216 FROM A MIDDLESEX GARDEN 



the snap-dragon keeps unstained the velvet lips of its blossoms ; 

 also undimmed are the starry blooms of the tobacco-plant, 

 whose perfume, with that of mignonette, 



" Feeds 

 With Summer spice the humming air." 



And in the midst of Autumn's wealth the true gardener's 

 mind is busy with next Springtime's and even next Summer's 

 garden, planning what he will do in his pleasaunce, the 

 new beds he will form and fill with certain flowers which to 

 him will be most effective ; and he lives, so to speak, one or 

 two seasons ahead, seeing in his mind all his plans brought to 

 perfection. And this pleasure of anticipation, this dream- 

 life of a garden, is, perhaps, one of the greatest ; for in it are 

 no failures, no disappointments that so often crown unstinted 

 care and the untiring labour and thought expended upon a 

 garden. So let us enjoy the September garden while linger- 

 ing roses sweeten the air, and joyful birds are happy in the 

 sunlight, heedless of the flight of time, all confident in the 

 goodness of Nature ! 



