster or sand starwort with pale violet rays. +Forming a broad, irregular border about the asters are stout dwarf +bushes of the common wild rose (<i>humilis</i>), that bears its deep pink +flowers in late spring and early summer and then wears large round hips +that change slowly from green to deep glowing red, in time to make a +frame of coral beads for the asters.</p> + +<p>Outside the hedge of bays, where a trodden pathway <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span>leads to the boat +landing, the weathered rocks, washed with soft tints blended of the +breath of sea mist and sunset rays, break through the sand. In the lee +of these, held in place by a line of stones, is a long, low bed of +large-flowered portulaca, borrowed from inland gardens, and yet so in +keeping with its surroundings as to seem a native flower of sea sands.</p> + +<p>The fleshy leaves at a little distance suggest the form of many plants +of brackish marsh and creek edges, and even the glasswort itself. When +the day is gray, the flowers furl close and disappear, as it were, but +when the sun beats full upon the sand, a myriad upraised fleshy little +arms stretch out, each holding a coloured bowl to catch the sunbeams, as +if the heat made molten the sand of quartz and turned it into pottery in +tints of rose, yellow, amber, scarlet, and carnation striped. It was a +bold experiment, this garden in the sand, but already it is making good.</p> + +<p>Then, too, what a refreshment to the eyes is it, when the unbroken +expanse of sky and sea before the house tires, to turn them landward +over the piece of flowers toward the cool green marshes ribboned with +the pale pink camphor-scented fleabane, the almost intangible sea +lavender, the great rose mallows and cat-tail flags of the wet ground, +the false indigo that, in the distance, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span>reminds one of the broom of +Scottish hills, the orange-fringed orchis, pink sabbatia, purple +maritime gerardia, milkwort, the groundsel tree, that covers itself with +feathers in autumn, until, far away beyond the upland meadows, the +silver birches stand as outposts to the cool oak woods, in whose shade +the splendid yellow gerardia, or downy false foxglove, nourishes. Truly, +while the land garden excels in length of season and profusion, the +gardens of the sea appeal to the lighter fancies and add the charmed +spice of variety to out-of-door life.</p> + +<p>One of the most interesting features of this cottage and its +surroundings is the further transplanting of Martin Cortright from his +city haunts. At Meadow's End, though he works in the garden in a +dilettante sort of way with Lavinia, takes long walks with father, and +occasionally ventures out for a day's fishing with either or both of my +men, he is still the bookworm who dives into his library upon every +opportunity and has never yet adapted his spine comfortably to the +curves of a hammock! In short he seems to love flowers +historically—more for the sake of those in the past who have loved and +written of them than for their own sake.</p> + +<p>But here, even as I began to write to you, Mary Penrose, entrenched in a +nook among the steep rocks <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span>between the cottage and the sea, a figure +coming up the sand bar, that runs northward and at low water shows a +smooth stretch a mile in length, caught my eye. Laboriously but +persistently it came along; next I saw by the legs that it was a man, a +moment later that he was lugging a large basket and that a potato fork +protruded from under one arm, and finally that it was none other than +Martin Cortright, who had been hoeing diligently in the sand and mud for +a couple of hours, that his guests might have the most delectable of all +suppers,—steamed clams, fresh from the water, the condition alone under +which they may be eaten <i>sans peur et sans reproche</i>!</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span></p> +<h2>XII</h2> + +<h3>THE TRANSPLANTING OF EVERGREENS</h3> + + +<p class='center'>(Mary Penrose to Barbara Campbell)</p> + +<p><i>Woodridge, August 8.</i> Back again in our camp, we thought to pause +awhile, rest on our oars, and drift comfortably with the gentle summer +tide of things. We have transplanted all the ferns and wild herbs for +which we have room, and as a matter of course trees and shrubs must wait +until they have shed their leaves in October. That is, all the trees +that <i>do</i> shed. The exceptions are the evergreens, of which the river +woods contain any number in the shape of hemlocks, spruces, and young +white pines, the offspring, I take it, of a plantation back of the +Windom farm, for we have not found them anywhere else.</p> + +<p>The best authorities upon the subject of evergreens say that trees of +small size should be transplanted either in April, before they have +begun to put on their dressy spring plumes, or, if the season be not too +hot and dry, or the distance considerable, in August, after this growth +has matured, time thus being <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span>given for them to become settled in the +ground before winter.</p> + +<p>We weighed the matter well. The <i>pros</i> in favour of spring planting lay +in the fact that rain is very likely to be plentiful in April, and given +but half a chance, everything grows best in spring; the <i>cons</i> being +that the spring rush is usually overpowering, that in a late season the +frost would not be fairly out of the knoll and ground by the fence, +where we need a windbreak, before garden planting time, and that during +the winter clearing that will take place in the river valley, leaf fires +may be started by the workmen that will run up the banks and menace our +treasure-trove of evergreens.</p> + +<p>The <i>pros</i> for August consisted mainly of the pith of a proverb and a +bit of mad Ophelia's sanity: "There is no time like the present" and "We +know what we are, but know not what we may be!"</p> + +<p>At present we have a good horse, Larry, and plenty of time, the <i>con</i> +being, suppose we have a dry, hot autumn. The fact that we have a new +water-barrel on wheels and several long-necked water-pots is only a +partial solution of the difficulty, for the nearest well is an +old-fashioned arrangement with a sweep, located above the bank wall at +Opal Farm. This well is an <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span>extremely picturesque object in the +landscape, but as a water-producer as inadequate as the shaving-mug with +which the nervous gentleman, disturbed at his morning task, rushed out +to aid in extinguishing a fire!</p> + +<p>Various predictions as to the weather for the month have been lavished +upon us, the first week having produced but one passing shower. Amos +Opie foresees a muggy, rainless period. Larry declares for much rain, as +it rained at new moon and again at first quarter; but, as he says, as if +to release himself from responsibility, "That's the way we read it in +Oireland, but maybe, as this is t'other side of the warld, it's all the +other way round wid rain!" Barney was noncommittal, but then his +temperament is of the kind that usually regrets whatever is.</p> + +<p>For three or four days we remained undecided, and then <i>The Man from +Everywhere</i> brought about a swift decision for August transplanting, by +the information that the general clearing of the woodlands would begin +November first, the time for fulfilling the contract having been +shortened by six months at the final settlement.</p> + +<p>We covet about fifty specimen pines and hemlocks for the knoll and fully +two hundred little hemlocks <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span>for the windbreaks, so we at once began the +work and are giving two days a week to the digging and transporting and +the other four to watering. That is, Bart and Larry are doing this; I am +looking on, making suggestions as to which side of a tree should be in +front, nipping off broken twigs, and doing other equally light and +pleasant trifles.</p> + +<p>Our system of transplanting is this: we have any number of old burlap +feed bags, which, having become frayed and past their usefulness, we +bought at the village store for a song. These Larry filled with the +soft, elastic moss that florists use, of which there is any quantity in +the low backwater meadows of the river. A good-sized tree (and we are +not moving any of more than four or five feet in height; larger ones, it +seems, are better moved in early winter with a ball of frozen earth) has +a bag to itself, the roots, with some earth, being enveloped in the +moss, the bag as securely bound about them as possible with heavy cord, +and the whole thing left to soak at the river edge while the next one is +being wrapped. Of the small hemlocks for the windbreak,—and we are +using none over two or three feet for this purpose, as we want to pinch +them in and make them stocky,—the roots of three or four will often go +into a bag.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span></p><p>When enough for a day's planting is thus collected, we go home, stack +them in the shade, and the next morning the resetting begins! The bags +are not opened until they are by the hole in which the trees are to be +placed, which, by the way, is always made and used after the directions +you gave us for rose planting; and I'm coming to agree with you that the +success in gardening lies more than half in the putting under ground, +and that the proper spreading and securing of roots in earth thoroughly +loosened to allow new roots to feel and find their way is one of the +secrets of what is usually termed "luck"!</p> + +<p>This may sound like a very easy way of acquiring trees, but it sometimes +takes an hour to loosen a sturdy pine of four feet. Of course a +relentless hand that stops at nothing, with a grub-axe and spade, could +do it in fifteen minutes, but the roots would be cut or bruised and the +pulling and tugging be so violent that not a bit of earth would cleave, +and thus the fatal drying process set in almost before the digging was +completed.</p> + +<p>Larry first loosens the soil all about the tree with a crowbar, +dislodging any binding surface stones in the meantime; then the roots +are followed to the end and secured entire when possible, a bit of +detec<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span>tive work more difficult than it sounds in a bank where forest +trees of old growth have knit roots with saplings for mutual protection.</p> + +<p>Setting-out day sees a procession of three water-carriers going Indian +file up one side of the knoll and down the other. Bart declares that by +the time his vacation is over he will be sufficiently trained to become +captain of the local fire company, which consists of an antique engine, +of about the capacity of one water-barrel, and a bucket brigade.</p> + +<p>This profuse use of water, upon the principle of imitation, has brought +about another demand for it on the premises. The state of particularly +clay-and-leaf-mouldy perspiration in which Bart finds himself these days +cries aloud for a shower-bath, nor is he or his boots and clothing in a +suitable condition for tramping through the house and turning the family +bath-tub into a trough wherein one would think flower-pots had been +washed.</p> + +<p>With the aid of Amos Opie an oil-barrel has been trussed up like a +miniature windmill tank in the end of the camp barn, one end of which +rests on the ground, and being cellarless has an earth floor. Around the +supports of this tank is fastened an unbleached cotton curtain, and when +standing within and pulling a cord <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span>attached to an improvised spray, the +contents of the barrel descend upon Bart's person with hygienic +thoroughness, the only drawback being that twelve pails of water have to +be carried up the short ladder that leads from floor to barrel top each +time the shower is used. Bart, however, seems to enjoy the process +immensely, and Larry, by the way in which he lingers about the place and +grins, evidently has a secret desire to experiment with it himself.</p> + +<p>Larry has been a great comfort up to now, but we both have an undefined +idea that one of his periods of "rest" is approaching. He works with +feverish haste, alternating with times of sitting and looking at the +ground, that I fear bodes no good. He also seems to take a diabolic +pleasure in tormenting Amos Opie as regards the general make-up and +pedigree of his beloved hound David.</p> + +<p>David has human intelligence in a setting that it would be difficult to +classify for a dog-show; a melancholy bloodhound strain certainly +percolates thoroughly through him, and his long ears, dewlaps, and front +legs, tending to bow, separate him from the fox "'ounds" of Larry's +experience. To Amos Opie David is the only type of hound worthy of the +name; consequently there has been no little language upon <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span>the subject. +That is, Larry has done the talking, punctuated by contemptuous "huhs" +and sniffs from Amos, until day before yesterday. On this day David went +on a hunting trip extending from five o'clock in the afternoon until the +next morning, during which his voice, blending with two immature cries, +told that he was ranging miles of country in company with a pair of +thoroughbred fox-hound pups, owned by the postmaster, the training of +which Amos Opie was superintending, and owing to an attack of rheumatism +had delegated to David, whose reliability for this purpose could not be +overestimated according to his master's way of thinking. For a place in +some ways so near to civilization, the hills beyond the river woods +abound in fox holes, and David has conducted some good runs on his own +account, it seems; but this time alack! alack! he came limping slowly +home, footsore and bedraggled, followed by his pupils and bearing a huge +dead cat of the half-wild tribe that, born in a barn and having no +owner, takes to a prowling life in the woods.</p> + +<p>I cannot quite appreciate the enormity of the offence, but doubtless Dr. +Russell and your husband can, as they live in a fox-hunting country. It +seems that a rabbit would have been bad enough, something <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span>however, to +be condoned,—but not a cat! Instantly Amos fixed upon Larry as the +responsible cause of the calamity,—Larry, who is so soaked in a species +of folk-lore, blended of tradition, imagination, and high spirits that, +after hearing him talk, it is easy to believe that he deals in magic by +the aid of a black cat, and unfortunately the cat brought in by David +was of this colour!</p> + +<p>Then Amos spoke, for David's honour was as his own, and Larry heard a +pronounced Yankee's opinion, not only of all the inhabitants of the +Emerald Isle, but of one in particular! After freeing his mind, he +threatened to free his house of Larry as a lodger, this being +particularly unfortunate considering the near approach of one of that +gentleman's times of retirement.</p> + +<p>Last night I thought the sky had again cleared, for Amos discovered that +the postmaster did not suspect the cat episode, and as Larry had no +friends in the village through which it might leak out, the old man +seemed much relieved; also, Larry apparently is not a harbourer of +grievances. Within an hour, however, a second episode has further +strained the relationship of lodger and host, and it has snapped.</p> + +<p>Though still quite stiff in the joints, Amos came <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span>over this morning to +do some little tinkering in the barn camp, especially in strengthening +the stays of the shower-bath tank, when, as he was on his knees +fastening a brace to a post, in some inexplicable manner the string was +pulled and the contents of the entire barrel of cold well-water were +released, the first sprinkle so astonishing and bewildering poor Amos +that he remained where he was, and so received a complete drenching.</p> + +<p>Bart and Larry were up in the woods getting the day's load of hemlocks, +and I, hearing the spluttering and groans, went to Amos's rescue as well +as I could, and together with Maria Maxwell got him to the kitchen, +where hot tea and dry clothes should have completely revived him in +spite of age. As, however, to-day, it seems, is the anniversary of a +famous illness he acquired back in '64, on his return from the Civil +War, the peculiarities of which he has not yet ceased proclaiming, he is +evidently determined to celebrate it forthwith, so he has taken to his +bed, groaning with a stitch in his side. The doctor has been telephoned, +and Maria Maxwell, as usual bursting with energy, which on this occasion +takes a form between that of a dutiful daughter and a genuine country +neighbour, has gone over to Opal Farm to tidy up a bit until <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span>the doctor +gives his decision and some native woman, agreeable to Amos's taste, can +be found to look after the interesting yet aggravating crank.</p> + +<p>But this is not all. Amos declines to allow Larry to lodge in the house +for another night, attributing the ducking to him, in spite of the fact +that he was at least six miles away. In this both Bart and I think Amos +right, for Larry's eye had a most inquiring expression on his return, +and I detected him slipping into the old barn at the first opportunity +to see if the tank was empty, while Bart says that he has been talking +to himself in a gleeful mood all the morning, and so he has decided +that, as Larry has worked long enough to justify it, he will buy him a +prepaid passage home to his daughter and see him off personally by +to-morrow's steamer. As Amos will have none of Larry, to send the man +into village lodgings would probably hasten his downfall. I did hope to +keep him until autumn, for he has taught me not a little gardening in a +genial and irresponsible sort of way, and the rose garden is laid out in +a manner that would do credit to a trained man, Larry having the rare +combination of seeing a straight line and yet being able to turn a +graceful curve. But even if Amos had been willing to allow him to sleep +over one of his attacks, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span>it would have been a dubious example for +Barney, and in spite of the comfort he has been I now fully realize the +limitations of so many of his race, at once witty, warm-hearted, +soothing, and impossible; it is difficult not to believe what they say, +even when you know they are lying, and this condition is equally +demoralizing both to master and man.</p> + +<p><i>August 11.</i> Anastasia wept behind her apron when Larry left, but Barney +assumed a cheerfulness and interest in his work that he has never shown +before. Bart says that in spite of a discrepancy of twenty-odd years he +thinks that Larry, by his fund of stories and really wonderful jig +dancing, was diverting Anastasia's thoughts, and the comfortable savings +attached, from Barney, who, though doubtless a sober man and far more +durable in many ways, is much less interesting an object for the daily +contemplation of an emotional Irishwoman.</p> + +<p>While Bart was in town yesterday seeing Larry started on his journey, +Maria and I, with the Infant tucked between in the buggy, went for an +outing under the gentle guidance of Romeo, who through constant practice +has become the most expert standing horse in the county. I'm only afraid +that his owners on their return may not appreciate this accomplish<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span>ment. +Being on what Maria calls "a hunt for antiques," we drove in the +direction of Newham village, which you know is away from railroads and +has any number of old-time farms. We were not looking for +spinning-wheels and andirons, but old-fashioned roses and peonies, +especially the early double deep crimson variety that looks like a great +Jack rose. We located a number of these in June and promised to return +for our plunder in due season. Last year I bought some peony roots in +August, and they throve so well, blooming this spring, that I think it +is the best time for moving them.</p> + +<p>In one of the houses where we bought pink-and-white peonies the woman +said she had a bed, as big as the barn-door, of "June" lilies, and that, +as they were going to build a hen-house next autumn on the spot where +they grew, she was going to lift some into one of her raised mounds (an +awful construction, being a cross between a gigantic dirt pie and a +grave), and said that I might have all the spare lily bulbs that I +wanted if I would give her what she termed a "hatching" of gladiolus +bulbs. Just at present the lilies have entirely disappeared, and nothing +but bare earth is visible, but I think from the description that they +must be the lovely Madonna lilies of grandmother's Virginia garden that +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span>made a procession from the tea-house quite down to the rose garden, +like a bevy of slender young girls in confirmation array. If so, they do +not take kindly to handling, and I have an indistinct remembrance of +some rather unusual time of year when it must be done if necessary.</p> + +<p>Please let me know about this, for I can be of little use in the moving +of the evergreens and I want something to potter about in the garden. +There are two places for a lily bed, but I am uncertain which is best +until I hear from you. Either will have to be thoroughly renovated in +the matter of soil, so that I am anxious to start upon the right basis. +One of these spots is in full sun, with a slope toward the orchard; in +the other the sun is cut off after one o'clock, though there are no +overhanging branches; there is also a third place, a squashy spot down +in the bend of the old wall.</p> + +<p>On our return, toward evening, we met <i>The Man from Everywhere</i> driving +down from the reservoir ground toward Opal Farm, a pink-cheeked young +fellow of about twenty sharing the road wagon with him. As he has again +been away for a few days, we drew up to exchange greetings and <i>The Man</i> +said, rather aside, "I'm almost sorry that Larry fell from the skies to +help out your gardening, for here is a young German <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span>who has come from a +distance, with a note from a man I know well, applying for work at the +quarry; but there will be nothing suitable for him there for several +months, for he's rather above the average. He would have done very well +for you, as, though he speaks little English, I make out that his father +was an under-forester in the fatherland. As it is, I'm taking him to the +farm with me for the night and will try to think of how I may help him +on in the morning."</p> + +<p>Instantly both Maria and I began to tell of Larry's defection in +different keys, the young man meanwhile keeping up a deferential and +most astonishing bowing and smiling.</p> + +<p>Having secured the seal of Bart's approval, Meyer has been engaged, and +after to-day we must accustom our ears to a change from Larry's rich +brogue to the juicy explosiveness of German; and worse yet, I must rack +my brains for the mostly forgotten dialect of the schoolroom language +that is learned with such pain and so quickly forgotten.</p> + +<p>I'm wondering very much about <i>The Man's</i> sudden return to Opal Farm and +if it will interfere with Maria Maxwell's daily care of Amos Opie; for, +as it turns out, he is really ill, the chill resulting from Larry's +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span>prank having been the final straw, and no suitable woman having been +found, who has volunteered to tend the old man in the emergency, but +Maria! That is, to the extent of taking him food and giving him +medicines, for though in pain he is able to sit in an easy-chair. Maria +certainly is capable, but so stupid about <i>The Man</i>. However, as the +farm-house is now arranged as two dwellings, with the connecting door +opening in the back hall and usually kept locked on Amos's side, she +cannot possibly feel that she is putting herself in <i>The Man's</i> way!</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span></p> +<h2>XIII</h2> + +<h3>LILIES AND THEIR WHIMS</h3> + + +<p class='center'>(Barbara Campbell to Mary Penrose)</p> + +<p><i>Oaklands, August 18.</i> As a suitable text for this chronicle, as well as +an unanswerable argument for its carrying out, combined with a sort of +premium, I'm sending you to-day, freight paid, a barrel of +lily-of-the-valley roots, all vigorous and with many next year's +flowering pips attached.</p> + +<p>No,—I hear your decorous protest,—I have not robbed myself, neither am +I giving up the growing of this most exquisite of spring flowers, whose +fragrance penetrates the innermost fastnesses of the memory, yet is +never obtrusive. Simply my long border was full to overflowing and last +season some of the lily bells were growing smaller. When this happens, +as it does every half a dozen years, I dig two eight-inch trenches down +the bed's entire length, and taking out the matted roots, fill the gap +with rich soil, adding the plants thus dispossessed to my purse of +garden wampum, which this time falls into your lap entire.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span> Of the +treatment of the little flower, that is erroneously supposed to feast +only upon leaf-mould in the deep shade, you shall hear later.</p> + +<p>By all means begin your lily bed now, for the one season at which the +Madonna lily resents removal the least is during the August resting +time. Then, if you lift her gently while she sleeps, do not let the cool +earth breath that surrounds her dry away, and bed her suitably, she will +awaken and in a month put forth a leafy crown of promise to be fulfilled +next June. Madonna does not like the shifting and lifting that falls to +the lot of so many garden bulbs owing to the modern requirements that +make a single flower bed often a thing of three seasonal changes. Many +bulbs, many moods and whims. Hyacinths and early tulips blossom their +best the first spring after their autumn planting (always supposing that +the bob-tailed meadow-mice, who travel in the mole tunnels, thereby +giving them a bad reputation, have not feasted on the tender heart buds +in the interval).</p> + +<p>The auratum lily of the gorgeous gold-banded and ruby-studded flower +exults smilingly for a season or two and then degenerates sadly.</p> + +<p>Madonna, if she be healthy on her coming, and is given healthy soil free +from hot taint of manure, will <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span>live with you for years and love you and +give you every season increasing yield of silver-white-crowned stalks, +at the very time that you need them to blend with your royal blue +delphiniums. But this will be only if you obey the warning of "hands and +spade off."</p> + +<p>The three species of the well-known recurved Japan lily—<i>speciosum +roseum</i>, <i>s. rubrum</i>, and <i>s. album</i>—have the same love of permanence; +likewise the lily-of-the-valley and all the tribe of border narcissi and +daffodils; so if you wish to keep them at their best, you must not only +give them bits of ground all of their own, but study their individual +needs and idiosyncrasies.</p> + +<p>Lilies as a comprehensive term,—the Biblical grass of the field,—as +far as concerns a novice or the Garden, You, and I, may be made to cover +the typical lilies themselves, tulips, narcissi (which are of the +amaryllis flock), and lilies-of-the-valley, a tribe by itself. You will +wish to include all of them in your garden, but you must limit yourself +to the least whimsical varieties on account of your purse, the labor +entailed, and the climate.</p> + +<p>Of the pieces of ground that you describe, take that in partial shade +for your Madonna lilies and their kin, and that in the open sun for your +lilies-of-the-<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span>valley, while I would keep an earth border free from +silver birches, on the sunny side of your tumble-down stone-wall +rockery, for late tulips and narcissi; and grape hyacinths, scillas, +trilliums, the various Solomon's seals, bellworts, etc., can be +introduced in earth pockets between the rocks if, in case of the +deeper-rooted kinds, connection be had with the earth below.</p> + +<p>It is much more satisfactory to plant spring bulbs in this way,—in +groups, or irregular lines and masses, where they may bloom according to +their own sweet will, and when they vanish for the summer rest, scatter +a little portulaca or sweet alyssum seed upon the soil to prevent too +great bareness,—than to set them in formal beds, from which they must +either be removed when their blooming time is past, or else one runs the +risk of spoiling them by planting deep-rooted plants among them.</p> + +<p>The piece of sunny ground in the angled dip of the old wall, which you +call "decidedly squashy," interests me greatly, for it seems the very +place for Iris of the Japanese type,—lilies that are not lilies in the +exact sense, except by virtue of being built on the rule of three and +having grasslike or parallel-veined leaves. But these closely allied +plant families and their differ<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span>ences are a complex subject that we need +not discuss, the whole matter being something akin to one of the dear +old Punch stories that adorn Evan's patriotic scrap-book.</p> + +<p>A railway porter, puzzled as in what class of freight an immense +tortoise shall be placed, as dogs are the only recognized standard, +pauses, gazing at it as he scratches his head, and mutters, "Cats is +dogs and rabbits is dogs, but this 'ere hanimal's a hinsect!" The Iris +may be, in this respect, a "hinsect," but we will reckon it in with the +lilies.</p> + +<p>The culture of this Japan Iris is very simple and well worth while, for +the species comes into bloom in late June and early July, when the +German and other kinds are through. I should dig the wet soil from the +spot of which you speak, for all muck is not good for this Iris, and +after mixing it with some good loam and well-rotted cow manure replace +it and plant the clumps of Iris two feet apart, for they will spread +wonderfully. In late autumn they should have a top dressing of manure +and a covering of corn stalks, but, mind, water must not stand on your +Iris bed in winter; treating them as hardy plants does not warrant their +being plunged into water ice. It is almost impossible, however, to give +them too much water in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span> June and July, when the great flowers of rainbow +hues, spreading to a size that covers two open hands, cry for drink to +sustain the exhaustion of their marvellous growth. So if your "squashy +spot" is made so by spring rains, all is well; if not, it must be +drained in some easy way, like running a length of clay pipe beneath, so +that the overplus of water will flow off when the Iris growth cannot +absorb it.</p> + +<p>Ah me! the very mention of this flower calls up endless visions of +beauty. Iris—the flower of mythology, history, and one might almost say +science as well, since its outline points to the north on the face of +the mariner's compass; the flower that in the dawn of recorded beauty +antedates the rose, the fragments of the scattered rainbow of creation +that rests upon the garden, not for a single hour or day or week, but +for a long season. The early bulbous <i>Iris histriodes</i> begins the season +in March, and the Persian Iris follows in April. In May comes the sturdy +German Iris of old gardens, of few species but every one worthy, and to +be relied upon in mass of bloom and sturdy leafage to rival even the +peony in decorative effect. Next the meadows are ribboned by our own +blue flags; and the English Iris follows and in June and July meets the +sumptuous Iris of Japan at its <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span>blooming season, for there seems to be +no country so poor as to be without an Iris.</p> + +<p>There are joyous flowers of gold and royal blue, the Flower de Luce +(Flower of Louis) of regal France, and sombre flowers draped in deep +green and black and dusky purple, "The widow" (<i>Iris tuberosa</i>) and the +Chalcedonian Iris (<i>Iris Susiana</i>), taking its name from the Persian +Susa. <i>Iris Florentina</i> by its powdered root yields the delicate violet +perfume orris, a corruption doubtless of Iris.</p> + +<p>Many forms of root as well as blossom has the Iris, tuberous, bulbous, +fibrous, and if the rose may have a garden to itself, why may not the +Iris in combination with its sister lilies have one also? And when my +eyes rest upon a bed of these flowers or upon a single blossom, I long +to be a poet.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>Now to begin: will your shady place yield you a bed four feet in width +by at least twenty in length? If so, set Barney to work with pick and +spade. The top, I take it, is old turf not good enough to use for +edging, so after removing this have it broken into bits and put in a +heap by itself. When the earth beneath is loosened, examine it +carefully. If it is good old mellow loam without the pale yellow colour +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span>that denotes the sterile, undigested soil unworked by roots or +earthworms, have it taken out to eighteen inches in depth and shovelled +to one side. When the bad soil is reached, which will be soon, have it +removed so that the pit will be three feet below the level.</p> + +<p>Next, let Barney collect any old broken bits of flower-pots, cobbles, or +small stones of any kind, and fill up the hole for a foot, and let the +broken turf come on top of this. If possible, beg or buy of Amos Opie a +couple of good loads of the soil from the meadow bottom where the red +bell-lilies grow, and mix this with the good loam, together with a +scattering of bone, before replacing it. The bed should not only be +full, but well rounded. Grade it nicely with a rake and wait a week or +until rain has settled it before planting. When setting these lilies, +let there be six inches of soil above the bulb, and sprinkle the hole +into which it goes with fresh-water sand mixed with powdered sulphur.</p> + +<p>This bed will be quite large enough for a beginning and will allow you +four rows of twenty bulbs in a row, with room for them to spread +naturally into a close mass, if so desired. Or better yet, do not put +them in stiff rows, but in groups, alternating the early-flowering with +the late varieties. A row of German Iris at the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span>back of this bed will +give solidity and the sturdy foliage make an excellent windbreak in the +blooming season. If your friendly woman in the back country will give +you two dozen of the Madonna lily bulbs, group them in fours, leaving a +short stake in the middle of each group that you may know its exact +location, for the other lilies you cannot obtain before October, unless +you chance to find them in the garden of some near-by florist or friend. +These are—</p> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Lilium speciosum album</i>—white recurved.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Lilium speciosum rubrum</i>—spotted with ruby-red.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Lilium speciosum roseum</i>—spotted with rose-pink.</span><br /> +</p> + +<p>All three flower in August and September, <i>rubrum</i> being the latest, and +barring accidents increase in size and beauty with each year.</p> + +<p>In spite of the fact of their fickleness, I would buy a dozen or two of +the auratum lilies, for even if they last but for a single year, they +are so splendid that we can almost afford to treat them as a fleeting +spectacle. As the <i>speciosum</i> lilies (I wish some one would give them a +more gracious name—we call them curved-shell lilies here among +ourselves) do not finish flowering sometimes until late in September, +the bulbs are not ripe in time to be sold through the stores, until +there is danger of the ground being frozen at night.</p> + +<p><a name="illus-270" id="illus-270"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/illus-270.jpg" alt="Speciosum Lilies in the Shade." title="Speciosum Lilies in the Shade." /></div> +<h4><span class="smcap">Speciosum Lilies in the Shade.</span></h4> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span></p><p>On the other hand, if purchased in spring, unless the bulbs have been +wintered with the greatest care in damp, not wet, peat moss, or sand, +they become so withered that their vitality is seriously impaired. There +are several dealers who make a specialty of thus wintering lily +bulbs,<a name="FNanchor_A_1" id="FNanchor_A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_1" class="fnanchor">[A]</a> and if you buy from one of these, I advise spring planting.</p> + +<p>If, however, for any reason you wish to finish your bed this fall, after +planting and covering each bulb, press a four or five inch flower-pot +lightly into the soil above it. This will act as a partial watershed to +keep the drip of rain or snow water from settling in the crown of the +bulb and decaying the bud. Or if you have plenty of old boards about the +place, they may be put on the bed and slightly raised in the centre, +like a pitched roof, so as to form a more complete watershed, and the +winter covering of leaves, salt, hay, or litter, free of manure, can be +built upon this. Crocuses, snowdrops, and scillas make a charming border +for a lily bed and may be also put between the lilies themselves to lend +colour early in the season.</p> + +<p>To cover your bed thoroughly, so that it will keep out cold and damp and +not shut it in, is a <i>must be</i> of successful lily culture. Have you ever +tried to grow <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span>our hardiest native lilies like the red-wood, Turk's cap, +and Canada bell-lily in an open border where the porous earth, filled by +ice crystal, was raised by the frost to the consistency of bread sponge? +I did this not many years ago and the poor dears looked pinched and +woebegone and wholly unlike their sturdy sisters of meadow and upland +wood edges. Afterward, in trying to dig some of these lilies from their +native soil, I discovered why they were uncomfortable in the open +borders; the Garden, You, and I would have to work mighty hard to find a +winter blanket for the lily bed to match the turf of wild grasses +sometimes half a century old.</p> + +<p>Many other beautiful and possible lilies there are besides these four, +but these are to be taken as first steps in lily lore, as it were; for +to make anything like a general collection of this flower is a matter of +more serious expense and difficulty than to collect roses, owing to the +frailness of the material and the different climatic conditions under +which the rarer species, especially those from India and the sea +islands, originated; but given anything Japanese and a certain +cosmopolitan intelligence seems bred in it that carries a reasonable +hope of success under new conditions.</p> + +<p>We have half a dozen species of beautiful native <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span>lilies, but like some +of our most exquisite ferns they depend much for their attractiveness +upon the setting their natural haunts offer, and I do not like to see +them caged, as it were, within strict garden boundaries.</p> + +<p>The red wood-lily should be met among the great brakes of a sandy wood +edge, where white leafless wands of its cousin, star-grass, or colic +root, wave above it, and the tall late meadow-rue and white angelica +fringe the background.</p> + +<p>The Canada bell-lily needs the setting of meadow grasses to veil its +long, stiff stalks, while the Turk's-cap lily seems the most at home of +all in garden surroundings, but it only gains its greatest size in the +deep meadows, where, without being wet, there is a certain moisture +beneath the deep old turf, and this turf itself not only keeps out +frost, but moderates the sun's rays in their transit to the ground.</p> + +<p>Two lilies there are that, escaping from gardens, in many places have +become half wild—the brick-red, black-spotted tiger lily with recurved +flowerets, after the shape of the Japanese <i>roseum</i>, <i>rubrum</i>, and +<i>album</i>, being also a native of Japan and China, and the tawny orange +day lily, that is found in masses about old cellars and waysides, with +its tubular flowers, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span>held on leafless stems, springing from a matted +bed of leaves. This day lily (<i>hemerocallis fulva</i>) is sister to the +familiar and showy lemon lily of old gardens (<i>hemerocallis flava</i>). If +you have plenty of room by your wall, I should lodge a few good bunches +by it when you find some in a location where digging is possible. It is +a decorative flower, but hardly worthy of good garden soil. The same may +be said of the tiger lily, on account of the very inharmonious shade of +red it wears; yet if you have a half-wild nook, somewhere that a dozen +bulbs of it may be tucked in company with a bunch of the common tall +white phlox that flowers at the same time, you will have a bit of colour +that will care for itself.</p> + +<p>The lemon lily should have a place in the hardy border well toward the +front row and be given enough room to spread into a comfortable circle +after the manner of the white plantain lily (<i>Funkia subcordata</i>). This +last lily, another of Japan's contributions to the hardy garden, blooms +from August until frost and unlike most of the lily tribe is pleased if +well-rotted manure is deeply dug into its resting-place.</p> + +<p>As with humanity the high and lowly born are subject to the same +diseases, so is it with the lily tribe, and because you choose the +sturdiest and consequently <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span>least expensive species for your garden, do +not think that you may relax your vigilance.</p> + +<p>There is a form of fungous mould that attacks the bulbs of lilies +without rhyme or reason and is the insidious tuberculosis of the race. +<i>Botrytis cinerea</i> is its name and it seizes upon stalk and leaves in +the form of spots that are at first yellow and then deepen in colour, +until finally, having sapped the vitality of the plant, it succumbs.</p> + +<p>Cold, damp, insufficient protection in winter, all serve to render the +lily liable to its attacks, but the general opinion among the wise is +that the universal overstimulation of lilies by fertilizers during late +years, especially of the white lilies used for church and other +decorative purposes, has undermined the racial constitution and made it +prone to attacks of the enemy. Therefore, if you please, Mary Penrose, +sweet soil, sulphur, sand, and good winter covering, if you would not +have your lily bed a consumptives' hospital!</p> + +<p>Some lilies are also susceptible to sunstroke. When growing in the full +light and heat of the sun, and the buds are ready to open, suddenly the +flowers, leaves, and entire stalk will wither, as when in spring a tulip +collapses and we find that a meadow-mouse has nipped <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span>it in the core. +But with the lily the blight comes from above, and the only remedy is to +plant in half shade.</p> + +<p>On the other hand the whims of the flower require that this be done +carefully, for if the scorching sun is an evil, a soaking, sopping rain, +coming at the height of the blooming season and dripping from +overhanging boughs, is equally so. The gold-and-copper pollen turns to +rusty tears that mar the petals of satin ivory or inlaid enamel, and a +sickly transparency that bodes death comes to the crisp, translucent +flower!</p> + +<p>"What a pother for a bed of flowers!" I hear you say, "draining, +subsoiling, sulphuring, sanding, covering, humouring, and then sunstroke +or consumption at the end!" So be it, but when success does come, it is +something worth while, for to be successful with these lilies is "aiming +the star" in garden experience.</p> + +<p>The plantain lilies and hemerocallis seem free from all of these whims +and diseases, but it is when we come to the lily-of-the-valley that we +have the compensation for our tribulations with the royal lilies of pure +blood.</p> + +<p>The lily-of-the-valley asks deep, very rich soil in the open sun; if a +wall or hedge protects it from the north, so much the better. I do not +know why people <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span>preach dense shade for this flower; possibly because +they prefer leaves to flowers, or else that they are of the sheeplike +followers of tradition instead of practical gardeners of personal +experience. One thing grows to perfection in the garden of this +commuter's wife, and that is lilies-of-the-valley, and shade knows them +not between eight in the morning and five at night, and we pick and pick +steadily for two weeks, for as the main bed gives out, there are strips +here and there in cooler locations that retard the early growth, but +never any overhanging branches.</p> + +<p>In starting a wholly new bed, as you are doing, it is best to separate +the tangled roots into small bunches, seeing to it that a few buds or +"pips" remain with each, and plant in long rows a foot apart, three rows +to a four-foot bed. Be sure to bury a well-tarred plank a foot in width +edgewise at the outer side of the bed, unless you wish, in a couple of +years' time, to have this enterprising flower walk out and about the +surrounding garden and take it for its own. Be sure to press the roots +in thoroughly and cover with three inches of soil.</p> + +<p>In December cover the bed with rotten <i>cow</i> manure for several inches +and rake off the coarser part in April, taking care not to break the +pointed "pips" that will <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span>be starting, and you will have a forest of +cool green leaves and such flowers as it takes much money to buy. Not +the first season, of course, but after that—forever, if you thin out +and fertilize properly.</p> + +<p>In the back part of your lily-of-the-valley bed plant two or three rows +of the lovely poets' narcissus (<i>poeticus</i>). It opens its white flowers +of the "pheasant's eye" cup at the same time as the lilies bloom, it +grows sufficiently tall to make a good upward gradation, and it likes to +be let severely alone. But do not forget in covering in the fall to put +leaves over the narcissi instead of manure. Of other daffodils and +narcissi that I have found very satisfactory, besides the good mixtures +offered by reliable houses at only a dollar or a dollar and a quarter a +hundred (the poets' narcissi only costing eighty cents a hundred for +good bulbs), are Trumpet Major, Incomparabilis, the old-fashioned +"daffy," and the monster yellow trumpet narcissus, Van Sion.</p> + +<p>The polyanthus narcissi, carrying their many flowers in heads at the top +of the stalk, are what is termed half hardy and they are more frequently +seen in florists' windows than in gardens. I have found them hardy if +planted in a sheltered spot, covered with slanted boards and leaves, +which should not be removed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span>before April, as the spring rain and +winds, I am convinced, do more to kill the species than winter cold. The +flowers are heavily fragrant, like gardenias, and are almost too sweet +for the house; but they, together with violets, give the garden the +opulence of odour before the lilacs are open, or the heliotropes that +are to be perfumers-in-chief in summer have graduated from thumb pots in +the forcing houses.</p> + +<p><a name="illus-278" id="illus-278"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/illus-278.jpg" alt="The Poet's Narcissus." title="The Poet's Narcissus." /></div> +<h4><span class="smcap">The Poet's Narcissus.</span></h4> + +<p>Unless one has a large garden and a gardener who can plant and tend +parterres of spring colour, I do not set much value upon outdoor +hyacinths; they must be lifted each year and often replaced, as the +large bulbs soon divide into several smaller ones with the flowers +proportionately diminished. To me their mission is, to be grown in pots, +shallow pans, or glasses on the window ledge, for winter and spring +comforters, and I use the early tulips much in the same way, except for +a cheerful line of them, planted about the foundation of the house, that +when in bloom seems literally to lift home upon the spring wings of +resurrection!</p> + +<p>All my tulip enthusiasm is centred in the late varieties, and chief +among these come the fascinating and fantastic "parrots."</p> + +<p>When next I have my garden savings-bank well filled, I am going to make +a collection of these tulips <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span>and guard them in a bed underlaid with +stout-meshed wire netting, so that no mole may leave a tunnel for the +wicked tulip-eating meadow-mouse.</p> + +<p>It is these late May-flowering tulips of long stalks, like wands of tall +perennials, that you can gather in your arms and arrange in your largest +jars with a sense at once combined of luxury and artistic joy.</p> + +<p>Better begin as I did by buying them in mixture; the species you must +choose are the bizarre, bybloems, parrots, breeders, Darwin tulips, and +the rose and white, together with a general mixture of late singles. +Five dollars will buy you fifty of each of the seven kinds, three +hundred and fifty bulbs all told and enough for a fine display. The +Darwin tulips yield beautiful shades of violet, carmine, scarlet, and +brown; the bizarres, many curious effects in stripes and flakes; the +rose and white, delicate frettings and margins of pink on a white +ground; but the parrots have petals fringed, twisted, beaked, poised +curiously upon the stalks, splashed with reds, yellows, and green, and +to come suddenly upon a mass of them in the garden is to think for a +brief moment that a group of unknown birds blown from the tropics in a +forced migration have alighted for rest upon the bending tulip stalks.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTE:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_A_1" id="Footnote_A_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_A_1"><span class="label">[A]</span></a> F.H. Horsford of Charlotte, Vt., is very reliable in this matter.</p></div> +</div> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span></p> +<h2>XIV</h2> + +<h3>FRAGRANT FLOWERS AND LEAVES</h3> + + +<p class='center'>(Mary Penrose to Barbara Campbell)</p> + +<p><i>Woodridge, August 26.</i> The heliotrope is in the perfection of bloom and +seems to draw perfume from the intense heat of the August days only to +release it again as the sun sets, while as long as daylight lasts +butterflies of all sizes, shapes, and colours are fluttering about the +flowers until the bed is like the transformation scene of a veritable +dance of fairies!</p> + +<p>Possibly you did not know that I have a heliotrope bed planted at the +very last moment. I had never before seen a great mass of heliotrope +growing all by itself until I visited your garden, and ever since I have +wondered why more people have not discovered it. I think that I wrote +you anent <i>hens</i> that the ancient fowl-house of the place had been at +the point where there was a gap in the old wall below the knoll, and +that the wind swept up through it from the river, across the Opal Farm +meadows, and into the windows of the dining room? The most impossible +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span>place for a fowl-house, but exactly the location, as <i>The Man from +Everywhere</i> suggested, for a bed of sweet odours.</p> + +<p>I expected to do nothing with it this season until one day Larry, the +departed, in a desire to use some of the domestic guano with which the +rough cellar of the old building was filled, carted away part of it, and +supplying its place with loam, dug over and straightened out the +irregular space, which is quite six feet wide by thirty long.</p> + +<p>The same day, on going to a near-by florist's for celery plants, I found +that he had a quantity of little heliotropes in excess of his needs, +that had remained unpotted in the sand of the cutting house, where they +had spindled into sickly-looking weeds. In a moment of the horticultural +gambling that will seize one, I offered him a dollar for the lot, which +he accepted readily, for it was the last of June and the poor things +would probably have been thrown out in a day or two.</p> + +<p>I took them home and spent a whole morning in separating and cutting off +the spindling tops to an even length of six inches. Literally there +seemed to be no end to the plants, and when I counted them I found that +I had nearly a hundred and fifty heliotropes, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span>which, after rejecting +the absolutely hopeless, gave me six rows for the bed.</p> + +<p>For several weeks my speculation in heliotropes was a subject of much +mirth between Bart and myself, and the place was anything but a bed of +sweet odours! The poor things lost the few leaves they had possessed and +really looked as if they had been haunted by the ghosts of all the +departed chickens that had gone from the fowl-house to the block. Then +we had some wet weather, followed by growing summer heat, and I did not +visit the bed for perhaps a week or more, when I rubbed my eyes and +pinched myself; for it was completely covered with a mass of vigorous +green, riotous in its profusion, here and there showing flower buds, and +ever since it is one of the places to which I go to feast my eyes and +nose when in need of garden encouragement! Another year I shall plant +the heliotrope in one of the short cross-walk borders of the old garden, +where we may also see it from the dining room, and use the larger bed +for the more hardy sweet things, as I shall probably never be able to +buy so many heliotrope plants again for so little money.</p> + +<p>Now also I have a definite plan for a large border of fragrant flowers +and leaves. I have been on a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span>journey, and, having spent three whole +days from home, I am able for once to tell you something instead of +endlessly stringing questions together.</p> + +<p>We also have been to the Cortrights' at Gray Rocks, and through a whiff +of salt air, a touch of friendly hands, much conversation, and a drive +to Coningsby (a village back from the shore peopled by the descendants +of seafarers who, having a little property, have turned mildly to +farming), we have received fresh inspiration.</p> + +<p>You did not overestimate the originality of the Cortrights' seaside +garden, and even after your intimate description, it contained several +surprises in the shape of masses of the milkweeds that flourish in sandy +soil, especially the dull pink, and the orange, about which the +brick-red monarch butterflies were hovering in great flocks. Neither did +you tell me of the thistles that flank the bayberry hedge. I never +realized what a thing of beauty a thistle might be when encouraged and +allowed room to develop. Some of the plants of the common deep purple +thistle, that one associates with the stunted growths of dusty +roadsides, stood full five feet high, each bush as clear cut and erect +as a candelabrum of fine metal work, while another group was composed of +a pale yellow <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span>species with a tinge of pink in the centre set in very +handsome silvery leaves. I had never before seen these yellow thistles, +but Lavinia Cortright says that they are very plentiful in the dry +ground back of the marshes, where the sand has been carried in drifts +both by wind and tide.</p> + +<p>The table and house decorations the day that we arrived were of thistles +blended with the deep yellow blossoms of the downy false foxglove or +Gerardia and the yellow false indigo that looks at a short distance like +a dwarf bush pea.</p> + +<p>We drove to Coningsby, as I supposed to see some gay little gardens, +fantastic to the verge of awfulness, that had caught Aunt Lavinia's eye. +In one the earth for the chief bed was contained in a surf-boat that had +become unseaworthy from age, and not only was it filled to the brim, but +vines of every description trailed over the sides.</p> + +<p>A neighbour opposite, probably a garden rival of the owner of the boat +but lacking aquatic furniture, had utilized a single-seated cutter +which, painted blue of the unmerciful shade that fights with everything +it approaches, was set on an especially green bit of side lawn, +surrounded by a heavy row of conch shells, and the box into which the +seat had been turned, as <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span>well as the bottom of the sleigh itself, was +filled with a jumble of magenta petunias and flame-coloured nasturtiums.</p> + +<p>After we had passed down a village street a quarter of a mile long, +bordered on either side by floral combinations of this description, the +sight began to pall, and I wondered how it was possible that any flowers +well watered and cared for could produce such a feeling of positive +aversion as well as eye-strained fatigue; also, if this was all that the +Cortrights had driven us many miles to see, when it was so much more +interesting to lounge on either of the porches of their own cottage, the +one commanding the sea and the other the sand garden, the low dunes, and +the marsh meadows.</p> + +<p>"It is only half a mile farther on," said Aunt Lavinia, quick to feel +that we were becoming bored, without our having apparently given any +sign to that effect.</p> + +<p>"It! What is <i>it</i>?" asked Bart, while I, without shame it is confessed, +having a ravenous appetite, through outdoor living, hoped that <i>it</i> was +some quaint and neat little inn that "refreshed travellers," as it was +expressed in old-time wording.</p> + +<p>"How singular!" ejaculated Aunt Lavinia; "I thought I told you last +night when we were in the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span>garden—well, it must have been in a dream +instead. <i>It</i> is the garden of Mrs. Marchant, wholly of fragrant things; +it is on the little cross-road, beyond that strip of woods up there," +and she waved toward a slight rise in the land that was regarded as a +hill of considerable importance in this flat country.</p> + +<p>"It does not contain merely a single bed of sweet odours like Barbara's +and mine, but is a garden an acre in extent, where everything admitted +has fragrance, either in flower or leaf. We chanced upon it quite by +accident, Martin and I, when driving ourselves down from Oaklands, +across country, as it were, to Gray Rocks, by keeping to shady lanes, +byways, and pent roads, where it was often necessary to take down bars +and sometimes verge on trespassing by going through farmyards in order +to continue our way.</p> + +<p>"After traversing a wood road of unusual beauty, where everything broken +and unsightly had been carefully removed that ferns and wild shrubs +might have full chance of life, we came suddenly upon a white picket +gate covered by an arched trellis, beyond which in the vista could be +seen a modest house of the real colonial time, set in the midst of a +garden.</p> + +<p>"At once we realized the fact that the lane was also <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span>a part of the +garden in that it was evidently the daily walk of some one who loved +nature, and we looked about for a way of retracing our steps. At the +same moment two female figures approached the gate from the other side. +At the distance at which we were I could only see that one was tall and +slender, was dressed all in pure white, and crowned by a mass of hair to +match, while the other woman was short and stocky, and the way in which +she opened the gate and held it back told that whatever her age might be +she was an attendant, though probably an intimate one.</p> + +<p>"In another moment they discovered us, and as Martin alighted from the +vehicle to apologize for our intrusion the tall figure immediately +retreated to the garden, so quickly and without apparent motion that we +were both startled, for the way of moving is peculiar to those whose +feet do not really tread the earth after the manner of their fellows; +and before we had quite recovered ourselves the stout woman had advanced +and we saw by the pleasant smile her round face wore that she was not +aggrieved at the intrusion but seemed pleased to meet human beings in +that out-of-the-way place rather than rabbits, many of which had +scampered away as we came down the lane.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span></p><p>"Martin explained our dilemma and asked if we might gain the highway +without retracing our steps. The woman hesitated a moment, and then +said, 'If you come through the gate and turn sharp to the right, you can +go out across the apple orchard by taking down a single set of bars, +only you'll have to lead your horse, sir, for the trees are set thick +and are heavy laden. I'd let you cross the bit of grass to the drive by +the back gate yonder but that it would grieve Mrs. Marchant to see the +turf so much as pressed with a wheel; she'd feel and know it somehow, +even if she didn't see it.'</p> + +<p>"'Mrs. Marchant! Not Mrs. Chester Marchant?' cried Martin, while the +far-away echo of something recalled by the name troubled the ears of my +memory.</p> + +<p>"'Yes, sir, the very same! Did you know Dr. Marchant, sir? The minute I +laid eyes on you two I thought you were of her kind!' replied the woman, +pointing backward over her shoulder and settling herself against the +shaft and side of Brown Tom, the horse, as if expecting and making ready +for a comfortable chat.</p> + +<p>"As she stood thus I could take a full look at her without +intrusiveness. Apparently well over sixty years old, and her face lines +telling of many troubles, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span>yet she had not a gray hair in her head and +her poise was of an independent landowner rather than an occupier of +another's home. I also saw at a glance that whatever her present +position might be, she had not been born in service, but was probably a +native of local importance, who, for some reason perfectly satisfactory +to herself, was 'accommodating.'</p> + +<p>"'Dr. Marchant, Dr. Russell, and I were college mates,' said Martin, +briefly, 'and after he and his son died so suddenly I was told that his +widow was mentally ill and that none could see her, and later that she +had died, or else the wording was so that I inferred as much,' and the +very recollection seemed to set Martin dreaming. And I did not wonder, +for there had never been a more brilliant and devoted couple than Abbie +and Chester Marchant, and I still remember the shock of it when word +came that both father and son had been killed by the same runaway +accident, though it was nearly twenty years ago.</p> + +<p>"'She was ill, sir, was Mrs. Marchant; too ill to see anybody. For a +long time she wouldn't believe that the accident had happened, and when +she really sensed it, she was as good as dead for nigh five years. One +day some of her people came to me—'twas the year after my own husband +died—and asked <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span>if I would take a lady and her nurse here to live with +me for the summer. They told me of her sickness and how she was always +talking of some cottage in a garden of sweet-smelling flowers where she +had lived one happy summer with her husband and her boy, and they placed +the house as mine.</p> + +<p>"'Her folks said the doctors thought if she could get back here for a +time that it might help her. Then I recollected that ten years before, +when I went up to Maine to visit my sister, I'd rented the place, just +as it stood, to folks of the name of Marchant, a fine couple that didn't +look beyond each other unless 'twas at their son. In past times my +grandmother had an old-country knack of raising healing herbs and all +sorts of sweet-smelling things, along with farm truck, so that folks +came from all about to buy them and doctors too, for such things weren't +sold so much in shops in those days as they are now, and so this place +came to be called the Herb Farm. After that it was sold off, little by +little, until the garden, wood lane, and orchard is about all that's +left.</p> + +<p>"'I was lonesome and liked the idea of company, and besides I was none +too well fixed; yet I dreaded a mournful widow that wasn't all there +anyway, according to what they said, but I thought I'd try. Well, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span>sir, +she come, and that first week I thought I'd never stand it, she talked +and wrung her hands so continual. But one day what do you think +happened? I chanced to pick a nosegay, not so much fine flowers perhaps +as good-smelling leaves and twigs, and put it in a little pitcher in her +room.</p> + +<p>"'It was like witchcraft the way it worked; the smell of those things +seemed to creep over her like some drugs might and she changed. She +stopped moaning and went out into the garden and touched all the posies +with her fingers, as if she was shaking hands, and all of a sudden it +seemed, by her talk, as if her dead were back with her again; and on +every other point she's been as clear and ladylike as possible ever +since, and from that day she cast off her black clothes as if wearing +'em was all through a mistake.</p> + +<p>"'The doctors say it's something to do with the 'sociation of smells, +for that season they spent in my cottage was the only vacation Dr. +Marchant had taken in years, and they say it was the happiest time in +her life, fussing about among my old-fashioned posies with him; and +somehow in her mind he's got fixed there among those posies, and every +year she plants more and more of them, and what friends of hers she +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span>ever speaks of she remembers by some flowers they wore or liked.</p> + +<p>"'Well, as it turned out, her trustees have bought my place out and +fixed it over, and here we live together, I may say, both fairly +content!</p> + +<p>"'Come in and see her, won't you? It'll do no harm. Cortright, did you +say your name was?' and before we could retreat, throwing Brown Tom's +loose check-rein across the pickets of the gate, she led us to where the +tall woman, dressed in pure white, stood under the trees, a look of +perfectly calm expectancy in the wonderful dark eyes that made such a +contrast to her coils of snow-white hair.</p> + +<p>"'Cortright! Martin Cortright, is it not?' she said immediately, as her +companion spoke the surname. 'And your wife? I had not heard that you +were married, but I remember you well, Lavinia Dorman, and your city +garden, and the musk-rose bush that ailed because of having too little +sun. Chester will be so sorry to miss you; he is seldom at home in the +mornings, for he takes long walks with our son. He is having the first +entire half year's vacation he has allowed himself since our marriage. +But you will always find him in the garden in the afternoon; he is so +fond of fragrant flowers, and he is making new <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span>studies of herbs and +such things, for he believes that in spite of some great discoveries it +will be proven that the old simples are the most enduring medicines.'</p> + +<p>"As she spoke she was leading the way, with that peculiar undulating +progress, like a cloud blown over the earth's surface, that I had +noticed at first. Then we came out from under the shade of the trees +into the garden enclosure and I saw borders and beds, but chiefly +borders, stretching and curving everywhere, screening all the fences, +approaching the house, and when almost there retreating in graceful +lines into the shelter of the trees. The growth had the luxuriance of a +jungle, and yet there was nothing weedy or awry about it, and as the +breeze blew toward us the combination of many odours, both pungent and +sweet, was almost overpowering.</p> + +<p>"'You very seldom wore a buttonhole flower, but when you did it was a +safrano bud or else a white jasmine,' Mrs. Marchant said, wheeling +suddenly and looking at Martin with a gaze that did not stop where he +stood, but went through and beyond him; 'it was Dr. Russell who always +wore a pink! See! I have both here!' and going up to a tea-rose bush, +grown to the size of a shrub and lightly fastened to the side of the +house, she gathered a few shell-like buds and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span>a moment later pulled +down a spray of the jasmine vine that festooned a window, as we see it +in England but never here, and carefully cut off a cluster of its white +stars by aid of a pair of the long, slender flower-picking scissors that +hung from her belt by a ribbon, twisted the stems together, and placed +them in Martin's buttonhole almost without touching it.</p> + +<p>"Having done this, she seemed to forget us and drifted away among the +flowers, touching some gently as she passed, snipping a dead leaf here +and arranging a misplaced branch there.</p> + +<p>"We left almost immediately, but have been there many times since, and +though as a whole the garden is too heavily fragrant, I thought that it +might suggest possibilities to you."</p> + +<p>As Aunt Lavinia paused we were turning from the main road into the +narrow but beautifully kept lane upon which the Herb Farm, as it was +still called, was located, by one of those strange freaks that sometimes +induces people to build in a strangely inaccessible spot, though quite +near civilization. I know that you must have come upon many such places +in your wanderings.</p> + +<p>Of course my curiosity was piqued, and I felt, besides, as if I was +about to step into the page of some <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span>strange psychological romance, nor +was I disappointed.</p> + +<p>The first thing that I saw when we entered was a great strip of +heliotrope that rivalled my own, and opposite it an equal mass of +silvery lavender crowned by its own flowers, of the colour that we so +frequently use as a term, but seldom correctly. There were no flagged or +gravel walks, but closely shorn grass paths, the width of a lawn-mower, +that followed the outline of the borders and made grateful footing.</p> + +<p>Bounding the heliotrope and lavender on one side was a large bed of what +I at first thought were Margaret carnations, of every colour combination +known to the flower, but a closer view showed that while those in the +centre were Margarets, those of the wide border were of a heavier +quality both in build of plant, texture of leaf, and flower, which was +like a compact greenhouse carnation, the edges of the petals being very +smooth and round, while in addition to many rich, solid colours there +were flowers of white-and-yellow ground, edged and striped and flaked +with colour, and the fragrance delicious and reminiscent of the clove +pinks of May.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Puffin, the companion, could tell us little about them except that +the seed from which they were <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span>raised came from England and that, as +she put it, they were fussy, troublesome things, as those sown one +season had to be lifted and wintered in the cold pit and get just so +much air every day, and be planted out in the border again in April. +Aunt Lavinia recognized them as the same border carnations over which +she had raved when she first saw them in the trim gardens of Hampton +Court. Can either you or Evan tell me more of them and why we do not see +them here? Before long I shall go garden mad, I fear; for after grooming +the place into a generally decorative and floriferous condition of +trees, shrubs, vines, ferns, etc., will come the hunger for specialties +that if completely satisfied will necessitate not only a rosary, a lily +and wild garden, a garden—rather than simply a bed—of sweet odours, +and lastly a garden wholly for the family of pinks or carnations, +whichever is the senior title. I never thought of these last except as a +garden incident until I saw their possibilities in Mrs. Marchant's space +of fragrant leaves and flowers.</p> + +<p><a name="illus-296" id="illus-296"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/illus-296.jpg" alt="A Bed of Japan Pinks." title="A Bed of Japan Pinks." /></div> +<h4><span class="smcap">A Bed of Japan Pinks.</span></h4> + +<p>The surrounding fences were entirely concealed by lilacs and syringas, +interspersed with gigantic bushes of the fragrant, brown-flowered +strawberry shrub; the four gates, two toward the road, one to the +barn-yard, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span>and one entering the wood lane, were arched high and covered +by vines of Wisteria, while similar arches seemed to bring certain beds +together that would have looked scattered and meaningless without them. +In fact next to the presence of fragrant things, the artistic use of +vines as draperies appealed to me most.</p> + +<p>The border following the fence was divided, back of the house, by a +vine-covered arbour, on the one side of which the medicinal herbs and +simples were massed; on the other what might be classed as decorative or +garden flowers, though some of the simples, such as tansy with its +clusters of golden buttons, must be counted decorative.</p> + +<p>The plants were never set in straight lines, but in irregular groups +that blended comfortably together. Mrs. Marchant was not feeling well, +Mrs. Puffin said, and could not come out, greatly to my disappointment; +but the latter was only too glad to do the honours, and the plant names +slipped from her tongue with the ease of long familiarity.</p> + +<p>This patch of low growth with small heads of purple flowers was +broad-leaved English thyme; that next, summer savory, used in cooking, +she said. Then followed common sage and its scarlet-flowered cousin +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</a></span>that we know as salvia; next came rue and rosemary, Ophelia's flower of +remembrance, with stiff leaves. Little known or grown, or rather +capricious and tender here, I take it, for I find plants of it offered +for sale in only one catalogue. Marigolds were here also, why I do not +know, as I should think they belonged with the more showy flowers; then +inconspicuous pennyroyal and several kinds of mints—spearmint, +peppermint, and some great plants of velvet-leaved catnip.</p> + +<p>Borage I saw for the first time, also coriander of the aromatic seeds, +and a companion of dill of vinegar fame; and strangely enough, in +rotation of Bible quotation, cumin and rue came next.</p> + +<p>Caraway and a feathery mass of fennel took me back to grandmother's +Virginia garden; balm and arnica, especially when I bruised a leaf of +the latter between my fingers, recalled the bottle from which I soothe +the Infant's childish bumps, the odour of it being also strongly +reminiscent of my own childhood.</p> + +<p>Angelica spoke of the sweet candied stalks, but when we reached a spot +of basil, Martin Cortright's tongue was loosed and he began to recite +from Keats; and all at once I seemed to see Isabella sitting among the +shadows holding between her knees the flower-pot from <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</a></span>which the +strangely nourished plant of basil grew as she watered it with her +tears.</p> + +<p>A hedge of tall sunflowers, from whose seeds, Mrs. Puffin said, a +soothing and nourishing cough syrup may be made, antedating cod-liver +oil, replaced the lilacs on this side, and with them blended boneset and +horehound; while in a springy spot back toward the barn-yard the long +leaves of sweet flag or calamus introduced a different class of foliage.</p> + +<p>On the garden side the border was broken every ten feet or so with great +shrubs of our lemon verbena, called lemon balm by Mrs. Puffin. It seemed +impossible that such large, heavily wooded plants could be lifted for +winter protection in the cellar, yet such Mrs. Puffin assured us was the +case. So I shall grow mine to this size if possible, for what one can do +may be accomplished by another,—that is the tonic of seeing other +gardens than one's own. Between the lemon verbenas were fragrant-leaved +geraniums of many flavours—rose, nutmeg, lemon, and one with a sharp +peppermint odour, also a skeleton-leaved variety; while a low-growing +plant with oval leaves and half-trailing habit and odd odour, Mrs. +Puffin called apple geranium, though it does not seem to favour the +family. Do you know it?</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</a></span></p><p>Bee balm in a blaze of scarlet made glowing colour amid so much green, +and strangely enough the bluish lavender of the taller-growing sister, +wild bergamot, seems to harmonize with it; while farther down the line +grew another member of this brave family of horsemints with almost pink, +irregular flowers of great beauty.</p> + +<p>Southernwood formed fernlike masses here and there; dwarf tansy made the +edging, together with the low, yellow-flowered musk, which Aunt Lavinia, +now quite up in such things, declared to be a "musk-scented mimulus!" +whatever that may be! Stocks, sweet sultan, and tall wands of evening +primrose graded this border up to another shrubbery.</p> + +<p>Of mignonette the garden boasts a half dozen species, running from one +not more than six inches in height with cinnamon-red flowers to a tall +variety with pointed flower spikes, something of the shape of the white +flowers of the clethra bush or wands of Culver's root that grow along +the fence at Opal Farm. It is not so fragrant as the common mignonette, +but would be most graceful to arrange with roses or sweet peas. Aunt +Lavinia says that she thinks that it is sold under the name of Miles +spiral mignonette.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</a></span></p><p>Close to the road, where the fence angle allows for a deep bed and the +lilacs grade from the tall white of the height of trees down to the +compact bushes of newer French varieties, lies the violet bed, now a +mass of green leaves only, but by these Aunt Lavinia's eye read them out +and found here the English sweet wild violet, as well as the deep purple +double garden variety, the tiny white scented that comes with +pussy-willows, the great single pansy violet of California, and the +violets grown from the Russian steppes that carpeted the ground under +your "mother tree."</p> + +<p>From this bed the lilies-of-the-valley start and follow the entire +length of the front fence, as you preach on the sunny side, the fence +itself being hidden by a drapery of straw-coloured and pink Chinese +honeysuckle that we called at home June honeysuckle, though this is +covered with flower sprays in late August, and must be therefore a sort +of monthly-minded hybrid, after the fashion of the hybrid tea-rose.</p> + +<p>If I were to tell of the tea-roses grown here, they would fill a +chronicle by itself, though only a few of the older kinds, such as +safrano, bon silene, and perle, are favourites. Mrs. Puffin says that +some of them, the great shrubs, are wintered out-of-doors, and others +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</a></span>are lifted, like the lemon balms, and kept in the dry, light cellar in +tubs.</p> + +<p>But oh! Mrs. Evan, you must go and see Mrs. Marchant's lilies! They are +growing as freely as weeds among the uncut grass, and blooming as +profusely as the bell-lilies in Opal Farm meadows! And all the spring +bulbs are also grown in this grass that lies between the shorn grass +paths, and in autumn when the tops are dead and gone it is carefully +burned over and the turf is all the winter covering they have.</p> + +<p>Does the grass look ragged and unsightly? No, because I think that it is +cut lightly with a scythe after the spring bulbs are gone and that the +patient woman, whose life the garden is, keeps the tallest seeded +grasses hand trimmed from between the lily stalks!</p> + +<p>Ah, but how that garden lingers with me, and the single glimpse I caught +of the deep dark eyes of its mistress as they looked out of a vine-clad +window toward the sky!</p> + +<p>I have made a list of the plants that are possible for my own permanent +bed of fragrant flowers and leaves, that I may enjoy them, and that the +Infant may have fragrant memories to surround all her youth and bind her +still more closely to the things of outdoor life.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[Pg 304]</a></span></p><p>I chanced upon a verse of Bourdillon's the other day. Do you know it?</p> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"Ah! full of purest influence</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">On human mind and mood,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.3em;">Of holiest joy to human sense</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Are river, field, and wood;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.3em;">And better must all childhood be</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.3em;">That knows a garden and a tree!"</span><br /> +</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[Pg 305]</a></span></p> +<h2>XV</h2> + +<h3>THE PINK FAMILY OUTDOORS</h3> + + +<p class='center'>(Barbara Campbell to Mary Penrose)</p> + +<p><i>Oaklands, September 1.</i> So you have been away and in going discovered +the possibilities of growing certain pinks and carnations out-of-doors +that, in America at least, are usually considered the winter specialties +of a cool greenhouse!</p> + +<p>We too have been afield somewhat, having but now returned from a driving +trip of ten days, nicely timed as to gardens and resting-places until +the last night, when, making a false turn, ten o'clock found us we did +not know where and with no prospect of getting our bearings.</p> + +<p>We had ample provisions for supper with us, including two bottles of +ginger ale; no one knew that we were lost but ourselves and no one was +expecting us anywhere, as we travel quite <i>con amore</i> on these little +near-by journeys of ours. The August moon was big and hot and late in +rising; there was a rick of old hay in a clean-looking field by the +roadside that had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[Pg 306]</a></span>evidently been used as winter fodder for young +cattle, for what remained of it was nibbled about the base, leaving a +protruding, umbrella-like thatch, not very substantial, but sufficient +shelter for a still night. Then and there we decided to play gypsy and +camp out, literally under the sky. Evan unharnessed the horse, watered +him at a convenient roadside puddle, and tethered him at the rear of the +stack, where he could nibble the hay, but not us! Then spreading the +horse-blanket on some loose hay for a bed, with the well-tufted seat of +the buggy for a pillow, and utilizing the lap robe for a cover against +dew, we fell heavily asleep, though I had all the time a half-conscious +feeling as if little creatures were scrambling about in the hay beneath +the blanket and occasionally brushing my face or ears with a batlike +wing, tiny paws, or whisking tail. When I awoke, and of course +immediately stirred up Evan, the moon was low on the opposite side of +the stack, the stars were hidden, and there was a dull red glow among +the heavy clouds of the eastern horizon like the reflection of a distant +fire, while an owl hooted close by from a tree and then flew with a +lurch across the meadow, evidently to the destruction of some small +creature, for a squeal accompanied the swoop. A mysterious thing, this +flight <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[Pg 307]</a></span>of the owl: the wings did not flap, there was no sound, merely +the consciousness of displaced air.</p> + +<p>We were not, as it afterward proved, ten miles from home, and yet, as +far as trace of humanity was concerned, we might have been the only +created man and woman.</p> + +<p>Do you remember the old gypsy song?—Ben Jonson's, I think—</p> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"The owl is abroad, the bat, the toad,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.3em;">And so is the cat-a-mountain;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.3em;">The ant and the mole both sit in a hole,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.3em;">And frog peeps out o' the fountain;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">The dogs they bay and the timbrels play</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.3em;">And the spindle now is turning;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.3em;">The moon it is red, and the stars are fled</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">But all the sky is a-burning."</span><br /> +</p> + +<p>But we were still more remote, for of beaters of timbrels and turners of +spindles were there none!</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>Your last chronicle interested us all. In the first place father +remembers Mrs. Marchant perfectly, for he and the doctor used to +exchange visits constantly during that long-ago summer when they lived +on the old Herb Farm at Coningsby. Father had heard that she was +hopelessly deranged, but nothing <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[Pg 308]</a></span>further, and the fact that she is +living within driving distance in the midst of her garden of fragrance +is a striking illustration both of the littleness of the earth and the +social remoteness of its inhabitants.</p> + +<p>Father says that Mrs. Marchant was always a very intellectual woman, and +he remembers that in the old days she had almost a passion for fragrant +flowers, and once wrote an essay upon the psychology of perfumes that +attracted some attention in the medical journal in which it was +published by her husband. That the perfume of flowers should now have +drawn the shattered fragments of her mind together for their comfort and +given her the foretaste of immortality, by the sign of the consciousness +of personal presence and peace, is beautiful indeed.</p> + +<p>Your declaration that henceforth one garden is not enough for your +ambition, but that you crave several, amuses me greatly. For a mere +novice I must say that you are making strides in seven-league +horticultural boots, wherein you have arrived at the heart of the +matter, viz.:—one may grow many beautiful and satisfactory flowers in a +mixed garden such as falls to the lot of the average woman sufficiently +lucky to own a garden at all, but to develop the best possibilities of +any one family, like the rose, carnation, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[Pg 309]</a></span>or lily, that is a bit +whimsical about food and lodging, each one must have a garden of its +own, so to speak, which, for the amateur, may be made to read as a +special bed in a special location, and not necessarily a vast area.</p> + +<p>This need is always recognized in the English garden books, and the +chapter headings, The Rose Garden,—Hardy Garden,—Wall Garden,—Lily +Garden,—Alpine Garden, etc., lead one at first sight to think that it +is a great estate alone that can be so treated; but it is merely a +horticultural protest, born of long experience, against mixing races to +their mutual hurt, and this precaution, together with the climate, makes +of all England a gardener's paradise!</p> + +<p>What you say of the expansiveness of the list of fragrant flowers and +leaves is also true, for taken in the literal sense there are really few +plants without an individual odour of some sort in bark, leaf, or flower +usually sufficient to identify them. In a recent book giving what +purports to be a list of fragrant flowers and leaves, the chrysanthemum +is included, as it gives out an aromatic perfume from its leaves! This +is true, but so also does the garden marigold, and yet we should not +include either among fragrant leaves in the real sense.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[Pg 310]</a></span></p><p>Hence to make the right selection of plants for the bed of sweet odours +it is best, as in the case of choosing annuals, to adhere to a few tried +and true worthies.</p> + +<p>But at your rhapsody on the bed of carnations, I am also tempted to +launch forth in praise of all pinks in general and the annual flowering +garden carnation, early Marguerite, and picotee varieties in particular, +especially when I think what results might be had from the same bits of +ground that are often left to be overrun with straggling and unworthy +annuals. For to have pinks to cut for the house, pinks for colour masses +out-of-doors, and pinks to give away, is but a matter of understanding, +a little patience, and the possession of a cold pit (which is but a +deeper sort of frame like that used for a hotbed and sunken in the +ground) against a sunny wall, for the safe wintering of a few of the +tenderer species.</p> + +<p>In touching upon this numerous family, second only to the rose in +importance, the embarrassment is, where to begin. Is a carnation a pink, +or a pink a carnation? I have often been asked. You may settle that as +you please, since the family name of all, even the bearded +Sweet-William, is <i>Dianthus</i>, the decisive title of Linnæus, a word from +the Greek meaning "flower of Jove," while the highly scented species +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[Pg 311]</a></span>and varieties of the more or less pungent clove breath remain under the +old subtitle—<i>Caryophyllus</i>.</p> + +<p>To go minutely into the differences and distinctions of the race would +require a book all to itself, for in 1597, more than three hundred years +ago, Gerarde wrote: "There are, under the name of <i>Caryophyllus</i>, +comprehended diuers and sundrie sorts of plants, of such variable +colours and also severall shapes that a great and large volume would not +suffice to write of euery one in particular." And when we realize that +the pink was probably the first flower upon which, early in the +eighteenth century, experiments in hybridization were tried, the +intricacy will be fully understood.</p> + +<p>For the Garden, You, and I, three superficial groups only are necessary: +the truly hardy perennial pinks, that when once established remain for +years; the half-hardy perennials that flower the second year after +planting, and require protection; and the biennials that will flower the +first year and may be treated as annuals.</p> + +<p>The Margaret carnations, though biennials, are best treated as annuals, +for they may be had in flower in three to four months after the sowing +of the seed, and the English perennial border carnations, bizarres, and +picotees will live for several years, but in this <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[Pg 312]</a></span>climate must be +wintered in a <i>dry wooden</i> cold pit, after the manner of the perennial +varieties of wallflowers, tender roses, and the like.</p> + +<p>I emphasize the words <i>dry wooden</i> in connection with a cold pit from my +experience in seeking to make mine permanent by replacing the planks, +with which it was built and which often decayed, by stone work, with +most disastrous results, causing me to lose a fine lot of plants by +mildew.</p> + +<p>The truly hardy pinks (<i>dianthus plumarius</i>), the fringed and +clove-scented species both double and single of old-time gardens, that +bloom in late spring and early summer, are called variously May and +grass pinks. Her Majesty is a fine double white variety of this class, +and if, in the case of double varieties, you wish to avoid the risk of +getting single flowers, you would better start your stock with a few +plants and subdivide. For myself, every three or four years, I sow the +seed of these pinks in spring in the hardy seed bed, and transplant to +their permanent bed early in September, covering the plants lightly in +winter with evergreen boughs or corn stalks. Leaf litter or any sort of +covering that packs and holds water is deadly to pinks, so prone is the +crown to decay.</p> + +<p>In the catalogues you will find these listed under the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[Pg 313]</a></span>names of +Pheasant's Eye, Double Scotch pinks (<i>Scotius</i>), and Perpetual Pink +(<i>semperflorens</i>). With this class belongs the Sweet-William (<i>dianthus +barbatus</i>), which should be sown and treated in a like manner. It is +also a hardy perennial, but I find it best to renew it every few years, +as the flowers of young plants are larger, and in spite of care, the +most beautiful hybrids will often decay at the ground. There is no +garden flower, excepting the Dahlia, that gives us such a wealth of +velvet bloom, and if you mean to make a specialty of pinks, I should +advise you to buy a collection of Sweet-Williams in the separate +colours, which range from white to deepest crimson with varied markings.</p> + +<p>Directions for sowing the biennial Chinese and Japanese pinks were given +in the chronicle concerning the hardy seed bed. These pinks are not +really fragrant, though most of them have a pleasant apple odour that, +together with their wonderful range of colour, makes them particularly +suitable for table decoration.</p> + +<p>In addition to the mixed colours recommended for the general seed bed, +the following Japanese varieties are of special beauty, among the single +pinks: Queen of Holland, pure white; Eastern Queen, enormous <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[Pg 314]</a></span>rose-pink +flowers, Crimson Belle, dark red. Among the double, Fireball, an intense +scarlet; the Diadem pink, Salmon Queen, and the lovely Oriental Beauty +with diversely marked petals of a crêpy texture.</p> + +<p>The double varieties of course are more solid and lasting, if they do +not insist upon swelling so mightily that they burst the calyx and so +have a dishevelled and one sided look; but for intrinsic beauty of +colour and marking the single Chinese and Japanese pinks, particularly +the latter, reign supreme. They have a quality of holding one akin to +that of the human eye and possess much of the power of individual +expression that belongs to pansies and single violets.</p> + +<p>By careful management and close clipping of withered flowers, a bed of +these pinks may be had in bloom from June until December, the first +flowers coming from the autumn-sown plants, which may be replaced in +August by those sown in the seed bed in late May, which by this time +will be well budded.</p> + +<p>"August is a kittle time for transplanting border things," I hear you +say. To be sure; but with your water-barrel, the long-necked water-pots, +and a judicious use of inverted flower-pots between ten <span class="smcap">a.m.</span> +and four <span class="smcap">p.m.</span>, there is no such word as fail in this as in many +other cases.</p> + +<p><a name="illus-314" id="illus-314"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/illus-314.jpg" alt="Single and Double Pinks." title="Single and Double Pinks." /></div> +<h4><span class="smcap">Single and Double Pinks.</span></h4> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[Pg 315]</a></span></p><p>Upon the second and third classes you must depend for pinks of the +taller growth ranging from one to two feet in height and flourishing +long-stemmed clusters of deliciously clove-scented flowers. The hardy +Margarets might be wintered in the pit, if it were worth the while, but +they are so easily raised from seed, and so prone literally to bloom +themselves to death in the three months between midsummer and hard +frost, that I prefer to sow them each year in late March and April and +plant them out in May, as soon as their real leaves appear, and pull +them up at the general autumnal garden clearance. Upon the highly +scented perpetual and picotee pinks or carnations (make your own choice +of terms) you must depend for fragrance between the going of the May +pinks and the coming of the Margarets; not that they of necessity cease +blooming when their more easily perfected sisters begin; quite the +contrary, for the necessity of lifting them in the winter gives them a +spring set-back that they do not have in England, where they are the +universal hardy pink, alike of the gardens of great estates and the +brick-edged cottage border.</p> + +<p>These are the carnations of Mrs. Marchant's garden that filled you with +such admiration, and also awoke the spirit of emulation. Lavinia +Cortright was correct <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[Pg 316]</a></span>in associating them with the lavish bloom of the +gardens of Hampton Court, for if anything could make me permanently +unpatriotic (which is impossible), it would be the roses and picotee +pinks of the dear old stupid (human middle-class, and cold +bedroom-wise), but florally adorable mother country!</p> + +<p>The method by which you may possess yourself of these crowning flowers +of the garden, for <i>coro</i>nations is one of the words from which +<i>car</i>nation is supposed but to be derived, is as follows:—</p> + +<p>Be sure of your seed. Not long ago it was necessary to import it direct, +but not now. You may buy from the oldest of American seed houses fifty +varieties of carnations and picotees, in separate packets, for three +dollars, or twenty-five sorts for one dollar and seventy-five cents, or +twelve (enough for a novice) for one dollar, the same being undoubtedly +English or Holland grown, while a good English house asks five +shillings, or a dollar and a quarter, for a single packet of mixed +varieties!</p> + +<p>Moral—it is not necessary that "made in England" should be stamped upon +flower seeds to prove them of English origin!</p> + +<p>If you can spare hotbed room, the seeds may be sown in April, like the +early Margarets, and trans<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[Pg 317]</a></span>planted into some inconspicuous part of the +vegetable garden, where the soil is deep and firm and there is a free +circulation of air (not between tall peas and sweet corn), as for the +first summer these pinks have no ornamental value, other than the +pleasurable spectacle made by a healthy plant of any kind, by virtue of +its future promise. Before frost or not later than the second week in +October the pinks should be put in long, narrow boxes or pots +sufficiently large to hold all the roots comfortably, but with little +space to spare, watered, and partly shaded, until they have recovered +themselves, when they should be set in the lightest part of the cold +pit. During the winter months they should have only enough water to keep +the earth from going to dust, and as much light and air as possible +without absolutely freezing hard, after the manner of treating lemon +verbenas, geraniums, and wall-flowers.</p> + +<p>By the middle of April they may be planted in the bed where they are to +bloom, and all the further care they need will be judicious watering and +the careful staking of the flower stalks if they are weak and the buds +top-heavy,—and by the way, as to the staking of flowers in general, a +word with you later on.</p> + +<p>In the greenhouse, pinks are liable to many ailments, and several of +these follow them out-of-doors, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[Pg 318]</a></span>three having given me some trouble, the +most fatal being of a fungoid order, due usually to unhealthy root +conditions or an excess of moisture.</p> + +<p><i>Rust</i> is one of these, its Latin name being too long for the simple +vocabulary of The Garden, You, and I. It first shows itself in a brown +spot that seems to have worked out from the inner part of the leaf. +Sometimes it can be conquered by snipping the infected leaves, but if it +seizes an entire bed, the necessary evil of spraying with Bordeaux +mixture must be resorted to, as in the case of fungus-spotted +hollyhocks.</p> + +<p><i>Thrip</i>, the little transparent, whitish fly, will sometimes bother +border carnations in the same way as it does roses. If the flowers are +only in bud, I sprinkle them with my brass rose-atomizer and powder +slightly with helebore. But if the flowers are open, sprinkling and +shaking alone may be resorted to. For the several kinds of underground +worms that trouble pinks, of which the wireworm is the chief, I have +found a liberal use of unslaked lime and bone-dust in the preparation of +the soil before planting the best preventive.</p> + +<p>Other ailments have appeared only occasionally. Sometimes an apparently +healthy, full-grown plant will suddenly wither away, or else swell up +close to the ground and finally burst so that the sap leaks <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[Pg 319]</a></span>out and it +dies like a punctured or girdled tree. The first trouble may come from +the too close contact of fresh manure, which should be kept away from +the main roots of carnations, as from contact with lily bulbs.</p> + +<p>As to the swelling called <i>gout</i>, there is no cure, so do not temporize. +Pull up the plant at once and disinfect the spot with unslaked lime and +sulphur.</p> + +<p>Thus, Mary Penrose, may you have either pinks in your garden or a garden +of pinks, whichever way you may care to develop your idea. "A deal of +trouble?" Y-e-s; but then only think of the flowers that crown the work, +and you might spend an equal amount of time in pricking cloth with a +steel splinter and embroidering something, in the often taken-in-vain +name of decorative art, that in the end is only an elaborated +rag—without even the bone and the hank of hair!</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[Pg 320]</a></span></p> +<h2>XVI</h2> + +<h3>THE FRAME OF THE PICTURE</h3> + +<h4>VINES AND SHRUBS</h4> + + +<p class='center'>(Mary Penrose to Barbara Campbell)</p> + +<p><i>Woodridge, September 10.</i> Your chronicle of the Pink Family found me by +myself in camp, dreaming away as vigorously as if it was a necessary and +practical occupation. After all, are we sure that it is not, in a way, +both of these? This season my dreams of night have been so long that +they have lingered into the things of day and <i>vice versa</i>, and yet +neither the one nor the other have whispered of idleness, but the +endless hope of work.</p> + +<p>Bart's third instalment of vacation ends to-morrow, though we shall +continue to sleep out of doors so long as good weather lasts; the +remaining ten days we are saving until October, when the final +transplanting of trees and shrubs is to be made; and in addition to +those for the knoll we have marked some shapely dogwoods, hornbeams, and +tulip trees for grouping in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[Pg 321]</a></span>other parts of the home acres. There are +also to be had for the digging good bushes of the early pink and clammy +white azalea, mountain-laurel, several of the blueberry tribe, that have +white flowers in summer and glorious crimson foliage in autumn, +white-flowered elder, button-bush, groundsel tree, witchhazel, bayberry, +the shining-leaved sumach, the white meadow-sweet, and pink steeplebush, +besides a number of cornels and viburnums suitable for shrubberies. As I +glance over the list of what the river and quarry woods have yielded us, +it is like reading from the catalogue of a general dealer in hardy +plants, and yet I suppose hundreds of people have as much almost at +their doors, if they did but know it.</p> + +<p>The commercial side of a matter of this kind is not the one upon which +to dwell the most, except upon the principle of the old black woman who +said, "Chillun, count yer marcies arter every spell o' pain!" and +to-day, in assaying our mercies and the various advantages of our garden +vacation, I computed that the trees, shrubs, ferns, herbaceous wild +flowers, and vines (yes, we have included vines, of which I must tell +you), if bought of the most reasonable of dealers, would have cost us at +least three hundred dollars, without express or freight charges.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[Pg 322]</a></span></p><p>The reason for my being by myself at this particular moment is that +Bart, mounted on solemn Romeo, has taken the Infant, astride her +diminutive pony, by a long leader, for a long-promised ride up the river +road, the same being the <i>finale</i> of the celebration of his birthday, +that began shortly after daylight. The Infant, in order to be early +enough to give him the first of his thirty-three kisses, came the night +before, and though she has camped out with us at intervals all summer, +the novelty has not worn off. She has a happy family of pets that, +without being caged or in any way coerced or confined, linger about the +old barn, seem to watch for her coming, and expect their daily rations, +even though they do not care to be handled.</p> + +<p>Punch and Judy, the gray squirrels of the dovecote, perch upon her +shoulders and pry into the pockets of her overalls for nuts or kernels +of corn, all the while keeping a bright eye upon Reddy, the setter pup, +who, though he lies ever so sedately, nose between paws, they well know +is not to be trusted. While as for birds, all the season we have had +chipping-sparrows, catbirds, robins, and even a wood-thrush, leader of +the twilight orchestra, all of whom the little witch has tempted in turn +by a bark saucer spread with <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[Pg 323]</a></span>leaves and various grains and small +fruits, from strawberries to mulberries, for which she has had a daily +hunt through the Opal Farm land the season through.</p> + +<p>Toward the English sparrow she positively declines to harden her heart, +in spite of my having repeated the story of its encroachments and +crimes. She listens and merely shakes her head, saying, "We 'vited them +to come, didn't we, mother? When we 'vites people, we always feed 'em; +'sides, they're the only ones'll let me put them in my pocket," which is +perfectly true, for having learned this warm abiding-place of much oats +and cracked corn, they follow her in a flock, and a few confiding +spirits allow themselves to be handled.</p> + +<p>At the birthday dinner party, arranged by the Infant, a number of these +guests were present. We must have looked a motley crew, in whose company +Old King Cole himself would have been embarrassed, for Bart wore a +wreath of pink asters, while a gigantic sunflower made my head-dress, +and the cake, made and garnished with red and white peppermints, an +American and an Irish flag, by Anastasia, was mounted firmly upon a +miscellaneous mass of flowers, with a superstructure of small yellow +tomatoes, parsley, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[Pg 324]</a></span>young carrots, and beets, the colour of these +vegetables having caught the Infant's eye.</p> + +<p>The pony, Ginger, had a basket of second-crop clover flowers provided +for him; Reddy some corned-beef hash, his favourite dish, coaxed from +Anastasia; while for Punch, Judy, and as many of their children as would +venture down from the rafters, the Infant had compounded a wonderful +salad of mixed nuts and corn. As the Infant ordained that "the childrens +shan't tum in 'til d'sert," we had the substantial part of our meal in +peace; but the candles were no sooner blown out and the cake cut than +Ginger left his clover to nibble the young carrots, the squirrels got +into the nut dish bodily and began sorting over the nuts to find those +they liked best, with such vigour that the others flew in our faces, and +Reddy fell off the box upon which the Infant had balanced him with +difficulty, nearly carrying the table-cloth with him, while at this +moment, the feast becoming decidedly crumby, we were surrounded by the +entire flock of English sparrows!</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>Now this is not at all what I started to tell you; quite the contrary. +Please forgive this domestic excursion into the land of maternal pride +and happen<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[Pg 325]</a></span>ings. What I meant to write of was my conviction, that came +through sitting on the hay rafters and looking down upon the garden, +that as a beautiful painting is improved by proper framing, so should +the garden be enclosed at different points by frames, to focus the eye +upon some central object.</p> + +<p>Though the greater part of the garden is as yet only planned and merely +enough set out in each part to fix special boundaries, as in the case of +the rose bed, I realize that as a whole it is too open and lacks +perspective. You see it all at once; there are no breaks. No matter in +what corner scarlet salvia and vermilion nasturtiums may be planted, +they are sure to get in range with the pink verbenas and magenta phlox +in a teeth-on-edge way.</p> + +<p>From other viewpoints the result is no better. Looking from the piazza +that skirts two sides of the house, where we usually spend much time, +three portions of the garden are in sight at once, and all on different +planes, without proper separating frames; the rose garden is near at +hand, the old borders leading to the sundial being at right angles with +it. At the right, the lower end of the knoll and the gap with its bed of +heliotrope are prominent, while between, at a third distance, is the +proposed location of the white-<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[Pg 326]</a></span>birch screen, the old wall rockery, etc. +The rockery and rose garden are in their proper relation, but the other +portions should be given perspective by framing, and the result of my +day-dreams is that this, according to nature, should be done by the +grouping of shrubs and the drapery of vines.</p> + +<p>I now for the first time fully understand the uses of the pergola in +landscape gardening, the open sides of which form a series of +vine-draped frames. I had always before thought it a stiff and +artificial sort of arrangement, as well as the tall clipped yews, laurel +trees in tubs, and marble vases and columns that are parts of the usual +framework of the more formal gardens. And while these things would be +decidedly out of place in gardens of our class, and at best could only +be indulged in via white-painted wooden imitations, the woman who is her +own gardener may exercise endless skill in bringing about equally good +results with the rustic material at hand and by following wild nature, +who, after all, is the first model.</p> + + +<div class="figcenter"><a name="silvermaple" id="silvermaple"></a><img src="images/illus-326.jpg" alt="The silver maple by the lane gate." title="The silver maple by the lane gate." /></div> +<h4><span class="smcap">The silver maple by the lane gate.</span></h4> + +<p>I think I hear Evan laughing at my preachment concerning his special +art, but the comprehension of it has all come through looking at the +natural landscape effects that have happened at Opal Farm owing to the +fact that the hand of man has there been stayed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[Pg 327]</a></span>these many years. On +either side of the rough bars leading between our boundary wall and the +meadow stands a dead cedar tree, from which the dry, moss-covered +branches have been broken by the loads of hay that used to be gathered +up at random and carted out this way. Wild birds doubtless used these +branches as perches of vantage from which they might view the country, +both during feeding excursions and in migration, and thus have sown the +seed of their provender, for lo and behold, around the old trees have +grown vines of wild grapes, with flowers that perfume the entire meadow +in June. Here the woody, spiral-climbing waxwork holds aloft its +clusters of berries that look like bunches of miniature lemons until on +being ripe they open and show the coral fruit; Virginia creeper of the +five-pointed fingers, clinging tendrils, glorious autumn colour, and +spreading clusters of purple blackberries, and wild white clematis, the +"traveller's joy" of moist roadside copses, all blending together and +stretching out hands, until this season being undisturbed, they have +clasped to form a natural arch of surpassing beauty.</p> + +<p>Having a great pile of cedar poles, in excess of the needs of all our +other projects, my present problem is to place a series of simple arches +constructed on <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[Pg 328]</a></span>this natural idea, that shall frame the different garden +vistas from the best vantage-point. Rustic pillars, after the plan of +Evan's that you sent me for the corners of the rose garden, will give +the necessary formal touch, while groups of shrubs can be so placed as +not only to screen colours that should not be seen in combination, but +to make reasons for turns that would otherwise seem arbitrary.</p> + +<p>Aunt Lavinia has promised me any number of Chinese honeysuckle vines +from the little nursery bed of rooted cuttings that is Martin +Cortright's special province, for she writes me that they began with +this before having seed beds for either hardy plants or annuals, as they +wished to have hedges of flowering shrubs in lieu of fences, and some +fine old bushes on the place furnished ample cuttings of the +old-fashioned varieties, which they have supplemented.</p> + +<p>Aunt Lavinia also says that the purple Wisteria grows easily from the +beanlike seed and blossoms in three years, and that she has a dozen of +these two-year-old seedlings that she will send me as soon as I have +place for them. Remembering your habit of giving every old tree a vine +to comfort its old age, and in particular the silver maple by the lane +gate of your garden, with its woodpecker hole and swinging <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[Pg 329]</a></span>garniture +of Wisteria bloom, I have promised a similar cloak to a gnarled bird +cherry that stands midway in the fence rockery, and yet another to an +attenuated poplar, so stripped of branches as to be little more than a +pole and still keeping a certain dignity.</p> + +<p><a name="illus-328" id="illus-328"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/illus-328.jpg" alt="A curtain to the side porch." title="A curtain to the side porch." /></div> +<h4><span class="smcap">A curtain to the side porch.</span></h4> + +<p>The honeysuckles I shall keep for panelling the piazza, they are such +clean vines and easily controlled; while on the two-story portion under +the guest-room windows some Virginia creepers can be added to make a +curtain to the side porch.</p> + +<p>As for other vines, we have many resources. Festooned across the front +stoop at Opal Farm is an old and gigantic vine of the scarlet-and-orange +trumpet creeper, that has overrun the shed, climbed the side of the +house, and followed round the rough edges of the eaves, while all +through the grass of the front yard are seedling plants of the vine +that, in spring, are blended with tufts of the white star of Bethlehem +and yellow daffies.</p> + +<p>In the river woods, brush and swamp lots, near by, we have found and +marked for our own the mountain fringe with its feathery foliage and +white flowers shaded with purple pink, that suggest both the bleeding +heart of gardens and the woodland Dutchman's breeches. It grows in great +strings fourteen or fifteen <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[Pg 330]</a></span>feet in length and seems as trainable as +smilax or the asparagus vine. Here are also woody trailers of moonseed, +with its minute white flowers in the axils of leaves that might pass at +first glance for one of the many varieties of wild grapes; the hyacinth +bean, with its deliciously fragrant chocolate flowers tinged with +violet, that is so kind in covering the unsightly underbrush of damp +places. And here, first, last, and always, come the wild grapes, showing +so many types of leaf and fruit, from the early ripening summer grape of +the high-climbing habit, having the most typical leaf and thin-skinned, +purple berries, that have fathered so many cultivated varieties; the +frost grape, with its coarsely-toothed, rather heart-shaped, pointed +leaf and small black berries, that are uneatable until after frost (and +rather horrid even then); to the riverside grape of the glossy leaf, +fragrant blossoms and fruit.</p> + +<p>One thing must be remembered concerning wild grapes: they should be +planted, if in the open sunlight, where they will be conspicuous up to +late summer only, as soon after this time the leaves begin to grow +rusty, while those in moist and partly-shady places hold their own. I +think this contrast was borne in upon me by watching a mass of +grape-vines upon a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[Pg 331]</a></span>tumble-down wall that we pass on our way to the +river woods. In August the leaves began to brown and curl at the edges, +while similar vines in the cool lane shade were still green and growing. +So you see, Mrs. Evan, that, in addition to our other treasure-trove, we +are prepared to start a free vinery as well, and as our lucky star seems +to be both of morning and evening and hangs a long while in the sky, +Meyer, Larry's successor, we find, has enough of a labourer's skill at +post setting and a carpenter's eye and hand at making an angled arch +(this isn't the right term, but you know what I mean), so that we have +not had to pause in our improvements owing to Amos Opie's rheumatic +illness.</p> + +<p>Not that I think the old man <i>very</i> ill, and I believe he could get +about more if he wished, for when I went down to see him this morning, +he seemed to have something on his mind, and with but little urging he +told me his dilemma. Both <i>The Man from Everywhere</i> and Maria Maxwell +have made him good offers for his farm, <i>The Man's</i> being the first! Now +he had fully determined to sell to <i>The Man</i>, when Maria's kindness +during his illness not only turned him in her favour, but gave him an +attachment for the place, so that now he doesn't really wish to sell at +all! It <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[Pg 332]</a></span>is this mental perturbation, in his very slow nature, that is, +I believe, keeping him an invalid!</p> + +<p><i>What</i> Maria wants of the farm neither Bart nor I can imagine. She has a +little property, a few thousand dollars, enough probably to buy the farm +and put it in livable repair, but this money we thought she was saving +for the so-called rainy day (which is much more apt to be a very dry +period) of spinsterhood! Of course she has some definite plan, but +whether it is bees or boarders, jam or a kindergarten, we do not know, +but we may be very sure that she is not jumping at random. Only I'm a +little afraid, much as I should like her for a next-door neighbour, +that, with her practical head, she would insist upon making hay of the +lily meadow!</p> + +<p>"Straying away again from the horticultural to the domestic things," I +hear you say. Yes; but now that the days are shortening a bit, it seems +natural to think more about people again. If I only knew whether Maria +means to give up her teaching this winter, I would ask her to stay with +us and begin to train the Infant's mind in the way it should think, for +my head and hands will be full and my heart overflowing, I imagine. Ah! +this happy, blessed summer! Yes, I know that you know, though I have +never told you.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[Pg 333]</a></span> That's what it means to have real friends. But to the +shrubs.</p> + +<p>Will you do me one more favour before even the suspicion of frost +touches my enthusiasm, that I may have everything in order in my <i>Garden +Boke</i> against a planting season when Time may again hold his remorseless +sway. This list of eighteen or more shrubs is made from those I know and +like, with selections from that Aunt Lavinia sent me. Is it +comprehensive, think you? Of course we cannot go into novelties in this +direction, any more than we may with the roses.</p> + +<p>There is the little pale pink, Daphne Mezereum, that flowers before its +leaves come in April. I saw it at Aunt Lavinia's and Mrs. Marchant had a +great circle of the bushes. Then Forsythias, with yellow flowers, the +red and pink varieties of Japanese quince, double-flowering almond and +plum, the white spireas (they all have strange new names in the +catalogue), the earliest being what mother used to call bridal-wreath +(<i>prunifolia</i>), with its long wands covered with double flowers, like +tiny white daisies, the St. Peter's wreath (<i>Van Houttei</i>) with the +clustered flowers like small white wild roses, two pink species, +Billardii and Anthony Waterer, beautiful if gathered before <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[Pg 334]</a></span>the flowers +open, as the colour fades quickly, and a little dwarf bush, Fortune's +white spirea, that I have seen at the florist's. Next the old-fashioned +purple lilac, that seems to hold its own against all newcomers for +garden use, the white tree lilac, the fragrant white mock orange or +syringa (<i>Coronarius</i>), the Japanese barberry of yellow flowers and +coral berries, the three deutzias, two being the tall <i>crenata</i> and +<i>scabra</i> and the third the charming low-growing <i>gracilis</i>, the +old-fashioned snowball or Guelder rose (<i>viburnum opulus sterilis</i>), the +weigelias, rose-pink and white, the white summer-flowering hydrangea +(<i>paniculata grandiflora</i>), and the brown-flowered, sweet-scented +strawberry shrub (<i>calycanthus floridus</i>).</p> + +<p>"Truly a small slice from the loaf the catalogues offer," you say. Yes; +but you must remember that our wild nursery has a long chain to add to +these.</p> + +<p>In looking over the list of shrubs, it seems to me that the majority of +them, like the early wild flowers, are white, but then it is almost as +impossible to have too many white flowers as too many green leaves.</p> + +<p><i>September 15.</i> I was prevented from finishing this until to-day, when I +have a new domestic event to relate. Maria, no longer a music mistress, +has leased the Opal Farm, it seems, and will remain with <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[Pg 335]</a></span>me this winter +pending the repairing of the house, which Amos Opie himself is to +superintend. I wish I could fathom the ins and outs of the matter, which +are not at present clear, but probably I shall know in time. Meanwhile, +I have Maria for a winter companion, and a mystery to solve and puzzle +about; is not this truly feminine bliss?</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[Pg 336]</a></span></p> +<h2>XVII</h2> + +<h3>THE INS AND OUTS OF THE MATTER</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Chronicled</span> by the rays of light and sound waves upon the walls of the +house at Opal Farm.</p> + + +<p class='center'><span class="smcap">People Involved</span></p> + +<p> +<i>The Man from Everywhere</i>, keeping bachelor's hall in the<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">eastern half of the farm home.</span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Amos Opie</i>, living in the western half of the house, the separating<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">door being locked on his side.</span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Maria Maxwell</i>, who, upon hearing Opie is again ill, has<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">dropped in to give him hot soup and medicine.</span><br /> +</p> + +<p>Amos Opie was more than usually uncomfortable this particular September +evening. It may have been either a rather sudden change in the weather +or the fact that now that he was sufficiently well to get about the +kitchen and sit in the well-house porch, of a sunny morning, Maria +Maxwell had given up the habit of running over several times a day to +give him his medicine and be sure that the kettle boiled and his tea was +freshly drawn, instead of being what she called "stewed bitterness" that +had stood on the leaves all day.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">[Pg 337]</a></span></p><p>Whichever it was, he felt wretched in body and mind, and began to think +himself neglected and was consequently aggrieved. He hesitated a few +minutes before he opened the door leading to <i>The Man's</i> part of the +house, took a few steps into the square hall, and called "Mr. Blake" in +a quavering voice; but no answer came, as the bachelor had not yet +returned from the reservoir.</p> + +<p>Going back, he settled heavily into the rocking-chair and groaned,—it +was not from real pain, simply he had relaxed his grip and was making +himself miserable,—then he began to talk to himself.</p> + +<p>"<i>She</i> doesn't come in so often now <i>he's</i> come home, and <i>he</i> fights +shy o' the place, thinkin' mebbe <i>she's</i> around, and they both wants to +buy. <i>He's</i> offered me thirty-five hundred cash, and <i>she's</i> offered me +thirty hundred cash, which is all the place's worth, for it'll take +another ten hundred to straighten out the house, with new winder frames, +floorin' 'nd plaster 'nd shingles, beams and sills all bein' +sound,—when the truth is I don't wish ter sell nohow, yet can't afford +to hold! I don't see light noway 'nd I'm feelin' another turn comin' +when I was nigh ready ter git about agin to Miss'ss Penrose flower +poles. O lordy! lordy! I wish I had some more o' that settling <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">[Pg 338]</a></span>medicine +Maria Maxwell brought me" (people very seldom spoke of that young woman +except by her complete name). "If I had my wind, I'd yell over to her to +come up! Yes, I vow I would!"</p> + +<p>David, the hound, who had been lying asleep before the stove, in which +the fire had died away, got up, stretched himself, and, going to his +master, after gazing in his face for several minutes, licked his hands +thoroughly and solemnly, in a way totally different from the careless +and irresponsible licks of a joyous dog; then raising his head gave a +long-drawn bay that finally broke from its melancholy music and +degenerated into a howl.</p> + +<p>Amos must have dozed in his chair, for it seemed only a moment when a +knock sounded on the side door and, without waiting for a reply, Maria +Maxwell entered, a cape thrown about her shoulders, a lantern in one +hand, and in the other a covered pitcher from which steam was curling.</p> + +<p>"I heard David howling and I went to our gate to look; I saw that there +wasn't a light in the farm-house and so knew that something was the +matter. No fire in the stove and the room quite chilly! Where is that +neighbour of yours in the other half of the house? Couldn't he have +brought you in a few sticks?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">[Pg 339]</a></span></p><p>"He isn't ter hum just now," replied Amos, in tones that were +unnecessarily feeble, while at the same time an idea entered his brain +that almost made him chuckle; but the sound which was quenched in his +throat only came to Maria as an uncomfortable struggle for breath that +hastened her exit to the woodpile by the side fence for the material to +revive the fire. In going round the house, her arms laden with logs, she +bumped into the figure of <i>The Man</i> leading his bicycle across the +grass, which deadened his footfall, as the lantern she carried blinded +her to all objects not within its direct rays.</p> + +<p>"Maria Maxwell! Is Opie ill again? You must not carry such a heavy +load!" he exclaimed all in one breath, as he very quickly transferred +the logs to his own arms, and was making the fire in the open stove +almost before she had regained the porch, so that when she had lighted a +lamp and drawn the turkey-red curtains, the reflections of the flames +began to dance on the wall and cheerfulness suddenly replaced gloom.</p> + +<p>Still Amos sat in an attitude of dejection. Thanking <i>The Man</i> for his +aid, but taking no further notice of him, Maria began to heat the broth +which was contained in the pitcher, asking Amos at the same time <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">[Pg 340]</a></span>if he +did not think that he would feel better in bed.</p> + +<p>"I dunno's place has much to do with it," he grumbled; "this can't go on +no longer, it's doing for me, that it is!"</p> + +<p>Maria, thinking that he referred to bodily illness, hastened the +preparations for bed, and <i>The Man</i>, feeling helpless as all men do when +something active is being done in which they have no part, rose to go, +and, with his hand on the latch of the porch door, said in a low voice: +"If I might help you in any way, I should be very glad; I do not quite +like leaving you alone with this old fellow,—you may need help in +getting him to bed. Tell me frankly, would you like me to stay?"</p> + +<p>"Frankly I would rather you would not," said Maria, yet in so cordial a +tone that no offence could be gathered from it in any way.</p> + +<p>So the door opened and closed again and Maria began the rather laborious +task of coaxing the old man to bed. When once there, the medicine given, +and the soup taken, which she could not but notice that he swallowed +greedily, she seated herself before the fire, resolving that, if Amos +did not feel better by nine o'clock, she would have Barney come over for +the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">[Pg 341]</a></span>night, as of course she must return to be near the Infant.</p> + +<p>As she sat there she pictured for the hundredth time how she would +invest her little capital and rearrange her life, if Amos consented to +sell her the farm,—how best to restore the home without elaborating the +care of it, and take one or two people to live with her who had been ill +or needed rest in cheerful surroundings. Not always the same two, for +that is paralyzing after a time when the freshness of energetic +influence wears off; but her experience among her friends told her that +in a city's social life there was an endless supply of overwrought +nerves and bodies.</p> + +<p>The having a home was the motive, the guests the necessity. Then she +closed her eyes again and saw the upper portion of the rich meadow land +that had lain fallow so long turned into a flower farm wherein she would +raise blossoms for a well-known city dealer who had, owing to his +artistic skill, a market for his wares and decorative skill in all the +cities of the eastern coast. She had consulted him and he approved her +plan.</p> + +<p>The meadow was so sheltered that it would easily have a two weeks' lead +over the surrounding country, and the desirability of her crop should +lie in its <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">[Pg 342]</a></span>perfection rather than rarity. Single violets in frames, +lilies-of-the-valley for Easter and spring weddings, sweet peas, in +separate colours, peonies, Iris, Gladioli, asters, and Dahlias: three +acres in all. Upon these was her hope built, for with a market waiting, +what lay between her and success but work?</p> + +<p>Yes, work and the farm. Then came the vision of human companionship, +such as her cousin Bartram and Mary Penrose shared. Could flowers and a +home make up for it? After all, what is home?</p> + +<p>Her thoughts tangled and snapped abruptly, but of one thing she was +sure. She could no longer endure teaching singing to assorted tone-deaf +children, many of whom could no more keep on the key than a cow on the +tight rope; and when she found a talented child and gave it appreciative +attention, she was oftentimes officially accused of favouritism by some +disgruntled parent with a political pull, for that was what contact with +the public schools of a large city had taught her to expect.</p> + +<p>A log snapped—she looked at the clock. It was exactly nine! Going to +the window, she pulled back the curtain; the old moon, that has a +fashion of working northward at this time, was rising from a location +wholly new to her.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">[Pg 343]</a></span></p><p>She looked at Amos; he was very still, evidently asleep, yet +unnaturally so, for the regular breathing of unconsciousness was not +there and the firelight shadows made him look pinched and strange. +Suddenly she felt alone and panic stricken; she forgot the tests so well +known to her of pulse taking, and all the countryside tales of strokes +and seizures came back to her. She did not hesitate a moment; a man was +in the same house and she felt entirely outside of the strength of her +own will.</p> + +<p>Going to the separating door, she found it locked, on which side she +could not be sure; but seeing a long key hanging by the clock she tried +it, on general principles. It turned hard, and the lock finally yielded +with a percussive snap. Stepping into the hall, she saw a light in the +front of the house, toward which she hurried. <i>The Man</i> was seated by a +table that was strewn with books, papers, and draughting instruments; he +was not working, but in his turn gazing at the flames from a smouldering +hearth fire, though his coat was off and the window open, for it was not +cold but merely chilly.</p> + +<p>Hearing her step, he started, turned, and, as he saw her upon the +threshold, made a grab for his coat and swung it into place. It is +strange, this instinct in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">[Pg 344]</a></span>civilized man of not appearing coatless +before a woman he respects.</p> + +<p>"Amos Opie is very ill, I'm afraid," she said gravely, without the least +self-consciousness or thought of intrusion.</p> + +<p>"Shall I go for the doctor?" said <i>The Man</i>, reaching for his hat and at +the same time opening the long cupboard by the chimney, from which he +took a leather-covered flask.</p> + +<p>"No, not yet; please come and look at him. Yes, I want you very much!" +This in answer to a questioning look in his eyes.</p> + +<p>Standing together by the bed, they saw the old man's eyelids quiver and +then open narrowly. <i>The Man</i> poured whiskey from his flask into a +glass, added water, and held it to Amos's lips, where it was quickly and +completely absorbed!</p> + +<p>Next he put a finger on Amos's pulse and after a minute closed his watch +with a snap, but without comment.</p> + +<p>"You feel better now, Opie?" he questioned presently in a tone that, to +the old man at least, was significant.</p> + +<p>"What gave you this turn? Is there anything on your mind? You might as +well tell now, as you will <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">[Pg 345]</a></span>have to sooner or later, and Miss Maxwell +must go home presently. You'll have to put up with me for the rest of +the night and a man isn't as cheerful a companion as a woman—is he, +Amos?"</p> + +<p>"No, yer right there, Mr. Blake, and it's the idee o' loneliness that's +upsettin' me! Come down ter facts, Mr. Blake, it's the offers I've had +fer the farm—yourn and hern—and my wishin' ter favour both and yet not +give it up myself, and the whole's too much fer me!"</p> + +<p>"Hers! Has Miss Maxwell made a bid for the farm? What do you want it +for?" he said, turning quickly to Maria, who coloured and then replied +quietly—"To live in! which is exactly what you said when I asked you a +similar question a couple of months ago!"</p> + +<p>"The p'int is," continued Amos, quickly growing more wide awake, and +addressing the ceiling as a neutral and impartial listener, "that Mr. +Blake has offered me five hundred more than Maria Maxwell, and though I +want ter favour her (in buyin', property goes to the highest bidder; +it's only contract work that's fetched by the lowest, and I never did +work by contract—it's too darned frettin'), I can't throw away good +money, and neither of 'em yet knows <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">[Pg 346]</a></span>that whichsomever of 'em buys it +has got ter give me a life right ter live in the summer kitchen and +fetch my drinkin' water from the well in the porch! A lone widder man's +a sight helplesser 'n a widder, but yet he don't get no sympathy!"</p> + +<p><i>The Man from Everywhere</i> began to laugh, and catching Maria's eye she +joined him heartily. "How do you mean to manage?" he asked in a way that +barred all thought of intrusion.</p> + +<p>"I'm going to have a flower farm and take in two invalids—no, not +cranks or lunatics, but merely tired people," she added, a little catch +coming in her voice.</p> + +<p>"Then you had better begin with me, for I'm precious tired of taking +care of myself, and here is Amos also applying, so I do not see but what +your establishment is already complete!"</p> + +<p>Then, as he saw by her face that the subject was not one for jest, he +said, in his hearty way that Mary Penrose likes, "Why not let me buy the +place, as mine was the first offer, put it in order, and then lease it +to you for three years, with the privilege of buying if you find that +your scheme succeeds? If the house is too small to allow two lone men a +room each, I can add a lean-to to match Opie's summer <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">[Pg 347]</a></span>kitchen, for you +know sometimes a woman finds it comfortable to have a man in the house!"</p> + +<p>Maria did not answer at first, but was looking at the one uncurtained +window, where the firelight again made opals of the panes. Then turning, +she said, "I will think over your offer, Mr. Blake, if everything may be +upon a strictly business basis. But how about Amos? He seems better, and +I ought to be going. I do not know why I should have been so foolish, +but for a moment he did not seem to breathe, and I thought it was a +stroke."</p> + +<p>"I'm comin' too all in good time, now my mind's relieved," replied the +old man, with a chuckle, "and I think I'll weather to-night fer the sake +o' fixin' that deed termorrow, Mr. Blake, if you'll kindly give me jest +a thimbleful more o' that old liquor o' yourn—I kin manage it fust rate +without the water, thank 'ee!"</p> + +<p><i>The Man</i> followed Maria to the door and out into the night. He did not +ask her if he might go with her—he simply walked by her side for once +unquestioned.</p> + +<p>Maria spoke first, and rather more quickly and nervously than usual: "I +suppose you think that my scheme in wishing the farm is a madcap one, +but I'm <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348">[Pg 348]</a></span>sure I could not see why you should wish to own it!"</p> + +<p>"Yes and no! I can well understand why you should desire a broader, +freer life than your vocation allows, but—well, as for reading women's +motives, I have given that up long since; it often leads to trouble +though I have never lost my interest in them.</p> + +<p>"I think Amos Opie will revive, now that his mind is settled" (if it had +been sufficiently light, Maria would have seen an expression upon <i>The +Man's</i> face indicative of his belief that the recent attack of illness +was not quite motiveless, even though he forgave the ruse). "In a few +days, when the deeds are drawn, will you not, as my prospective tenant, +come and look over the house by daylight and tell me what changes would +best suit your purpose, so that I may make some plans? I imagine that +Amos revived will be able to do much of the work himself with a good +assistant.</p> + +<p>"When would you like the lease to begin? In May? It is a pity that you +could not be here in the interval to overlook it all, for the pasture +should be ploughed at once for next year's gardening."</p> + +<p>"May will be late; best put it at the first of March. As to overseeing, +I shall not be far away. I'm think<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349">[Pg 349]</a></span>ing of accepting cousin Mary's offer +to stay with her and teach the Infant and a couple of other children +this winter, which may be well for superintending the work, as I suppose +you are off again with the swallows, as usual."</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, you forget the reservoir and the tunnelling of Three Brothers +for the aqueduct to Bridgeton!"</p> + +<p>"Then let it be March first!" said Maria, after hesitating a moment, +during which she stood looking back at Opal Farm lying at peace in the +moonlight; "only, in making the improvements, please do them as if for +any one else, and remember that it is to be a strictly business affair!"</p> + +<p>"And why should you think that I would deal otherwise by you?" <i>The Man</i> +said quickly, stepping close, where he could see the expression of her +face.</p> + +<p>Maria, feeling herself cornered, did not answer immediately, and half +turned her face away,—only for a moment, however. Facing him, she said, +"Because men of your stamp are always good to women,—always doing them +kindnesses both big and little (ask Mary Penrose),—and sometimes +kindness hurts!"</p> + +<p>"Well, then, the lease and all pertaining to it shall be strictly in the +line of business until you yourself ask for a modification,—but be +careful, I may be a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350">[Pg 350]</a></span>hard landlord!" Then, dropping his guard, he said +suddenly, "Why is it that you and I—man and woman—temperamentally +alike, both interested in the same things, and of an age to know what in +life is worth while, should stand so aloof? Is there no more human basis +upon which I can persuade you to come to Opal Farm when it is mine? Give +me a month, three months,—lessen the distance you always keep between +us, and give me leave to convince you! Why will you insist upon +deliberately keeping up a barrier raised in the beginning when I was too +stupidly at home in your cousin's house to see that I might embarrass +you? Frankly, do you dislike me?"</p> + +<p>Maria began two different sentences, stumbled, and stopped short; then +drawing herself up and looking <i>The Man</i> straight in the face, she said, +"I have kept a barrier between us, and deliberately, as you say, but—" +here she faltered—"it was because I found you too interesting; the +barrier was to protect my own peace of mind more than to rebuff you."</p> + +<p>"Then I may try to convince you that my plan is best?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Maria, with a glint of her mischievous smile, "if you have +plenty of time to spare."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351">[Pg 351]</a></span></p><p>"And you will give me no more encouragement than this? No good wish or +omen?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Maria again, "I wish that you may succeed—" here she +slipped her hand in the belt of her gown and drew out a little chamois +bag attached to her watch, "and for an omen, here is the opal you gave +me—you give it a happy interpretation and one is very apt to lose an +unset stone, you know!"</p> + +<p>But as neither walls nor leaves have tongues, Mary Penrose never learned +the real ins and outs of this matter.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352">[Pg 352]</a></span></p> +<h2>XVIII</h2> + +<h3>THE VALUE OF WHITE FLOWERS</h3> + +<p class='center'>(Barbara Campbell to Mary Penrose)</p> + + +<p><i>Oaklands, September 29.</i> Michaelmas. The birthdays of our commuters are +not far apart. This being Evan's festival, we have eaten the annual +goose in his honour, together with several highly indigestible +old-country dishes of Martha Corkle's construction, for she comes down +from the cottage to preside over this annual feast. Now the boys have +challenged Evan to a "golf walk" over the Bluffs and back again, the +rough-and-ready course extending that distance, and I, being "o'er weel +dined," have curled up in the garden-overlook window of my room to write +to you.</p> + +<p>It has been a good gardener's year, and I am sorry that the fall +anemones and the blooming of the earliest chrysanthemums insist upon +telling me that it is nearly over,—that is, as far as the reign of +complete garden colour is concerned. And amid our vagrant summer +wanderings among gardens of high or low degree, no one point has been so +recurrent or <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353">[Pg 353]</a></span>interesting as the distribution of colour, and especially +the dominance of white flowers in any landscape or garden in which they +appear.</p> + +<p>In your last letter you speak of the preponderance of white among the +flowering shrubs as well as the early blossoms of spring. That this is +the case is one of the strong points in the decorative value of shrubs, +and in listing seeds for the hardy or summer beds or sorting the bushes +for the rosary, great care should be taken to have a liberal sprinkling +of white, for the white in the flower kingdom is what the diamond is in +the mineral world, necessary as a setting for all other colours, as well +as for its own intrinsic worth.</p> + +<p>Look at a well-cut sapphire of flawless tint. It is beautiful surely, +but in some way its depth of colour needs illumination. Surround it with +evenly matched diamonds and at once life enters into it.</p> + +<p>Fill a tall jar with spires of larkspur of the purest blue known to +garden flowers. Unless the sun shines fully on them they seem to swallow +light; mingle with them some stalks of white foxgloves, Canterbury +bells, or surround them with Madonna lilies, a fringe of spirea, or the +slender <i>Deutzia gracilis</i>, more frequently seen in florists' windows +than in the garden, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354">[Pg 354]</a></span>and a new meaning is given the blue flower; the +black shadows disappear from its depth and sky reflections replace them.</p> + +<p>The blue-fringed gentian, growing deep among the dark grasses of low +meadows, may be passed over without enthusiasm as a dull purplish flower +by one to whom its possibilities are unknown; but come upon it +backgrounded by Michaelmas daisies or standing alone in a meadow thick +strewn with the white stars of grass of Parnassus or wands of crystal +ladies' tresses, and all at once it becomes,—</p> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"Blue, blue, as if the sky let fall</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.3em;">A flower from its cerulean wall!"</span><br /> +</p> + +<p>The same white setting enhances the brighter colours, though in a less +degree than blue, which is, next to magenta, one of the most difficult +colours to place in the garden. In view of this fact it is not strange +that it is a comparatively unusual hue in the flower world and a very +rare one among our neighbourly eastern birds, the only three that wear +it conspicuously being the bluebird, indigo bird, and the bluejay.</p> + +<p>It is this useful quality as a setting that gives value to many white +flowers lacking intrinsic beauty, like sweet alyssum, candy-tuft, the +yarrows, and the double feverfew. In buying seeds of flowers in mixed +varie<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_355" id="Page_355">[Pg 355]</a></span>ties, such as asters, verbenas, Sweet-William, pansies, or any +flower in short that has a white variety, it is always safe to buy a +single packet of the latter, because I have often noticed that the usual +mixtures, for some reason, are generally shy not only of the white but +often of the very lightest tints as well.</p> + +<p>In selecting asters the average woman gardener may not be prepared to +buy the eight or ten different types that please her fancy in as many +separate colours; a mixture of each must suffice, but a packet of white +of each type should be added if the best results are to be achieved.</p> + +<p>The same applies to sweet peas when planted in mixture; at least six +ounces of either pure white or very light, and therefore quasi-neutral +tints harmonizing with all darker colours, should be added. For it is in +the lighter tints of this flower that its butterfly characteristics are +developed. Keats had not the heavy deep-hued or striped varieties in +mind when he wrote of</p> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"... Sweet Peas on tiptoe for a flight,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.3em;">With wings of gentle flush: o'er delicate white,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.3em;">And taper fingers catching at all things</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.3em;">To bind them all about with tiny rings."</span><br /> +</p> + +<p>If you examine carefully the "flats" of pansies growing from mixed seed +and sold in the market-places <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356">[Pg 356]</a></span>or at local florists', you will notice +that in eight out of ten the majority of plants are of the darker +colours.</p> + +<p>There are white varieties of almost every garden flower that blooms +between the last frost of spring and winter ice. The snowdrop of course +is white and the tiny little single English violet of brief though +unsurpassing fragrance; we have white crocuses, white hyacinths, +narcissus, lilies-of-the-valley, Iris, white rock phlox, or moss-pink, +Madonna and Japan lilies, gladiolus, white campanulas of many species, +besides the well-known Canterbury bells, white hollyhocks, larkspurs, +sweet Sultan, poppies, phloxes, and white annual as well as hardy +chrysanthemums.</p> + +<p>Almost all the bedding plants, like the geranium, begonia, ageratum, +lobelia, etc., have white species. There are white pinks of all types, +white roses, and wherever crimson rambler is seen Madame Plantier should +be his bride; white stocks, hollyhocks, verbenas, zinnias, Japanese +anemones, Arabis or rock cress, and white fraxinella; white Lupins, +nicotiana, evening primroses, pentstemons, portulaca, primulas, vincas, +and even a whitish nasturtium, though its flame-coloured partner salvia +declines to have her ardour so modified.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357">[Pg 357]</a></span></p><p>Among vines we have the white wisteria, several white clematis, the +moon-flower, and other Ipomeas, many climbing and trailing roses, the +English polygonum, the star cucumber, etc., so that there is no lack of +this harmonizing and modifying colour (that is not a colour after all) +if we will but use it intelligently.</p> + +<p>Aside from the setting of flower to flower, white has another and wider +function. As applied to the broader landscape it is not only a maker of +perspective, but it often indicates a picture and fairly pulls it from +obscurity, giving the same lifelike roundness that the single white dot +lends in portraiture to the correctly tinted but still lifeless eye.</p> + +<p>Take for instance a wide field without groups of trees to divide and let +it be covered only with grass, no matter how green and luxuriant, and +there is a monotonous flatness, that disappears the moment the field is +blooming with daisies or snowy wild asters.</p> + +<p>Follow the meandering line of a brook through April meadows. Where does +the eye pause with the greatest sense of pleasure and restfulness? On +the gold of the marsh marigolds edging the water? or on the silver-white +plumes of shad-bush that wave and beckon across the marshes, as they +stray from moist ground toward the light woods? Could any gay colour +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358">[Pg 358]</a></span>whatsoever compete with the snow of May apple orchards?—the fact that +the snow is often rose tinged only serving to accentuate the contrasting +white.</p> + +<p>In the landscape all light tints that at a distance have the value of +white are equally to the purpose, and can be used for hedges, +boundaries, or what may be called punctuation points. German or English +Iris and peonies are two very useful plants for this purpose, flowering +in May and June and for the rest of the season holding their +substantial, well-set-up foliage. These two plants, if they receive even +ordinary good treatment, may also be relied upon for masses of uniform +bloom held well above the leaves; and while pure white peonies are a +trifle monotonous and glaring unless blended with the blush, rose, +salmon, and cream tints, there are any number of white iris both tall +and dwarf with either self-toned flowers, or pencilled, feathered, or +bordered with a variety of delicate tints, and others equally valuable +of pale shades of lilac or yellow, the recurved falls being of a +different tint.</p> + +<p>Thus does Nature paint her pictures and give us hints to follow, and yet +a certain art phase proclaims Nature's colour combinations crude and +rudimentary forsooth!</p> + +<p><a name="illus-358" id="illus-358"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/illus-358.jpg" alt="An Iris Hedge." title="An Iris Hedge." /></div> +<h4><span class="smcap">An Iris Hedge.</span></h4> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359">[Pg 359]</a></span></p><p>Nature is never crude except through an unsuccessful human attempt to +reproduce the uncopyable. Give one of these critics all the colour +combinations of the evening sky and let him manipulate them with wires +and what a scorched omelet he would make of the most simple and natural +sunset!</p> + +<p>While Nature does not locate the different colours on the palette to +please the eye of man, but to carry out the various steps in the great +plan of perpetuation, yet on that score it is all done with a sense of +colour value, else why are the blossoms of deep woods, as well as the +night-blooming flowers that must lure the moth and insect seekers +through the gloom, white or light-coloured?</p> + +<p>In speaking of white or pale flowers there is one low shrub with +evergreen leaves and bluish-white flowers that I saw blooming in masses +for the first time not far from Boston in early May. There was a slight +hollow where the sun lay, that was well protected from the wind. This +sloped gently upward toward some birches that margined a pond. The +birches themselves were as yet but in tassel, the near-by grass was +green in spots only, and yet here in the midst of the chill, reluctant +promise of early spring was firmness of leaf and clustered flowers of +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_360" id="Page_360">[Pg 360]</a></span>almost hothouse texture and fragrance. Not a single spray or a dozen, +but hundreds of them, covered the bushes.</p> + +<p>This shrub is <i>Daphne cneorum</i>, a sturdier evergreen cousin of <i>Daphne +mezereum</i>, that brave-hearted shrub that often by the south wall of my +garden hangs its little pink flower clusters upon bare twigs as early as +the tenth of March. Put it on your list of desirables, for aside from +any other situation it will do admirably to edge laurels or +rhododendrons and so bring early colour of the rosy family hue to +brighten their dark glossy leaves, for the sight and the scent thereof +made me resolve to cover a certain nook with it, where the sun lodges +first every spring. I am planting mine this autumn, which is necessary +with things of such early spring vitality.</p> + +<p>Another garden point akin to colour value in that it makes or mars has, +I may say, run itself into my vision quite sharply and painfully this +summer, and many a time have I rubbed my eyes and looked again in wonder +that such things could be. This is the spoiling of a well-thought-out +garden by the obtrusive staking of its plants. Of course there are many +tall and bushy flowers—hollyhocks, golden glow, cosmos—that have not +sufficient strength of stem <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_361" id="Page_361">[Pg 361]</a></span>to stand alone when the weight of soaking +rain is added to their flowers and the wind comes whirling to challenge +them to a dizzy dance, which they cannot refuse, and it inevitably turns +their heavy heads and leaves them prone.</p> + +<p><a name="illus-360" id="illus-360"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/illus-360.jpg" alt="Daphne Cneorum." title="Daphne Cneorum." /></div> +<h4><span class="smcap">Daphne Cneorum.</span></h4> + +<p>Besides these there are the lower, slender, but top-heavy lilies, +gladioli, carnations, and the like, that must not be allowed to soil +their pretty faces in the mud. A little thinking must be done and stakes +suitable to the height and girth of each plant chosen. If the purse +allows, green-painted stakes of sizes varying from eighteen inches for +carnations to six feet for Dahlias are the most convenient; but lacking +these, the natural bamboos, that may be bought in bundles by the +hundred, in canes of eight feet or more, and afterward cut in lengths to +suit, are very useful, being light, tough, and inconspicuous.</p> + +<p>In supporting a plant, remember that the object is as nearly as possible +to supplement its natural stem. Therefore cut the stake a little shorter +than the top of the foliage and drive it firmly at the back of the +plant, fastening the main stem to the stake by loosely woven florist's +string.</p> + +<p>If, on the other hand, the plant to be supported is a maze of side +branches, like the cosmos, or individual <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_362" id="Page_362">[Pg 362]</a></span>bushes blended so as to form a +hedge, a row of stout poles, also a little lower than the bushes, should +be set firmly behind them, the twine being woven carefully in and out +among the larger branches, and then tightened carefully, so that the +whole plant is gradually drawn back and yet the binding string is +concealed.</p> + +<p>If it is possible to locate cosmos, hollyhocks, and Dahlias (especially +Dahlias) in the same place for several successive years, a flanking +trellis fence of light posts, with a single top and bottom rail and +poultry wire of a three inch mesh between, will be found a good +investment. Against this the plants may be tethered in several places, +and thus not only separate branches can be supported naturally, but +individual flowers as well, in the case of the large exhibition Dahlias.</p> + +<p><a name="illus-362" id="illus-362"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/illus-362.jpg" alt="A Terrible Example!" title="A Terrible Example!" /></div> +<h4><span class="smcap">A Terrible Example!</span></h4> + +<p>Practicable as is the proper carrying out of the matter, in a score of +otherwise admirable gardens we have seen the results of weeks and months +of preparation either throttled and bound martyrlike to a stake or +twisted and tethered, until the natural, habit of growth was wholly +changed. In some cases the plants were so meshed in twine and choked +that it seemed as if a spiteful fairy had woven a "cat's cradle" over +them or that they had followed out the old proverb and, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_363" id="Page_363">[Pg 363]</a></span>having been +given enough rope, literally hanged themselves. In other gardens green +stakes were set at intervals (I noticed it in the case of gladioli and +carnations especially) and strings carried from one stake to the other, +leaving each plant in the centre of a twine square, like chessmen +imprisoned on the board. But the most terrible example of all was where +either the owner or the gardener, for they were not one and the same, +had purchased a quantity of half-inch pine strips at a lumber yard and +proceeded to scatter them about his beds at random, regardless of height +or suitability, very much as if some neighbouring Fourth of July +celebration had showered the place with rocket sticks.</p> + +<p>If your young German has time in the intervals of tree-planting and +trellis-making, get him to trim some of the cedars of a diameter of two +or three inches and stack them away for Dahlia poles. Next season you +will become a victim of these gorgeous velvet flowers, I foresee, +especially as I have fully a barrel of the "potatoes" of some very +handsome varieties to bestow upon you. Make the most of Meyer, for he +will probably grow melancholy as soon as cool weather sets in and he +thinks of winter evenings and a sweetheart he has left in the +fatherland!</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_364" id="Page_364">[Pg 364]</a></span></p><p>We have had several Germans and they all had <i>lieber schatz</i>, for +jealousy or the scorn of whom they had left home, were for the same +reason loath to stay away from it, and at the same time, owing to +contending emotions, were unable to work so that they might return.</p> + +<p>Are you not thinking about returning to your indoor bed and board again? +With warm weather I fly out of the door as a second nature, but with a +smart promise of frost I turn about again and everything—furniture, +pictures, books, and the dear people themselves—seems refreshingly new +and wholly lovable!</p> + +<p>If you are thinking of making out a book list of your needs as an answer +to your mother's or your "in-law's" query, "What do you want for +Christmas?" write at the beginning—Bailey's <i>Cyclopædia of American +Horticulture</i>, in red ink. Lavinia and Martin Cortright gave it to us +last Christmas, the clearly printed first edition on substantial paper +in four thick volumes, mind you, and it is the referee and court of +appeals of the Garden, You, and I in general and myself in particular. +Not only will it tell you everything that you wish or ought to know, but +do it completely and truthfully. In short it is the perfect antidote to +<i>Garden Goozle</i>!</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_365" id="Page_365">[Pg 365]</a></span></p> +<h2>XIX</h2> + +<h3>PANDORA'S CHEST</h3> + +<p class='center'>(Mary Penrose to Barbara Campbell)</p> + + +<p><i>Woodridge, October 10</i>. Nearly a month of pen silence on my part, +during which I have felt many times as if I must go from one to another +of our chosen trees in the river woods and shake the leaves down so that +the transplanting might proceed forthwith, lest the early winter that +Amos Opie predicts both by a goose bone and certain symptoms of his own +shall overtake us. Be this as it may, the leaves thus far prefer their +airy quarters to huddling upon the damp ground.</p> + +<p>However, there is another reason for haste more urgent than the fear of +frost—the melancholy vein that you predicted we should find in Meyer is +fast developing, and as we wish to have him leave us in a perfectly +natural way, we think it best that his stay shall not be prolonged. At +first he seemed not only absorbed by his work and to enjoy the garden +and especially the river woods, but the trees and water rushing by.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_366" id="Page_366">[Pg 366]</a></span></p><p>A week ago a change came over him; he became morose and silent, and +yesterday when I was admiring, half aloud, the reflection of a beautiful +scarlet oak mirrored in the still backwater of the river, he paused in +the kneeling position in which he was loosening the grasp of a white +flowering dogwood, and first throwing out his arms and then beating his +chest with them, exclaimed—"Other good have trees and water than for +the eye to see; they can surely hang and drown the man the heart of whom +holds much sorrow, and that man is I!"</p> + +<p>Of course I knew that it was something a little out of the ordinary +state of affairs that had sent a man of his capability to tramp about as +a vagrant sort of labourer, but I had no previous idea that melancholy +had taken such a grip upon him. Much do I prefer Larry, with periods of +hilarity ending in peaceful "shlape." Certain peoples have their +peculiar racial characteristics, but after all, love of an occasional +drink seems a more natural proposition than a tendency to suicide, while +as to the relative value of the labour itself, that is always an +individual not a racial matter.</p> + +<p>I too am feeling the domestic lure of cooler weather. All the day I wish +to be in the open, but when the earlier twilight closes in, the house, +with its lamps, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_367" id="Page_367">[Pg 367]</a></span>hearth fires, and voices, weaves a new spell about me, +though having once opened wide the door of outdoors it can never be +closed.</p> + +<p>Do you remember the <i>Masque of Pandora</i>, and the mysterious chest?</p> + +<blockquote><p class='center'> +"<i>Pandora</i><br /> +Hast thou never</p> +<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;">Lifted the lid?</span></p> +<p class='center'><i>Epimetheus</i><br /> +The oracle forbids.</p> +<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;">Safely concealed there from all mortal eyes</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Forever sleeps the secret of the Gods.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Seek not to know what they have hidden from thee</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Till they themselves reveal it."</span> +</p></blockquote> + +<p>Bart was reading it aloud to me last night. Prose read aloud always +frets me, because one's mind travels so much faster than the spoken +words and arrives at the conclusion, even if not always the right one, +long before the printed climax is reached; but with good poetry it is +different—the thoughts are so crystallized that the sound of a +melodious voice liberates them more swiftly.</p> + +<p>Verily Pandora's Chest has been opened this season here in the garden; +the gods were evidently not unwilling and turned the lock for me, though +perhaps<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_368" id="Page_368">[Pg 368]</a></span> I have thrown back the cover too rashly, for out has flown, +instead of dire disaster, ambition in a flock of winged ideals, hopes, +and wishes masquerading cleverly as necessities, that will keep me alert +in trying to overtake and capture them all my life long.</p> + +<p>Last night, once again comfortably settled in the den, we took inventory +of the season's doings, and unlike most ventures, find there is nothing +to write upon the nether page that records loss. Of the money set aside +for the improvement of the knoll half yet remains, allowing for the +finishing of the tree transplanting. Into this remainder we are +preparing to tuck the filling for the rose bed, a goodly store of lily +bulbs, some flowering shrubs, an openwork wire fence to be a +vine-covered screen betwixt us and the road, instead of the broken +rattling pickets, a new harness for Romeo to wear when he returns home, +as a thank offering for his comfortable services (really the bridle of +the old one is quite scratched to bits upon the various trees and rough +fence rails to which he has been tethered), and last of all, what do you +think? Three guesses may be easily wasted without hitting the mark, for +instead of, as we expected, tearing down the old barn, our summer camp, +we are going to remodel it to be a permanent outdoor shelter. It is to +have a wide <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_369" id="Page_369">[Pg 369]</a></span>chimney and fireplace at one end, before which our beds may +be drawn campfire fashion if it is too cool, and adjustable shutters so +that it may be either merely a roof or a fairly substantial cabin and at +all possible seasons a study and playroom for us all. Then too we shall +overlook "Maria Maxwell's Experiment," as Bart calls her scheme of +running the Opal Farm. We were heartily glad to know that she had leased +and not bought it, but we were much surprised to learn, first through +the village paper, and not the man and woman concerned, that "Mr. Ross +Blake, the engineer in charge of the construction of the new reservoir, +believing in the future of the real-estate boom in Woodridge (we didn't +know there was one), has recently purchased the Amos Opie farm as an +investment, the deed being to-day recorded in the town house. He has +already leased it for a young ladies' seminary, pending its remodelling, +for which he himself is drawing the plans."</p> + +<p>Dear <i>Man from Everywhere!</i> much as I like Maria, I think he would be +the more restful neighbour of the two. What a complete couple they might +have made, but that is a bit of drift thought that I have put out of my +head, for if any two people ever had a chance this summer to fall in +love if they had the capacity, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_370" id="Page_370">[Pg 370]</a></span>it was Maria and <i>The Man</i>, and the +strange part of it is that as far as may be known neither is nourishing +the sentiment of a melancholy past and no other present man or woman +stands between; perhaps it is some uncanny Opal spell that stays them. +Yet even as it is, in this farm restoration both are unconsciously +preparing to take a peep into Pandora's Chest full of the unknown, so +let us hope the gods are willing.</p> + + +<p><i>Hallowe'en.</i> The Infant and Anastasia, her memories revived by Larry's +voluble and personally adapted folk-lore, are preparing all sorts of +traps and feasts for good luck and fairies, while Lady Lazy is content +to look at the log fire and plan for putting the garden to sleep. +Yesterday I finished taking up my collection of peonies, Iris, and hardy +chrysanthemums that had been "promised" at various farm gardens beyond +the river woods, and duly cleared off my indebtednesses for the same +with a varied assortment of articles ranging from gladioli bulbs, which +seem to multiply by cube root here, to a pair of curling tongs, an +article long coveted by a simple-minded woman of more than middle age, +for the resuscitation of her Sunday front locks, and which though +willing to acquire by barter she, as a deacon's wife, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_371" id="Page_371">[Pg 371]</a></span>had a prejudice +against buying openly over the counter.</p> + +<p>Meyer has gone, having relapsed into comparative cheerfulness a few days +before his departure on the receipt of a bulky letter which, in spite of +the wear and tear of travel, remained heavily scented, coupled with +Bart's assurance that he could remain in America another four weeks and +still be at a certain Baltic town of an unpronounceable name in time for +Christmas.</p> + +<p>In spite of heavy frosts my pansies are a daily cheer, but it is really +of no use for even the flowers of very hardy plants to struggle on +against nature's decree of a winter sleeping time; the wild animals all +come more or less under its spell, and the dogs, the nearest creatures +of all to man, as soon as snow covers the ground and they have their +experience of ice-cut feet, drowse as near the fire as possible and in +case of a stove almost under it. I wonder if nature did not intend that +we also should have at least a half-drowsy brooding time, instead of +making the cold season so often a period of stress and strain and short +days stretched into long nights. If so, we have taken the responsibility +of acting for ourselves, of flying in nature's face in this as in many +other ways.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_372" id="Page_372">[Pg 372]</a></span></p><p>Does it ever seem to you strange that our contrariness began within the +year of our legendary creation, when Eve came to misery not by gazing in +a bonnet shop, but when innocently wandering in her garden, the most +beautiful of earth? By which we women gardeners should all take warning, +for though the Tree of Life may be found in every garden,</p> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"Yet sin and sorrow's pedigree</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.3em;">Spring from a garden and a tree."</span><br /> +</p> + + +<p><i>December 10.</i> Snow a month earlier than last year, but we rejoice in +it, for it will keep the winds from the roots of the trees not yet +wholly settled and comfortable in their new homes. The young hemlocks +are bewitching in their wreaths and garlands, and one or two older trees +give warmth to the woods beyond the Opal Farm and sweep the low, +snow-covered meadow, that looks like a crystal lake, with their feathery +branches. The cedars were beautiful in the May woods and so are they +now, where I see them through the gap standing sentinels against the +white of the brush lot. It seems to me that we cannot have too many +evergreens any more than we can have too much cheerfulness.</p> + +<p><a name="illus-372" id="illus-372"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/illus-372.jpg" alt="The low, snow-covered +meadow that looks like a crystal lake." title="The low, snow-covered +meadow that looks like a crystal lake." /></div> +<h4><span class="smcap">The low, snow-covered meadow that looks like a crystal lake</span></h4> + +<p class='center'>Copyright, 1902, H. Hendrickson </p> + +<p>There are no paths in the garden now, a hint that our feet must travel +elsewhere for a time, and I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_373" id="Page_373">[Pg 373]</a></span>confess that Lady Lazy has not yet +redeemed herself, and at present likes her feet to fall upon soft rugs. +The Infant's gray squirrels, Punch and Judy, and the persistent sparrows +have found their way to the house, taking their daily rations from the +roof of the shed. Punch, stuffed to repletion, has a <i>cache</i> under the +old syringa bushes, the sparrows seeming to escort him in his travels to +and fro, but whether for companionship or in hope of gain, who can say?</p> + +<p>The plans for the remodelling of Opal Farm-house are really very +attractive and yet it will be delightfully simple to care for. Maria and +<i>The Man</i> have agreed better about them than over anything I have ever +heard them discuss; but then, as it is purely a business arrangement, I +suppose that Maria feels free from her usual pernickety restraint.</p> + +<p>We surmise that either she has much more laid by than we supposed or she +is waxing extravagant, for she has had the opal, that <i>The Man</i> gave her +once in exchange for an old coin, surrounded with very good diamonds and +set as a ring! Really I never before noticed what fine strong white +hands she has.</p> + +<p>I shall ask Father Penrose for the <i>Cyclopædia</i>—it has a substantial +sound that may soften his suspicion that we are not practical and were +not properly grieved over the loss of the hens!</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_374" id="Page_374">[Pg 374]</a></span></p> +<h2>XX</h2> + +<h3>EPILOGUE</h3> + +<h5>(DICTATED)</h5> + + +<p><i>Woodridge, January 3.</i> In the face of circumstances that prevent my +holding the pen in my own hand, I am resolved that the first chronicle +of the New Year shall be mine,—for by me it has sent The Garden, You, +and I a new member and our own garden a new tree, an oak we hope.</p> + +<p>The Infant is exultant at the evident and direct result of her dealings +with the fairies, and keeps a plate of astonishing goodies by the +nursery hearth fire; these, if the fairies do not feast upon personally, +are appreciated by their horses, the mice.</p> + +<p>His name is John Bartram Penrose, a good one to conjure with gardenwise, +though he is no kin to the original. He has fresh-air lungs, and if he +does not wax strong of limb and develop into a naturalist of some sort, +he cannot blame his parents or their garden vacation.</p> + +<p class='center'>MARY PENROSE,</p> +<p><span style="margin-left: 18em;">her mark.</span></p><div class="figcenter" style="margin-top: -0.5em;"><img src="images/illus-440.jpg" alt="her mark" title="her mark" /></div> +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<p><a name="illus-374" id="illus-374"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/illus-374.jpg" alt="Punch ... has a cache under the old syringa +bushes." title="Punch ... has a cache under the old syringa +bushes." /></div> +<h4><span class="smcap">Punch ... has a cache under the old syringa +bushes</span>.</h4> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_375" id="Page_375">[Pg 375]</a></span></p> +<div class="centered"> +<table cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary="For The Hardy Seed Bed" style="width: 100%;"> + <tr> + <td class="tdcsc" style="width: 30%; font-size: 80%;">Name</td> + <td class="tdcsc" style="width: 8%; font-size: 80%;">Tender <br />or Hardy</td> + <td class="tdcsc" style="width: 12%; font-size: 80%;">Colour</td> + <td class="tdcsc" style="width: 8%; font-size: 80%;">Height</td> + <td class="tdcsc" style="width: 10%; font-size: 80%;">Season</td> + <td class="tdcsc" style="width: 32%; font-size: 80%;">Remarks</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnb">Aquilegia—<span class="smcap">Columbine</span><br /><br /></td> + <td class="tdlnb">H.P.*</td> + <td class="tdlnb"> </td> + <td class="tdlnb">3 ft.</td> + <td class="tdlnb">June</td> + <td class="tdl2" rowspan="4">Columbines are among the most graceful and easily raised + of hardy plants. They will thrive in open borders, but do better in partial + shade, after the habit of our local species, the "Red Bells" of hillsides + and rocky wood.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnbtb">Chrysantha</td> + <td class="tdlnbtb"> </td> + <td class="tdlnbtb">Golden yellow</td> + <td class="tdlnbtb"> </td> + <td class="tdlnbtb"> </td> + </tr> <tr> + <td class="tdlnbtb">Cœrulea</td> + <td class="tdlnbtb"> </td> + <td class="tdlnbtb">Rich Blue</td> + <td class="tdlnbtb"> </td> + <td class="tdlnbtb"> </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnbt">Glandulosa vera<br /></td> + <td class="tdlnbt"> </td> + <td class="tdlnbt">Blue and white</td> + <td class="tdlnbt"> </td> + <td class="tdlnbt"> </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnb"><span class="smcap">Canterbury-Bell</span></td> + <td class="tdlnb">H.B.**</td> + <td class="tdlnb"> </td> + <td class="tdlnb">2 ft.</td> + <td class="tdlnb">June</td> + <td class="tdl2nb" rowspan="2">Old-fashioned plants of decorative value. As with all + biennials, the plant dies soon after maturing seed; a new sowing should be + made each spring and seedlings transplanted as soon as the old plant + dies; this secures strong growth before winter.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnbtb">Campanula media<br /><br /><br /><br /></td> + <td class="tdlnbtb"> </td> + <td class="tdlnbtb">Blue, white, pink</td> + <td class="tdlnbtb"> </td> + <td class="tdlnbtb"> </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnbt"><span class="smcap">Chimney Bell-Flower</span><br />Campanula pyramadalis</td> + <td class="tdlnbt">H.P.</td> + <td class="tdlnbt">Blue</td> + <td class="tdlnbt">3-4 ft.</td> + <td class="tdlnbt">Aug. to Oct.</td> + <td class="tdl2nbt">Desirable because of of its late blooming combined with its striking appearance. + Should be planted in connection with the tall white hardy phlox.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_376" id="Page_376">[Pg 376]</a></span>Coreopsis lanceolata</td> + <td class="tdl">H.P.</td> + <td class="tdl">Yellow</td> + <td class="tdl">1-2 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl">Summer</td> + <td class="tdl2">A sturdy plant either for massing or as a border to sunny shrubberies. + Flowers carried on long stems suitable for cutting.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnb"><span class="smcap">Candytuft</span>—Iberis</td> + <td class="tdlnb">H.P.</td> + <td class="tdlnb"> </td> + <td class="tdlnb">1 ft.</td> + <td class="tdlnb">Summer</td> + <td class="tdl2" rowspan="2">When transplanted from seed bed, plants should be set eight inches apart to make the + best effect, given room, they make fine compact bushes. The foliage is evergreen.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnbt">Sempervirens</td> + <td class="tdlnbt"> </td> + <td class="tdlnbt">White</td> + <td class="tdlnbt"> </td> + <td class="tdlnbt"> </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnb">Delphinium—<span class="smcap">Larkspur</span></td> + <td class="tdlnb">H.P. Flowering first year</td> + <td class="tdlnb">Blue, all shades</td> + <td class="tdlnb">3-7 ft.</td> + <td class="tdlnb">June, July, and Oct.</td> + <td class="tdl2nb">Our most satisfactory blue flower, but like all of this colour should have + a setting of white. If plants are cut down to the ground as soon as the blossoms fade, they + will give a second crop in October.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnbtb">D. Grandiflorum Chinensis</td> + <td class="tdlnbtb"> </td> + <td class="tdlnbtb">White and blue</td> + <td class="tdlnbtb">1-2 ft.</td> + <td class="tdlnbtb">Summer</td> + <td class="tdl2nbtb" rowspan="2">These flowers have a peculiar brilliancy, and if set in a bed edged + by sweet alyssum, are very satisfactory.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnbt"><span class="smcap">Siberian Larkspur</span></td> + <td class="tdlnbt"> </td> + <td class="tdlnbt"> </td> + <td class="tdlnbt"> </td> + <td class="tdlnbt"> </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnb"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_377" id="Page_377">[Pg 377]</a></span>Dianthus plumarius</td> + <td class="tdlnb">H.P.</td> + <td class="tdlnb"> </td> + <td class="tdlnb">1 ft.</td> + <td class="tdlnb" rowspan="2">May and June<br /> " <br /> " </td> + <td class="tdl2nb" rowspan="2">There is nothing more suggestive of the old time gardens of sweet flowers + than these fringed pinks. If once established in a well-drained spot, and not harassed, + they will sow themselves and last for years. Her Majesty and Lord Lyon are new + varieties, and as double as carnations.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnbtb"><span class="smcap">Scotch Clove Pink</span><br />Her Majesty<br />Lord Lyon<br /><br /><br /></td> + <td class="tdlnbtb"> </td> + <td class="tdlnbtb">Various<br />White<br />Pink</td> + <td class="tdlnbtb"> </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnbtb">Dianthus Chinensis <br /><span class="smcap">China Pink</span></td> + <td class="tdlnbtb">H.P. <br /> first year</td> + <td class="tdlnbtb">Var.</td> + <td class="tdlnbtb">6 in.-1 ft.</td> + <td class="tdlnbtb">Summer</td> + <td class="tdl2nbtb">Excellent for either bedding or edging. Have an apple fragrance.<br /></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnbt">Dianthus Heddewigii<br /><span class="smcap">Japan Pink</span></td> + <td class="tdlnbt">H.P. <br />first year</td> + <td class="tdlnbt">Var.</td> + <td class="tdlnbt">9 in.-1 ft.</td> + <td class="tdlnbt">Summer</td> + <td class="tdl2nbt">These summer pinks are not grown in masses as freely as as they deserve. + They bloom with all the profusion of annuals without their frailty. For a succession the seed + should be sown every year, as the old plants bloom earliest and the new follow them.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_378" id="Page_378">[Pg 378]</a></span>Dianthus barbatus<br /> + <span class="smcap">Sweet-William</span></td> + <td class="tdl">H.P.</td> + <td class="tdl">Var.</td> + <td class="tdl">1 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl">June</td> + <td class="tdl2">An old-time favourite with slightly fragrant blossoms that will + keep a week in water when cut. A bed when once established will last a long + time if a few of the finest heads of flowers are allowed to go to seed, as + with many perennials the younger plants bloom more vigorously than the old.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl">Digitalis—<span class="smcap">Foxglove</span><br /> + Variety gloxinoides</td> + <td class="tdl">H.P.</td> + <td class="tdl"><br />White, pink, purple, light yellow</td> + <td class="tdl">3 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl">June</td> + <td class="tdl2">A dignified as well as a poetic flower if given its natural, half-wild + surroundings. It will thrive best in partial shade if the soil be good. While if the stalks + of seeds are saved and the contents scattered along wild walks or at the edge + of woods, surprising results will follow.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_379" id="Page_379">[Pg 379]</a></span><span class="smcap">Feverfew</span><br /> + Chrysanthemum parthenium, double</td> + <td class="tdl">H.P.<br />first year</td> + <td class="tdl"><br />White</td> + <td class="tdl">1-3 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl">Summer</td> + <td class="tdl2">A very useful, double-flowered white composite, resembling a small + chrysanthemum. It should be used freely as a setting for blue, pink, or magenta flowers.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Forget-Me-Not</span><br /> + Myosotis alpestris Victoria</td> + <td class="tdl">H.P.</td> + <td class="tdl"><br />Blue</td> + <td class="tdl">1 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl">Spring and autumn</td> + <td class="tdl2">Well-known flowers that do best in moist borders or + places where they can be watered freely. If cut down after first + flowering, will bloom again in autumn.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl">Gaillardia cristata <br /><span class="smcap">Blanket Flower</span></td> + <td class="tdl">H.P. <br />first year</td> + <td class="tdl">Yellow and red</td> + <td class="tdl">1 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl">Until frost</td> + <td class="tdl2">Brilliant and hardy plants for edging shrubbery or in + separate beds. Sprawl too much for the mixed border.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnb"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_380" id="Page_380">[Pg 380]</a></span> + <span class="smcap">Hollyhocks</span><br /> Double and single</td> + <td class="tdlnb">H.P.</td> + <td class="tdlnb"><br />All colors</td> + <td class="tdlnb"><br />4-7 ft.</td> + <td class="tdlnb">Summer</td> + <td class="tdl2" rowspan="2">Of late years these decorative plants have suffered from a blight that turns + the leaves yellow and soon spreads to the stalks. Use great care that the soil be new and + well drained, sprinkle powdered sulphur and unslaked lime on surface and dig it in shortly + before setting out the seedlings. Also spray young plants well with diluted Bordeaux + mixture at intervals before the flowers show colour.<br /> + A large bed should be given to this flower, with either a wall or hedge as a background, and they + should be allowed to seed themselves from the best flowers. Thus a natural and artistic effect is + produced unlike the stiff lines of tightly staked plants.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnbt">New Hybrid Hollyhock<br /> flowers first year from + seed<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> + <td class="tdlnbt"> </td> + <td class="tdlnbt">All colors</td> + <td class="tdlnbt">4 ft.</td> + <td class="tdlnbt"> </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_381" id="Page_381">[Pg 381]</a></span><span class="smcap">Honesty</span><br /> + Lunaria biennis</td> + <td class="tdl">H.B.</td> + <td class="tdl"><br />White to lilac</td> + <td class="tdl"><br />2 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl"><br />June</td> + <td class="tdl2">The old English flower of colonial gardens. Should be massed. The silvery + moons of its seed vessels make unusual winter bouquets.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Lupins</span><br />Lupinus polyphyllus</td> + <td class="tdl">H.P.</td> + <td class="tdl"><br />Rich blue</td> + <td class="tdl"><br />3 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl"><br />June</td> + <td class="tdl2">Good for planting before the white flowering June shrubs. Flowers borne + erect upon long spikes. Very difficult to transplant unless the long root is kept intact.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnb"><span class="smcap">Horsemint</span><br />Monada didyma-Bee balm + <br /> or Oswego tea<br />Monada fistulosa</td> + <td class="tdlnb">H.P.</td> + <td class="tdlnb"><br />Deep red</td> + <td class="tdlnb">2-3 ft.</td> + <td class="tdlnb">Summer</td> + <td class="tdl2" rowspan="2">Sturdy and somewhat coarse plants, their square stems telling + the kinship with the familiar mints. Of good decorative effect, should be used as a background + in the bed of sweet odours, as especially after a rain they yield the garden a clean + fragrance of tonic quality. The bergamot grows wild in many places and is easily + transplanted.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnbt"><span class="smcap">Wild Bergamot</span><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> + <td class="tdlnbt">H.P.</td> + <td class="tdlnbt">Lavender</td> + <td class="tdlnbt">3-6 ft.</td> + <td class="tdlnbt">Summer</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnb"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_382" id="Page_382">[Pg 382]</a></span>Primula<br /> + <span class="smcap">English Field Primrose</span></td> + <td class="tdlnb">H.P.</td> + <td class="tdlnb"><br />Primrose yellow</td> + <td class="tdlnb">6 in.</td> + <td class="tdlnb">May</td> + <td class="tdl2nb">The beautiful tufted primrose of the English poets. Grows in this country best + on moist, grassy banks under high or in partial shade. It has, during the ten years that I + have grown it, proved entirely hardy. The seed may be in the ground a year before germinating, but + once established the plant cares for itself.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnbtb">Primula Japonica<br /> mixed border</td> + <td class="tdlnbtb">H.P.</td> + <td class="tdlnbtb">Yellows and reds</td> + <td class="tdlnbtb">6 in.-1 ft.</td> + <td class="tdlnbtb">May</td> + <td class="tdl2nbtb">The border primrose so freely used in England but rarely seen in everyday + gardens here, where I have found it perfectly hardy. Makes a border of rich colour for the + May garden. Must be watered freely in hot, dry seasons.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnbt">Primula Officinalis<br /><span class="smcap">Cowslip</span></td> + <td class="tdlnbt">H.P.</td> + <td class="tdlnbt">Yellow</td> + <td class="tdlnbt">1 ft.</td> + <td class="tdlnbt">May</td> + <td class="tdl2nbt">The English cowslip, a charming garden flower, but more at + home in nooks of grassy banks, like the primrose, or in the open.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnb"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_383" id="Page_383">[Pg 383]</a></span><span class="smcap">Poppy</span><br /> + { Iceland poppy <br /> { P. nudicale</td> + <td class="tdlnb">H.P.</td> + <td class="tdlnb"><br />Yellow and white</td> + <td class="tdlnb">1 ft.</td> + <td class="tdlnb"><br />Early Summer</td> + <td class="tdl2nb">Poppies are very difficult to transplant, owing to their long, + sensitive roots, though it can be done. It is easier, therefore, to sow them thinly where + they are to remain and weed them out.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnbt">P. orientale</td> + <td class="tdlnbt">H.P.</td> + <td class="tdlnbt">Dazzling scarlet</td> + <td class="tdlnbt">2-3 ft.</td> + <td class="tdlnbt">June</td> + <td class="tdl2nbt">A gorgeous flower, subject to damping off if heavy rains come when it is in + full bloom. Should be used to fill in between white shrubs, as its colour is impossible + near any of the pink, purple, or magenta June flowers, and a single plant misplaced will ruin your garden.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnb"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_384" id="Page_384">[Pg 384]</a></span><span class="smcap">Phlox</span><br /> + P. paniculata</td> + <td class="tdlnb"><br />H.P.</td> + <td class="tdlnb"><br />In variety, crimson, purple, salmon, carmine, and white with colored eye</td> + <td class="tdlnb"><br />3-4 ft.</td> + <td class="tdlnb"><br />July-Oct. Miss Lingard in June</td> + <td class="tdl2nb">Offshoots of these hardy phloxes may be usually obtained by + exchange from some friend, as they increase rapidly. But there is a charm + in raising seedlings on the chance of growing a new species. These phloxes are the + backbone of the hardy garden from July until frost, while Miss Lingard, + a fine white variety, blooms in June to be a setting for the blue larkspurs.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnbt">Phlox subulata<br /> <span class="smcap">Moss Pink</span></td> + <td class="tdlnbt">H.P.</td> + <td class="tdlnbt">Pink and white</td> + <td class="tdlnbt">6 in.</td> + <td class="tdlnbt"> </td> + <td class="tdl2nbt">The dwarf phlox that hides its foliage under sheets of pink + or white bloom and makes the great mats of colour seen among rock work and on dry + banks in parks and public gardens.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Pentstemon</span><br />European + varieties. Mixed</td> + <td class="tdl">H.P.</td> + <td class="tdl"><br />Many rich colours</td> + <td class="tdl">3 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl">Summer</td> + <td class="tdl2">Very fine border plants, almost as decorative as foxgloves, showing + tints of reds through pink, white, blue and white cream, etc.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_385" id="Page_385">[Pg 385]</a></span><span class="smcap">Pansies</span> + in varieties</td> + <td class="tdl">H.B.<br />flowers first year</td> + <td class="tdl">Many rich colours</td> + <td class="tdl">1 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl">April to Dec.</td> + <td class="tdl2">It is usual to sow pansies in frames during September and October, winter + them under cover, and transplant to beds the following spring.<br /> + If pansies (well soaked previously) are sown in the seed bed in late August or early September, + they will be compact little plants by November, when they may be transplanted to their permanent + bed or else covered where they stand, protected by leaves between the rows and a few evergreen + boughs or a little salt hay over them. If an entire bed is set apart set apart for pansies and only + the finest flowers allowed to seed, the bed will keep itself going for several years by merely + thinning and adjusting the seedlings.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnb"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_386" id="Page_386">[Pg 386]</a></span><span class="smcap">Day Primrose</span><br /> + Œnothera fruticosa</td> + <td class="tdlnb">H.P.</td> + <td class="tdlnb">Golden yellow</td> + <td class="tdlnb">1 ft.</td> + <td class="tdlnb">Early summer</td> + <td class="tdl2nb">A day-flowering member of the evening-primrose family, resembling + the golden sundrops of our June meadows. Very fragrant, and if once established, + will sow itself.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnbt"><span class="smcap">Evening Primrose</span><br />Œnothera biennis</td> + <td class="tdlnbt">H.B.</td> + <td class="tdlnbt">Yellow</td> + <td class="tdlnbt">3 ft.</td> + <td class="tdlnbt">All summer</td> + <td class="tdl2nbt">The exquisitely scented silver-gold flower that unfurls + at twilight to give a supper to the hawk moths, upon whom it depends for + fertilization. Grows in dry soil and should be used in masses to fill in + odd corners.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl">Violas <br /><span class="smcap">Tufted Pansy-violets</span><br /> for bedding</td> + <td class="tdl">H.P.</td> + <td class="tdl">Purple, <br />yellow, rose, mauve, white</td> + <td class="tdl">6 in.</td> + <td class="tdl">April to Oct.</td> + <td class="tdl2">A race of plants closely resembling pansies, that fill an important place + in the gardens of Europe, but are as yet little known here, though they are as hardy as the + primulas. As a border for shrubs or rose beds they are excellent, but when planted as a bed, + should be in partial shade.</td> + </tr> +</table> +</div> + +<p> * : Hardy Perennial.<br /> + ** : Hardy Biennial.</p> + +<div><br /><br /><hr /></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_387" id="Page_387">[Pg 387]</a></span></p> +<h3>SOME WORTHY ANNUALS<br /></h3> + +<div class="centered"> +<table cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="Some Worthy Annuals" style="width: 100%;"> + <tr> + <td class="tdcsc" style="width: 30%; font-size: 80%;">Name</td> + <td class="tdcsc" style="width: 8%; font-size: 80%;">Tender <br />or Hardy</td> + <td class="tdcsc" style="width: 14%; font-size: 80%;">Colour</td> + <td class="tdcsc" style="width: 9%; font-size: 80%;">Height</td> + <td class="tdcsc" style="width: 39%; font-size: 80%;">Remarks</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Aster</span><br /> + Most reliable varieties—<br /> + Truffants<br /> + Victoria<br /> + <span class="smcap">Queen Of Market</span><br /> + (very early)<br /> + Comet<br /> + (quaint and artistic)<br /> + <span class="smcap">Emperor Frederick</span><br /> + (best white)<br /> + <span class="smcap">Hohenzollern</span><br /> + (new large flowers.)</td> + <td class="tdl">H.A.</td> + <td class="tdl">All shades of blues, purples, and pink up to deep blue, also white.</td> + <td class="tdl">18 in.-2 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl2">Asters are the standby of the late summer and autumn garden, and for this + reason it is better to sow them in the outdoor seed bed than to attempt forcing. They require + light, rich soil, mixed with old manure, as fresh manure breeds many aster ills. + Two enemies—lice at the root and black goldenrod beetles on the flowers—must + be guarded against—the first by digging sulphur powder, unslaked lime, nitrate of + soda, or wood ashes into the soil both before sowing the seed and again into the place where + they are transplanted; the beetle must be dislodged by careful hand picking. Cover the seeds + with half an inch of soil, and in transplanting set the plants from a foot to eighteen inches + apart, according to variety.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_388" id="Page_388">[Pg 388]</a></span><span class="smcap">Sweet Alyssum</span>,<br /> + Variety Maritimum</td> + <td class="tdl">H.A.</td> + <td class="tdl"><br />White, fragrant</td> + <td class="tdl">1 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl2">A cheerful little mustard-shaped flower borne in short, thick + spikes, useful for edgings or to supply the white setting necessary to + groups of party-coloured flowers.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Balsam</span><br /> Camellia flowered</td> + <td class="tdl">T.A.</td> + <td class="tdl">White, peach, carmine, lavender, rose, scarlet, spotted, and straw</td> + <td class="tdl">18 in.</td> + <td class="tdl2">A rapid-growing, tender annual from India, and while rather stiff in form + of growth, very decorative for the summer borders surrounding a sundial. The flowers, like + compact, double roses, are very useful for set table decorations and may be used in many ways.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl">Calendula—<span class="smcap">Pot Marigold</span><br />Calendula officinalis grandiflora <br /> + Calendula Pongei. fl. pl.</td> + <td class="tdl">H.A.</td> + <td class="tdl">Yellow and orange <br />White</td> + <td class="tdl">1 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl2">Showy flowers for summer beds, not good for cutting, as they grow + sleepy indoors and in cloudy weather.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Candytuft</span><br /> + Iberis Coronaria <br />Rocket Candytuft</td> + <td class="tdl">H.A.</td> + <td class="tdl"><br />White, fine erect form</td> + <td class="tdl">1 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl2">A sturdy white flower useful for edgings in the same way as sweet alyssum. + May be sown in fall for early flowering.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnb"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_389" id="Page_389">[Pg 389]</a></span><span class="smcap">Cornflower</span><br /> + Centaurea<br />Centaurea Margaritæ, fragrant <br /><span class="smcap">Sweet Sultan</span></td> + <td class="tdlnb">H.A.</td> + <td class="tdlnb"><br /><br />White</td> + <td class="tdlnb">1-2 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl2" rowspan="2">One of the most satisfactory of the taller growing annuals, the + flowers having some of the qualities of an everlasting, and making fine buttonhole flowers + or house bouquets. The Sweet Sultans are delightfully fragrant, and the Cornflower one of the + finest of our blue flowers. They should be sown in borders or large beds where they are to + bloom and while the Sweet Sultans must be spring sown, the Cornflower if sown in October will bloom + in May.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnbt">Suaveolens <br />Moschata <br /><span class="smcap">Cyanus—Emperor William</span> <br /> + (Rich blue cornflower)<br /><br /><br /></td> + <td class="tdlnbt"> </td> + <td class="tdlnbt">Yellow <br />Purple <br />Deep blue</td> + <td class="tdlnbt"> </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Cosmos</span><br />Giant fancy</td> + <td class="tdl">H.A.</td> + <td class="tdl">White <br />Pink <br />Maroon</td> + <td class="tdl">4-8 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl2">A beautiful autumn flower if they are on their best behaviour and bloom on + time, but like the little girl with the curl—when they are bad, they are + horrid.—They take a great deal of room during a long season which can be + often used to better advantage—planted with asters.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_390" id="Page_390">[Pg 390]</a></span>Dahlia<br /> + Single and cactus, mixed varieties</td> + <td class="tdl">H.H.P.</td> + <td class="tdl">Various</td> + <td class="tdl">3-6 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl2">If sown either indoors or in a frame, these Dahlias may be as cheaply raised + as any common annual—with the chance of growing many beautiful and new varieties. + The roots may be stored in sand in the cellar during winter like other bulbs.<br /> + I class this seed with annuals from the fact that it must be sown in spring and cannot + be left over winter in the hardy bed though it is a <i>half</i> hardy perennial.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl">Gaillardia, called <span class="smcap">Blanket Flower</span> <br />from its habit of + covering the ground with bloom<br />Gaillardia, picta Lorenziania</td> + <td class="tdl">H.A.</td> + <td class="tdl">Red and yellow</td> + <td class="tdl">1 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl2">Fine daisy-shaped flower for colour-masses or picking. May be sown in + in the borders after bulbs have died away, and will and will bloom until hard frost.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl">Ipomæa</td> + <td class="tdl">T.A.</td> + <td class="tdl"> </td> + <td class="tdl">10-15 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl2">Our most beautiful annual vines. The common morning glories should be kept + from seeding in flower or vegetable gardens, because before you know it the strong tendrils + will have twined about vegetables and flowers alike and strangled them.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnb"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_391" id="Page_391">[Pg 391]</a></span>Ipomæa<br /> + Ipomæa, Mexicana grandiflora alba—Large white moonflower</td> + <td class="tdlnb">T.A.</td> + <td class="tdlnb"><br />Satiny white</td> + <td class="tdlnb"><br />15 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl2nb">An early variety of the of the popular moonflower.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnbt">Ipomæa, Northern Light</td> + <td class="tdlnbt"> T.A.</td> + <td class="tdlnbt">Pinkish heliotrope</td> + <td class="tdlnbt">15 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl2nbt"> </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl">Imperial Japanese morning-glories</td> + <td class="tdl">T.A.</td> + <td class="tdl">White, rose, crimson, all shades of purple</td> + <td class="tdl">30-40 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl2">One of the most artistic flowers of the modern garden, the seed must be + must be sown early, preferably in a hotbed, and extra precautions taken to insure its + germination, as the coverings are exceedingly hard. It is best to soak them over night + in several changes of warm water or else very carefully notch the shell of the seed with + a knife. This last performance is rather risky, if the knife slip ever so little, and it is + best to trust to the soaking. For those who are in the country only from June to October + and have little room for vines, these morning-glories will prove a new experience, for in + flower and leaf they present an infinite variety of shape and marking. The flowers + are both self-coloured as well as marbled, spotted, striped, margined, and fringed.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnb"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_392" id="Page_392">[Pg 392]</a></span><span class="smcap">Mignonette</span></td> + <td class="tdlnb">H.A.</td> + <td class="tdlnb"> </td> + <td class="tdlnb">1-2 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl2" rowspan="2">These three species of mignonette I have found perfectly satisfactory. + If quantity is desired rather than quality, the seed may be sown thinly where it is to remain. But + for specimen stalks to come up to catalogue descriptions, each plant must have individual + treatment, like the asters.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnbtb">Miles Spiral<br />Giant Pyramidal<br />Parson's White<br /><br /><br /></td> + <td class="tdlnbtb"> </td> + <td class="tdlnbtb">Green and white<br />Green, deep<br />White and buff</td> + <td class="tdlnbtb"><br />18 in.<br />9 in.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl2"><span class="smcap">Nasturtiums</span><br />Tall<br />Make your own + mixture by buying the twenty named colours offered and blending them.</td> + <td class="tdl">H.A.</td> + <td class="tdl">All shades of reds and yellows, chocolate, pink, and salmon</td> + <td class="tdl"> </td> + <td class="tdl2">A showy climbing or trailing plant, useful for outdoor decorations and the + clean-smelling flowers being equally valuable for table decorations.<br /> + Should be either planted on a bank, wall, or in front of a fence, stone or otherwise. + If stone, a thick support of peabrush should be given, set slantwise toward the wall.<br /> + Be careful not to place nasturtiums where you will look over them toward beds containing + pink or magenta flowers or where they will form a background for the same, as in spite of + some beautiful tints of straw-colour and maroon, the general nasturtium colour is dazzling, + uncompromising vermilion-orange.</td> + </tr> +<tr> + <td class="tdlnb"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_393" id="Page_393">[Pg 393]</a></span><span class="smcap">Phlox Drummondii</span><br /> +Best colours in tall flowering class</td> + <td class="tdlnb">H.A.</td> + <td class="tdlnb"> </td> + <td class="tdlnb">1-1/2 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl2nb" rowspan="2">A thoroughly satisfactory flower for the summer garden, whether sown + broadcast to cover beds left empty by spring bulbs or sown in a seed bed and transplanted eight inches + to a foot apart, when if the dead flowers are kept well picked off, they will make sturdy, compact + bushes.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnbtb">Alba <br />Coccinea <br />Isabellina <br />Rosea <br />Stella Splendens <br />Atropurpurea<br /><br /></td> + <td class="tdlnbtb"> </td> + <td class="tdlnbtb">White <br />Scarlet <br />Light yellow <br />Pink <br />Crimson <br />Purple</td> + <td class="tdlnbtb"> </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnbt"><span class="smcap">Drummond Phlox</span><br />Snowball<br />Chamois Rose<br />Fireball<br />Surprise</td> + <td class="tdlnbt"> </td> + <td class="tdlnbt"><br />White<br />Pink<br />Flame<br />Scarlet edged with white</td> + <td class="tdlnbt">6-8 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl2nbt">The dwarf varieties make charming edges for hardy rose beds or shrubberies.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Poppies</span><br /><span class="smcap">Shirley</span>, the most + satisfactory of poppies for outdoor decoration or cutting</td> + <td class="tdl">H.A.</td> + <td class="tdl"><br />All shades pinks and reds</td> + <td class="tdl">1 ft.-18 in.</td> + <td class="tdl2">Poppies are gorgeous flowers, but in our changeable climate, as a + class, are too short-lived to pay their way, except in summer gardens where a + brief period of bloom suffices, or in a garden so large that there need + be no economy of space. <br /> + Shirley is sown in May and again in August for spring flowering.<br /> + Even under adverse conditions the Shirley is always dainty and never makes a disagreeable, + soppy exhibition after a rainy period like the carnation and peony flowered varieties.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_394" id="Page_394">[Pg 394]</a></span><span class="smcap">Portulaca</span><br /> + Buy the separate colours and mix them yourself, as in the commercial mixtures both + scarlet and pink appear in tints that set the teeth on edge</td> + <td class="tdl">T.A.</td> + <td class="tdl">Red, white, pink, crimson, yellow</td> + <td class="tdl">6-8 in.</td> + <td class="tdl2">A most useful "filler" for sunny nooks,—rockwork,— + for covering bulb beds, and concealing mishaps and disappointments. Its fat, uninteresting + foliage, that makes mats a foot broad and proclaims it first cousin to "pusley," is covered + during bright sunshine by a wealth of gay flowers two inches across and of satiny texture.<br /> + Heat, and plenty of it, is what Portulaca craves, backyards agree with it, also dry banks, and even + seashore sand if there is a foothold of loam beneath.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl">Salvia Splendens—<span class="smcap">Flowering Sage</span><br />Bonfire</td> + <td class="tdl">H.A.</td> + <td class="tdl"><br />Intense flame</td> + <td class="tdl">2-2½ ft.</td> + <td class="tdl2">The familiar flower that sends up its spikes of flame from August until + frost—should be sown in seed beds and set out from one to two feet apart. + Watch out and do not put your salvia where it will come in competition with the crimson-hued hardy + phlox tribe. Scarlet geraniums and the crimson rambler rose in conjunction are not more painful.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnb"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_395" id="Page_395">[Pg 395]</a></span> + <span class="smcap">Sweet Peas</span>, twelve good colours</td> + <td class="tdlnb">H.A.</td> + <td class="tdlnb">Various</td> + <td class="tdlnb">6 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl2nb" rowspan="4">If sweet peas are to be grown in any quantity, they should be sown after + the manner of tall garden peas and the colours kept separate. This is a great + aid both to their gathering and artistic arrangement.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnbtb">Apple blossom<br />Black knight<br />Boreatton<br />Coquette<br />Crown jewel</td> + <td class="tdlnbtb"> </td> + <td class="tdlnbtb">Pink <br />Maroon <br />Deep Crimson <br />Primrose <br />Cream, violet veins</td> + <td class="tdlnbtb"> </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnbtb">Duke of Clarence<br />Firefly<br />Gorgeous<br />Mrs. Kenyon (very large)<br /> + King Edward VII<br />Mrs. Dugdale<br />Navy blue<br />Primrose<br />Senator</td> + <td class="tdlnbtb"> </td> + <td class="tdlnbtb">Claret<br />Dazzling scarlet<br />Orange and rose<br />Primrose-yellow<br />Very + fine crimson<br />Best rose-pink<br />Rich dark blue<br />Light yellow<br />White, purple, + and maroon striped</td> + <td class="tdlnbtb"> </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnbt">Mont Blanc, very early<br />Stella Morse</td> + <td class="tdlnbt"> </td> + <td class="tdlnbt">White<br />Primrose flushed with pink</td> + <td class="tdlnbt">2 ft.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnb"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_396" id="Page_396">[Pg 396]</a></span><span class="smcap">Sunflowers</span> + <br />Henry Wilde<br />Primrose-coloured<br />Cucumerifolius hybridus fl. pl., a fine mixture of + new varieties, decorative and good for cutting</td> + <td class="tdlnb">H.A.</td> + <td class="tdlnb">All shades of yellow</td> + <td class="tdlnb">4-8 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl2" rowspan="2">Cheerful flowers to line up against fences or at the back of shrubberies, + whose seeds, if left to ripen, will secure the company of many birds for your garden through the + autumn and early winter.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnbt">Single Russian (The Henyard Sunflower), large head heavy with seeds</td> + <td class="tdlnbt"> </td> + <td class="tdlnbt"> </td> + <td class="tdlnbt">8 ft.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnb"><span class="smcap">Verbena</span><br />Defiance, scarlet bedder<br />Candidissima<br />Auriculæflora, various, with white eye</td> + <td class="tdlnb">H.A.</td> + <td class="tdlnb"> </td> + <td class="tdlnb">1-1/2 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl2" rowspan="2">The best summer-bedding plant that is raised from + seed, which must be well soaked before sowing. The mammoth varieties are the + most satisfactory, and among them are to be found shaded tints of rose + and lavender that have decided perfume.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdlnbt">Mammoth, mixed, large flowers, often fragrant, of many beautiful colours.</td> + <td class="tdlnbt"> </td> + <td class="tdlnbt">Red, white, blue, purple, crimson, pink, striped</td> + <td class="tdlnbt"> </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><span class='pagenum' style="font-size: 63%;"><a name="Page_397" id="Page_397">[Pg 397]</a></span><span class="smcap">Wallflower</span><br /> + Paris single annual</td> + <td class="tdl">H.A.</td> + <td class="tdl">Gold and brown</td> + <td class="tdl">1-1/2 ft.</td> + <td class="tdl2">While the most beautiful species of wallflowers are in this climate so tender + that they must be wintered in pits or cold frames, this single species, if sown in spring and + transplanted, will bloom until Christmas. It is one of the most valuable and characteristic + plants of the bed of sweet odours and can be used to fill odd nooks, against stone + walls, or the foundation of buildings.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Zinnia</span> (Crabbed age and Youth)<br />Salmon<br />Snowball<br /> + Sulphur<br />Golden<br />Fireball<br />Rose</td> + <td class="tdl">H.A.</td> + <td class="tdl"> </td> + <td class="tdl">1-16 in.</td> + <td class="tdl2">Bedding annual, of brilliant colours and vigorous growth. If room + is lacking, the dwarf varieties are best unless the soil is very poor. It + is best to buy the seed in separate colours, and when transplanting from the + seed bed, combine as required. Avoid the purple and magenta shades, they are + quite impossible.</td> + </tr> +</table> +</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_398" id="Page_398">[Pg 398]</a></span></p> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Garden, You, and I, by Mabel Osgood Wright + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GARDEN, YOU, AND I *** + +***** This file should be named 17514-h.htm or 17514-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/5/1/17514/ + +Produced by Janet Blenkinship and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +http://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at http://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + + +</pre> + +</body> +</html> diff --git a/17514-h/images/cover.jpg b/17514-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..3944725 --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/cover.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/frontis.jpg b/17514-h/images/frontis.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..4929a25 --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/frontis.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-028.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-028.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..4840d6d --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-028.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-102.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-102.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..f33df58 --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-102.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-119.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-119.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..e457b7e --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-119.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-128.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-128.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..355e1a3 --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-128.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-138.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-138.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..858e974 --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-138.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-156.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-156.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..3069d87 --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-156.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-159-tb.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-159-tb.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..12fd18e --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-159-tb.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-159.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-159.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..b14b2e8 --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-159.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-165-tb.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-165-tb.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..c5aeb01 --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-165-tb.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-165.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-165.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..ae4d5b3 --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-165.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-166.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-166.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..6c90d23 --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-166.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-184.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-184.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..8deaf91 --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-184.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-270.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-270.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..9874429 --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-270.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-278.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-278.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..538895b --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-278.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-296.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-296.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..b6c7154 --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-296.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-314.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-314.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..a4da97a --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-314.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-32.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-32.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..7e299a6 --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-32.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-326.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-326.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..95a5ced --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-326.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-328.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-328.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..075fa5b --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-328.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-358.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-358.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..c2f9a75 --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-358.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-360.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-360.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..dab6518 --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-360.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-362.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-362.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..e5e4935 --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-362.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-372.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-372.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..cc1b8c4 --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-372.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-374.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-374.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..80adc59 --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-374.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-44.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-44.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..5e4c5d5 --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-44.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-440.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-440.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..9f6d64c --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-440.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-81.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-81.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..e37ddd2 --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-81.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-86.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-86.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..f439dec --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-86.jpg diff --git a/17514-h/images/illus-90.jpg b/17514-h/images/illus-90.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..32512a4 --- /dev/null +++ b/17514-h/images/illus-90.jpg |
