8 ABOUT ORCHIDS. 
as you walk in my garden, everywhere the ground 
is more or less above its natural level ; raised so 
high here and there that you cannot look over the 
plants which crown the summit. Any gardener at 
least will understand how luxuriantly everything 
grows and flowers under such conditions. Enthu- 
Siastic visitors declare that I have “scenery,” and 
picturesque effects, and delightful surprises, in my 
quarter-acre of ground! Certainly I have flowers 
almost enough, and fruit, and perfect seclusion 
also. Though there are houses all round within 
a few yards, you catch but a glimpse of them at 
certain points while the trees are still clothed. 
Those mounds are all the secret. 
rm: 
I WAS my own gardener, and sixteen years ago I 
knew nothing whatever of the business. The 
process of education was almost as amusing as 
expensive ; but that fashion of humour is thread- 
bare. In those early days I would have none of 
your geraniums, hardy perennials, and such com- 
27) 
mon things. Diligently studying the “ growers 
