120 UY SUMMER IN A GARDEN. 



FOURTEENTH WEEK. 



~TN these golden latter August days, Na- 

 -- ture has come to a serene equilibrium. 

 Having flowered and fruited, she is en 

 joying herself. I can see how things 

 are going : it is a down-hill business after 

 this ; but, for the time being, it is like 

 swinging in a hammock, such a deli 

 cious air, such a graceful repose ! I take 

 off my hat as I stroll into the garden 

 and look about ; and it does seem as if 

 Nature had sounded a truce. I didn t 

 ask for it. I went out with a hoe ; 

 but the serene, sweetness disarms me. 

 Thrice is he armed who has a long- 

 handled-hoe, with a double blade. Yet 

 to-day I am almost ashamed to appear 



