GARDENING BY MYSELF. 3^ 



" I can't do much yet — but I'll do what I can. 



It's well I began ! 

 For unless I can manage to lift up my head, 

 The people will think that the Spring herselfs dead." 



So, little by little, she brought her leaves out. 



All clustered about ; 

 And then her bright flowers began to unfold, 

 Till DafFy stood robed in her Spring green and gold. 



O Daffy-down-dilly ! so brave and so true ! 



I wish all were like you ! 

 So ready for duty in all sorts of weather. 

 And holding forth courage and beauty together. 



I LIKE to begin early, even with the out- 

 of-door work. Using caution of course, 

 and judgment ; but still following close on 

 tbe retiring footsteps of the snow, and dis- 

 puting the ground inch by inch with the 

 frost. Pleasure is gained, if nothing else. 



Of course regular digging while the earth 

 is wet and cold, will be of little use, — if you 

 dig it now, it will just dry in lumps and 

 clods that will give you endless trouble. It 

 is very heavy work, besides. But you can 

 mke and dress and " fuss," to your heart's 

 content, — transplanting and arranging and 



