MR. TROMMEL VISITS THE GARDENS 139 



what a fine gardener you can be with but little help, 

 and then next year he will wish to establish you in 

 the business. 



"I tell you, mine young horticulturists, the plants 

 will do more for some one who loves them much 

 and works for them, but yet has little to give 

 them in the way of extra delicacies, than they will 

 do for one who gives them all the food they require 

 and then leaves them alone and does not care. You 

 know, the iris loves the water and the wet places- 

 yes. Well, I have never seen iris of more beautiful 

 color than some which grew on top of a hill. They 

 had a hard bed that was but gravel with a thin 

 blanket of earth over it. There was little water for 

 them ; but the gardener cultivated and cultivated 

 and cultivated them," he said, with emphasis. "I have 

 seen larger iris many times ; but a more beautiful 

 color f No ! So much can be done with perspiration. 



"It has been a great pleasure, mine young friends," 

 said Mr. Trommel, beaming down on them, as they 

 left the little gardens and went together toward the 

 gate. 



"Oh, but you have n't seen all the gardens yet, 

 Mr. Trommel ! There 's Donald's and Mildred's 

 and-" 



