202 POT-POURRI FROM A SURREY GARDEN 



NOVEMBER 



Letting in the autumn sun Jerusalem Artichokes Hardy Bamboos 

 Polygonum cuspidatum Autumn flowers Small Beech-trees 

 Last day in the country Some gardening books of this 

 century. 



November 2nd. I recommend housekeepers to take 

 down about the end of October all muslin curtains, silk 

 blinds, &c., which shade the windows, only keeping such 

 curtains as are drawn at night for warmth. The differ- 

 ence it makes in the appearance of the room is very 

 pleasant. In all manner of ways possible in our house 

 and gardens, in our cooking and dress the adapting our- 

 selves as well as we can to the changing seasons is 

 sensible and desirable; it gives point and variety to 

 existence, especially for those who live most of the year 

 in one place. In the case of the south windows in our 

 sitting-rooms the pouring-in of the low winter sun is 

 delightful ' le soleil de Saint Martin,' as the French play 

 had it, comparing it to the love of an old man, 'qui 

 6chauffe et ne brule pas.' It is only just now we enjoy 

 this very low sun. It is a great delight to watch the 

 changing year, and how differently the sun affects the 

 house and garden. In summer he shines high above our 

 heads, beating and burning on the roof ; and in winter he 

 bows and smiles at us just above the tree-tops. 



November 8th. To-day we have had our first dish 

 of preserved French Beans out of the salt pan, before 



