UNCLE IN ENGLAND. 23 



that runs through the grounds the flower-beds 

 are intermixed with smooth grass-plats and a 

 walk extends a little way from the conservatory, 

 covered by a sort of trellice-work made of thin 

 oak-laths bent and crossed, with roses and climb- 

 ing plants twisted into it. The bramble-flowered 

 rose is particularly suited to this purpose, and 

 covers it with wreaths of pretty little pink flowers. 

 It is curious to observe the effect of even the 

 small degree of shade caused by the trellice on 

 the young autumn shoots, which hang within 

 from the rose-trees . They are pale and tender, 

 appearing as if in a house, and not in the open 

 air. 



We spend the finest part of the evenings out 

 of doors walking, sauntering, or sitting then 

 comes tea ; and once or twice we have been 

 tempted to go out again afterwards. Some 

 evenings we read to ourselves, but now and 

 then my uncle is so good as to read aloud, and 

 that is very delightful, he reads so well. 



He likes to see us employed while he reads, 

 for he says it is a useful exercise of the attention 

 to listen, and at the same time to employ the 

 fingers. Last night he read, at Mary's request, 

 " The Midsummer Night's Dream," while his 

 audience employed themselves in needle-work 

 or drawing. As I had not any work in the room, 

 my aunt said she would supply me. I find 

 that she has always a little store of things to be 



