GARDENING BY MYSELF. 



41 



digging. Then ground in good condition : 

 then, patience to do ver}^ little at a time, till 

 you get used to the work. If you fail to use 

 this last little tool, the chance is that you 

 will lay yourself up with a lame back and 

 an extreme disgust for digging. But it will 

 be your fault, not the spade's. You can 

 lame yourself just as thoroughly with a too- 

 long first ride on horseback, or pull in the 

 boat. 



Having then all essentials, begin joyous- 

 ly ! — with the scent of the fresh grass and 

 the fresh earth circling all round you, and 

 blue birds charming your eyes, and song 

 sparrows cheering you on. And if you can 

 persuade one of those useful articles called 

 men to go round each flower bed with a 

 stronger foot and spade, trimming the grass 

 edging where it has encroached, before you 

 begin, your work will be all the easier. 



The first rule seems very simple. Begin 

 at one end. Or if the bed is round and end- 

 less, begin at one side. And when you have 

 begun, go steadily on, in that line. Did you 

 4* 



