XVII 



EFRESHING, indeed, are the 

 long storms that succeed these 



i 1 i * 



burning days ; and it is a joy to 

 see the thirsty grass and plants 

 drinking in life with every drop. I am 

 convinced that the true way to render 

 yourself indifferent to inclement weather 

 in the country is to plant trees. No rain 

 can ever hurt them, and, when they are 

 freshly set out, each shower is a satisfac- 

 tion to their owner, for it seems as if they 

 could be seen to grow under its kindly in- 

 fluence, and thus a day or week of hard 

 rain, instead of a weariness, becomes a 

 positive delight. I am not sure that this 

 would bring compensation to the young 

 for having to forego their active pleasures, 

 but the more I become interested in gar- 

 dening the more I am convinced that it is 

 the appropriate pleasure for middle life 

 and old age. 



205 



