IN THE MAKING 27 



In closing this chapter I should like in some way to 

 make others feel the joy of doing at least a part of the 

 garden work one's self; do not turn all this possible 

 pleasure over to some one else. Many women will con- 

 tend that they are not strong enough and, of course, 

 very sadly, some are not; but the rest will, I feel sure if 

 they make an attempt, be greatly astonished at their 

 power which will increase tenfold as the magic of fresh 

 air and sunshine gets in its rejuvenating work, and those 

 same timid ones will be astonished at, and I hope thank- 

 ful for, the sound sleep, the quiet mind, and the absorb- 

 ing interest which will be theirs. "It is of those few 

 pleasures which age cannot wither," and for this rea- 

 son alone one might do well to give it a trial. Love 

 your garden and work in it and let it give you what it 

 surely will of sweetness, health, and content, and let no 

 one feel that the benefit is all on the side of the garden, 

 for truly you will receive more than you give, no matter 

 how faithfully you work, and you will soon find your- 

 self more dependent upon your garden than your garden 

 upon you. 



