xvn RIVERSIDE LETTERS 133 



been lucky enough either to see or possess 

 one. The Pyrus Japonica is also in bloom ; 

 this is a most aggravating shrub to gather 

 bloom from, the flowers invariably growing 

 in the most awkward places so that they 

 cannot be picked without greatly damaging 

 the whole shrub ; it is just one of those 

 beauties of the garden that must be seen 

 in situ to enjoy it properly ; seen thus, no- 

 thing exceeds the loveliness of its bright 

 cherry-red blossoms, golden anthers and pale 

 green leaflets, displayed on its picturesque 

 and straggling thorny branches. 



I had ^some tubers of a sort of climb- 

 ing nasturtium, Tropeolum tuberosum, given 

 me last spring, which I planted against a 



