THE FLOWER GARDEN IN WINTER. 



165 



these places Roses, Indian Daphne, and many other flowers, have 

 often been sent to me in perfect bloom in January. 



If the snow shrouds the land, all's well, as the leaves of ever- 

 green plants, like Carnations, are at rest in it, and some plants are all 

 the better for the peace of the snow for a time. Even if our 

 eyes are not open to the beauty of the winter let us make the 

 flower garden a real one for spring, summer, and fall, as if it were 



true that in winter 



The year 



On the earth her deathbed, in a shroud of leaves dead, 

 Is lying. 



But it is not true : there is in winter no death, every root works 

 and every bud is active with life ; the wooded land is tender with 

 the colour of Alders by the busy wintry stream and Birch on the 

 airy hill, Reeds fine in colour round the lake or marsh. If even 

 our wild marsh or rough woodland be beautiful in winter, our gardens 

 with the flora of three continents to gather from, should not then 

 be poor in beauty. No! Winter is not a time of death, but of 

 happy strife for plants and men. 



Until her 



Azure sister of the spring shall blow 

 Her clarion o'er the dreaming earth, and fill 

 (Driving sweet birds like flocks to feed in air) 

 With living hues and odours plain and hill. 



Hazel catkins. From a drawing by H. G. Moon. 



