4 THE CHRONICLES OF A GARDEN. 



of many hundred acres. The possessor of a large property 

 has duties, cares, responsibilities, and anxieties, which are 

 unknown to the humble proprietor of a few acres ; besides, 

 he cannot take the personal charge and oversight of his 

 estates in the way necessary to secure enjoyment : he must 

 employ and depend upon others — land-stewards, foresters, 

 and gardeners ; and it will generally be found that far 

 greater pleasure is derived from what we do ourselves than 

 from what others do for us. This rule applies especially 

 to gardening ; no fruit, vegetables, or flowers seem half so 

 fine as those we have planted and cultivated ourselves. 

 The actual labour required soon becomes pleasant; and, 

 till it has been tried, no one can tell the delight we take 

 in watching and waiting for the effects of the M^ork of our 

 own hands. 



" I love my garden well 



And find employment there ; 

 Employment sweet, for many an hour, 

 In tending every shrub and flower 



With still unwearied care." 



It is not to be denied that there is great satisfaction to 

 be derived from the skilful labours of others, and nnich 

 gratification obtained by having a regular gardener ; but 

 let those who have gardens, and yet cannot afford this 

 luxury, comfort themselves by the thought that the actual 

 enjoyment of gardening, as of most other pursuits, is 

 greater in proportion to the pains we have personally- 

 taken in it. 



The love of work for work's sake is not common, but 



