FEBRUARY 27 



for a place for a sundial I make a very good 

 one by drawing a line around the cork of the 

 ink bottle. Thus equipped I am ready to be- 

 gin my plans and my lists. 



I do not think it could be possible for a 

 garden to have too much box. On the con- 

 trary, I am sure that it could never have enough 

 of that imperishable shrub which inhales the 

 present by its millions of lungs, and breathes 

 forth a past of inconceivable antiquity in its 

 sighs. Dr Holmes fancied that we have 

 brought with us from some antecedent life 

 some subtle relationship with this shrub, which 

 comes back to us with every inhalation of its 

 unforgetable scent. A thorough democrat, 

 because of its thorough aristocracy, I do not 

 know anything which grows so capable of that 

 which we call friendship. The most intimate 

 secrets may safely be told it, the safest counsel 

 comes from it, and summer and winter there is 

 healing in its breath. It is the most natural 

 shelter and playfellow for children ; it is the 

 fittest confidant for dreaming youth. In the 

 book of remembrance over which men pore 

 more and more fondly as years go by, it 

 borders the dearest pages, and it is the one 



