THE LURE OF THE GARDEN 



It was, to be sure, the larger aspects of the estate 

 that most interested Washington; he took to farming 

 with the same energy and far more pleasure than he 

 had to fighting. He utters wisdom on carrot and bean, 

 and asserts that he has "a high opinion of potatoes." 

 But, when the day's business was accomplished, the 

 rounds made and directions given, with dinner com- 

 fortably over, it is pleasant to think of the country's 

 father as having strolled between the flower-beds, smok- 

 ing a long pipe perhaps, his hands clasped behind him, 

 his eye quick to detect any neglected bush or plant, or 

 any opportunity for improvement, and yet noting with 

 delight the fresh growth and lusty flowering around 

 him. In his mind, doubtless, old memories of camp 

 and office mingled with the present whose fine fruit he 

 was enjoying; much talk of past and future there must 

 have been, as the old verses that preface this chapter 

 tell, as well as pregnant remarks on the beauties of 

 nature. Hither came the traveler from distant lands, 

 to look upon the hero of a new epoch, living out the 

 last, quiet years in such simplicity ; and here, too, the 

 great men who had helped him in his work, and the new 

 generation that was to carry it on. 



So let us leave him and his garden, moving softly 

 away through the rich June night along the paths he 

 trod; with a last look at that old white rose-bush, 

 glimmering rather mischievously under the moon, medi- 

 tating maybe upon its dangerous but delicious mission, 



56 



