CHRYSANTHEMUMS 

 of the crops, of a plentiful harvest, of 

 a good vintage, and you will find that 

 he cares only for fruit and understands 

 not a single word that you say ; then 

 turn to figs and melons ; tell him that 

 this year the pear-trees are so heavily 

 laden with fruit that the branches al- 

 most break, that there is abundance 

 of peaches, and you address him in a 

 language which he completely ignores, 

 and he will not answer you, for his sole 

 hobby is plum-trees. Do not even speak 

 to him of your plum-trees, for heisfond 

 of only a certain kind, and laughs and 

 sneers at the mention of any others ; he 

 takes you to his tree and cautiously 

 gathers this exquisite plum, divides it, 

 gives you one half, keeps the other him- 

 C99D 



