262 FIVE ACKES TOO MUCH. 



Weeville had inquired from time to time how the 

 scientific cooking - shop, as he ironically designated 

 my green-house because the dry furnace-air which 

 ascended to the upper story did make it rather warm 

 was progressing, and sarcastically remarked that a 

 hundred new and healthy plants could be bought in 

 the spring for what it would cost to keep one over 

 the winter. But I had too much confidence in the 

 books which I had studied to believe in his old fogy 

 notions. I had put him off with &quot; glittering general 

 ities,&quot; intending to keep my discovery a secret, and 

 enjoying by anticipation his amazement and rage 

 when he should find that a mere tyro, by scientific 

 appliances, could surpass an experienced hand like 

 himself, .and do that which was beyond his utmost 

 hope originate a new variety. I had intended wait 

 ing till my plant had recovered its vigor under the 

 influence of the &quot; wanton wind&quot; and the warm sun ; 

 but as it did not improve rapidly, and no doubt 

 missed my fostering care, I took an early opportuni 

 ty to invite him into my garden. 



There w.ere a number of roses, fuchsias, and other 

 bedding plants that I had just purchased and set out, 

 and he remarked at once, with a laugh, 



&quot; So your cook-house did not work ; you have had 

 to buy new plants after all. Furnace-houses, with 



