NOVEMBER 241 



' To the wise a fact is true poetry and the most beautiful 

 of Fables.' In 1895 E. V. B. published a second book, 

 called ' A Garden of Pleasure.' It has the same qualities, 

 but is not perhaps quite as good. We are apt to think 

 this of second books on the same subject perhaps we are 

 prejudiced in favour of our first friend. 



1890. 'The Garden's Story, or Pleasures and Trials 

 of an Amateur Gardener,' by George H. Ellwanger. I 

 suppose nearly all readers of garden books have seen this 

 charming, clever, tasteful, little contribution from the 

 other shore ; I do not mean the next world, but America. 

 In spite of the constant interchange of books between the 

 two countries, it required an introduction from so well- 

 known a gardener as Mr. Wolley Dod to make the book 

 known here. Let us thank Mr. Wolley Dod cordially, 

 and thoroughly agree that an international exchange of 

 information on so all-absorbing a subject as gardening is 

 most interesting. The climate of America, with its hot 

 summers and long cold winters, makes gardening a much 

 more serious undertaking than it is in our own damp, 

 equable, little island. Mr. Ellwanger gives us a most 

 luxurious and opulent receipt for the old favourite 

 mixture called, all the world over, Pot-pourri : 'The roses 

 used should be just blown, of the sweetest-smelling kinds, 

 gathered in as dry a state as possible. After each gather- 

 ing, spread out the petals on a sheet of paper and leave 

 until free from all moisture ; then place a layer of petals 

 in the jar, sprinkling with coarse salt ; then another layer 

 and salt, alternating, until the jar is full. Leave for a 

 few days, or until a broth is formed ; then incorporate 

 thoroughly, and add more petals and salt, mixing daily 

 for a week, when fragrant gums and spices should be 

 added, such as benzoin, storax, cassia buds, cinnamon, 

 cloves, cardamom, and vanilla bean. Mix again and 

 leave for a few days, when add essential oil of jasmine, 



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