MY GARDEN WHAT FRUITS WERE CULTIVATED 87 



On some occasions like the above, I am satisfied 

 that the expression on my face might veil ren- 

 der sour such grapes as ^grew on the few buds 

 left. 



Then the culture of grapes is one of the rrost 

 remarkable instances where man's avarice over- 

 reaches itself. 



" What ! cut that splendid branch of new wood 

 way in there ? " asks the novice in dismay. 

 " Leave only two or three buds ! That seems 

 like throwing away pounds of fruit." 



Yes, it " seems;" but your experienced 

 grower cuts as remorselessly as a veteran army 

 surgeon. And yet I am told that professional 

 gardeners are so conscious of this weakness in 

 regard to their own vines, that sometimes they 

 will send for another of the fraternity to do :he 

 annual pruning, knowing that the hand of a 

 stranger will be directed by science, unswayed 

 by interest or affection ; and in the costly green- 



