OF MANY THINGS 207 



a greater strain on the intellect and less on the 

 muscles of the back for I speak now of working 

 amateurs who delve according to their powers and 

 toil at the labour they delight in ; but that inevitable 

 hour may be delayed, and none willingly thinks of 

 giving up the trowel and the gloves, the pruning-knife 

 and the bundle of raffia. 



Yet how little we can do alone ! In a garden, of 

 all places, it is impressed upon the most self-sufficient 

 and vainglorious spirit that his unaided efforts are 

 but vain. I speak not of the seasons and the sun and 

 the dew : they go without saying ; but of the willing 

 hands, the energetic legs, the fellow-workers in every 

 sort who have stronger arms to labour than our- 

 selves ; who display a larger patience, more skill, 

 knowledge and understanding. I am very grateful, 

 and no gardener has better reason to be. 



To my artists also would I tender sincere and 

 hearty acknowledgment. Their share at least of this 

 slight book will be hailed with pleasure. May it help 

 to plead with you for the indigence of mine. 



