6 FROM A MIDDLESEX GARDEN 



twinkle as it goes through the grey woodlands as does a star 

 in the grey sky. 



" A Happy New Year ! " Each of us wish that it may 

 be a happy one to those around us, and the old kindly greet- 

 ings are given and returned from the very heart. How much 

 is expressed in that simple wish, and how many of us whisper 

 to ourselves when we have expressed it, " Will the year bring 

 many changes? Will it be a happy one?" For some, no 

 doubt, a great sorrow waits in store ; for others, a joy un- 

 speakable ! (For me, perhaps, a mingling of each waits, for 

 in a garden-lover's year there are many joys and sorrows.) 

 And for those whose lot it has been in the past old year to 

 walk in the mists of many disappointments, finding only the 

 dead leaves in life's garden, may Time lead their feet to a 

 sunlit pleasance, where some of the delayed hopes may be 

 fulfilled and new undreamed-of joys be gathered like perfect 

 roses in a beautiful garden ! 



Sweet are the thoughts which are ours in these the first 

 days of another year, 



" Before the crocus lights its golden fires," 



before the snowdrop "the winter's latest snowflake" 

 thrusts through the earth its spears of tender green ! 



