86 RIVERSIDE LETTERS Xl 



cones. Weeds have this year had little 

 chance, as they found no bare places left 

 for them to grow in, and what few sow 

 thistles or nipple worts there were I easily 

 got rid of by that most useful of all garden 

 tools, a long-handled spud of this shape. 



There were, however, some dismal failures 

 this year, notably amongst the lilies, which 

 suffered severely by the cruel frosts on the 

 2ist and 22nd of May. The strawberries 

 too were utterly ruined, we have none, 

 neither will there be any walnuts or mul- 

 berries on my trees. 



You know well how few people there are 

 who, when they come into your studio, know 

 the proper place in which to stand from 

 which to view your pictures. I recollect, in 

 old times, on " Show Sundays " you and I 

 used to place obstacles in the way to prevent 



