v RIVERSIDE LETTERS 39 



cress from 'time to time. Here, too, I study 

 the ways of my toads and sundry other 

 creatures, and here I hang up and keep my 

 own particular trowels, shears, and other 

 gardening implements which would otherwise 

 get appropriated by the man or the boy. 



When I receive any parcel of new plants 

 it is here that I unpack them, here too I pack 

 presents of flowers or plants for my friends. 

 Altogether the place has become to me 

 almost as enjoyable a structure as my studio 

 itself, the feeling that I ought not to be 

 wasting my time in it adding greatly to the 

 intensity of my enjoyment. 



On a drive to Ewelme last Wednesday I 

 saw quite a flock of Yellow-hammers by the 

 hedge on the roadside, their bright plumage 

 looking very pretty as contrasted with the 

 gray hedge. They kept up with the carriage 

 for quite a long distance, flitting up and 

 across and back over the hedge just in front 

 of us. 



These birds are peculiarly fond of this 



