AND HIS PLANT SCHOOL 31 



The grounds, consisting of eight acres, are under the 

 most intense cultivation. Here, no doubt, are grow- 

 ing more new, rare, and curious plants than elsewhere, 

 in the same space, on the globe. The enclosing fence is 

 so low that passers-by may see and enjoy the beauty of 

 the flowers without entering and thus interrupting the 

 work. Entering at the gate one meets bright, happy 

 flowers on every side. Narrow paths separate the beds of 

 growing plants, which are arranged, not like a park for 

 the enjoyment of visitors, but like a workshop; for here, 

 to those who understand, the real skill of a master hand 

 is most in evidence. 



The little pollen-carriers, the humming birds, the bees 

 and butterflies, revel in this wonderful garden; and some- 

 times become bewildered when some strange flower from 

 a distant land first opens. Its form and color being un- 

 familiar, they do not know just how to approach and 

 extract its sweetness. 



CHAPTER VIII 

 JUMBO 



One time Burbank brought home a tiny, cunning Japa- 

 nese dog, which he named Jumbo. The little dog cost 

 almost his weight in silver, but never during the thirteen 

 years of Jumbo's happy life would the master have parted 

 with him for his weight in gold. 



