"I do sincerely trust that the benediction that is always 

 awaiting me in my garden may by degrees be more 

 deserved, and that I may grow in grace, and patience, 

 and cheerfulness, just like the happy flowers I so 

 much love*** 



ELIZABETH AND HER GERMAN GARDEN. 



OCTOBER 



Golden leaves upon the wind, 



Lowly whirl and high are flying ; 

 In the garden frost unkind 



Bids the lingering flowers be dying. 

 Scudding clouds across the sky 



Seem to whisper, swiftly hieing, 

 "Good-bye!" 



Last birds, late on lingering wing, 



Steer from dark to landscapes clearer ; 



Wearier leaves to branches cling, 

 And the Winter draweth nearer. 



Hark ! comes sad the vesper bell, 

 Whisp'ring to the twilight hearer, 

 Farewell ! " 



' I V HE Autumn tints are falling like a glorious mantle upon 

 hedge and tree, and over many a hedge there lies a 

 beautiful blush caused by the ripening berries, which Nature, 

 in her kindness, is preparing in an attractive form to be the 

 food for our bird-friends when the frost hardens and the 

 snow obscures the ground. The October sun still gives out 

 a genial warmth, and to those busy in the garden it is most 

 acceptable, for there is much to be done at this season in 

 preparing the soil for the Spring bulbs, and for any new 

 arrangement in the matter of roses. And next in favour to 

 the " queen of flowers," requiring much thought and care, is 

 the chrysanthemum, which, like the rose, is endless in variety. 

 The rich tint of leaves and last flowers that brighten our 



247 



