208 RIVERSIDE LETTERS . xxvi 



seed-pods, its foliage is in no way remark- 

 able, and the long arching shoots, devoid of 

 bloom, present a straggling and untidy 

 appearance. It is no evergreen, and is sel- 

 dom selected as a nesting place by birds, but 

 it is thoroughly hardy, needs no care, and 

 never fails in its one glorious display, unless 

 when grown in a smoky atmosphere, being 

 essentially a country subject. 



Although I am really fond of plants and 

 flowers I am a wretched hand at arranging 

 them prettily when cut. I believe I am too 

 anxious about it, as sometimes, quite by 

 accident, when I throw the flowers together 

 without any definite idea or plan pretty com- 

 binations occur. Some people have a gift in 

 this matter. Most ladies think they can do 

 it well, but really very few excel in the art. 

 The flower arrangements at dinner tables are 

 seldom in perfect taste ; there is great lack of 

 originality as well, any pretty idea as to com- 

 bination being imitated ad nauseam. To my 

 mind flowers on a table are seldom treated 



