THE CITY YARD 



set forward, straightened, allowed to grow to Its 

 full height of twelve feet, the trellis could be 

 carried around three sides of the enclosure, and 

 raised to the same height, and if all that did not 

 protect you from observation and sunshine, a 

 strip of light awning could be extended over a 

 part of the space, attaching Its ends to the trellis. 

 Here, In the evening, chairs and tables could be 

 brought, Japanese lanterns could be hung and 

 the family could gossip over the demi-tasse and 

 cigar, while mingling with the fragrance of the 

 Havana would come the odors of the related 

 nicotlana, setting Its pale lamps for the lure of 

 moths In the twilight. 



Water brings light and hfe Into the dullest 

 landscape, and It has been used pleasantly In gar- 

 dens, even of the city. I hesitate to commend It 

 in the yard, however, because of the mosquitoes 

 that breed In it. For It Is amusing to listen to 

 the talk of draining, burning and oiling the Jer- 

 sey and Long Island meadows, knowing that the 

 talkers continue to place fire-tanks on their roofs 

 in town, where millions of culex and anopheles 

 get themselves born, and descend Into the streets 

 to prey on the multitude. One usually has to be 



73 



