128 THE GARDEN OF EARTH 



getting into the right condition. Changes are taking 

 place in its make, without which it would be unable 

 later to carry out its appointed task. 



This silent winter-work of seeds, of bulbs, of plants in 

 general, is very wonderful. All outside looks dead and 

 lifeless. No one would imagine how much activity 

 lies beneath. 



Some plants are more asleep — more like a chrysalis, in 

 fact — ^than others. We know how all but lifeless a 

 chrysalis may seem; yet it is not dead. It is only 

 preparing for a happier future. And in the same manner 

 the trees are not dead; the bulbs and seeds are not 

 dead. 



Many among them are already at work, very quietly, 

 very noiselessly, yet not less truly. Down in the dark 

 earth with some, inside the dead-looking boughs with 

 others, leaf -buds and even flower-buds are being 

 manufactured, are being shaped and put together, in 

 readiness to burst out joyously when the right hour 

 shall arrive. 



By some people winter is counted a rather sad 

 season. Not by girls and boys who do not mind cold, 

 who can race and slide and skate. But for older 

 people, and for lovers of gardens, it does perhaps seem 

 rather melancholy. 



Yet it is not really so. It is only Nature's night; 

 and night is needful for those who work hard. Winter 

 is Nature's time for rest in her Vegetable Kingdom, and 

 for gaining fresh strength to work anew. The world 

 around may look grey and dull and chilly ; but actually 

 it is full of hidden life, full of hope, full of growing readi- 

 ness for the lovely time coming. 



