go CHRISTMAS 



mediaeval Italian lady, but it contains something 

 more entertaining than even powder-puffs or en- 

 ticing mirrors would be to the vainest of women. 



Within, wrapped carefully in tissue-paper tied 

 with ribbon, are wonderful little wooden models. 

 And what do you think they represent ? 



Each is a painted figure about six inches high 

 and personifies one of the garden students. All 

 are in their khaki uniforms, some with a favourite 

 shape of hat or an emblem that alone may assist 

 in making them recognisable to their fellow-workers. 

 The artist — for the " West Wind " is a true one — 

 has successfully depicted the characteristic of 

 each, without any ungentle reminder of caricature, 

 yet with such careful perception that each seems 

 to be an unmistakable likeness. 



There they stand upon the table, sixteen carved, 

 wooden figures. One carries a trug filled with 

 vegetables ; another, who usually has the office 

 of arranging flower-vases, lifts a pink nosegay to 

 her face ; a third wears black leggings and carries 

 a note-book, consequently she can be no other 

 than our Secretary. Some have spades, besoms, 

 or garden forks in their hands, and always with 

 each figure is some small distinction either of cos- 

 tume or gesture which the artist has cleverly seized 

 upon. 



Amazed and delighted, we crowd round to see 

 these real works of art, resembling as they do, in 

 the tender care which has been bestowed upon 

 them, the carved and painted treasures of a chess- 

 board. But who is this in the pale-blue coat, who 

 is able to swing a big dinner-bell in her hand ? 



