24 BERTHA'S VISIT TO HER 



or three minutes with fresh supplies of food, 

 which the little things greedily devoured. When 

 this was told, I well remembered having heard 

 grandpapa tell it of himself long, long ago. 



This season, I suppose^ must be remarkably 

 forward, for we have had quantities of primroses 

 and other flowers already, though Warton says 

 of the first of April^ 



Scarce the hardy primrose peeps 

 From the dark dell's entangled steeps. 



I should tire you with the long list of leaves 

 or flowers opening or already burst out; but I 

 have kept a very exact account of them in my 

 naturalist's calendar ; and when you come home, 

 mamma, you shall see it, and we shall be able 

 to compare it with the advance of spring in 

 some other year. Spring is really delightful ; 

 the great change from winter is so animating, 

 and so full of interest to the gardener and 

 farmer. 



My hyacinth and jonquil beds are in great 

 beauty ; and, without vanity, my garden looks 

 so well; that not only my cousins but even my 

 aunt and uncle congratulate me on my industry 

 and success. 



Franklin is very busy now in every part of his 

 farm ; yet he pays constant attention to the 

 workmen who are building his house, which is 

 already far advanced : he says it is inconceivable 

 how much waste he prevents by keeping his eye 



