50 MY TEN-ROD FARM ; 



these plants won't stand east wind ; so I takes off the air 

 in this way ; " and, going to a large iron wheel fastened upon 

 the wall, he began to turn it round by a handle affixed 

 to the side. Instantly every window in the roof began to 

 close, and soon they were all shut. 



" Why, I could do that. Please let me try ; " and I did, 

 opening and closing them with the greatest ease, by merely 

 turning the crank. 



Now that is a revelation. . As far as ventilation is 

 concerned, I could conduct a greenhouse as well as a 

 man. 



' 



Returning to his shed, he began his potting again. 

 Suddenly he stopped, and without a word went out of 

 doors. 



Now's my chance. I'll try it myself. Throwing back 

 my shawl, I boldly thrust my ungloved hand into the heap 

 of soil. How odd ! I expected to find it very dirty and 

 disagreeable. On the contrary, it's rather nice. Seizing 

 a pot and a bulb, I potted it, going through all the motions 

 to the final rap on the bench. " There, I fancy that's 

 even better than he can do it, for my hands are not so 

 rough and leave the work looking much nicer. Really, 

 this is much pleasanter than mixing dough or sewing on 

 slop-work." Hearing some one coming, I hastily shook 

 my hands, when, to my surprise, every trace of the soil 

 came off, and they were as clean as ever. When Mr. 



