54 



the whole question of my support was settled for the next 

 two months. What I might do after that, when the winter 

 came, was a question to be answered by and by. I was not 

 so foolish as to think that I could make all the flowers yield 

 such a return, yet, if one-half of them did as well, it was 

 safe to go on with my new pursuit. Truly can* I say, I 

 iaad abundant reason to be contented and thankful with my 

 condition and prospects. 



The storm continued all that night and the greater part 

 of the next day. Towards evening the rain ceased, and, 

 putting on an old straw hat, I ventured into the garden 

 among the still dripping plants. I was apprehensive I should 

 not be able to cut any flowers. Many of the plants were 

 soiled and broken, yet I gathered a box full, and, carrying 

 them to the house, dipped them, one at a time, in clean 

 water, to remove the dirt. This operation I found injurious 

 to some of them. The geraniums were quite spoiled, but the 

 foliage and petals of the others seemed to be the better for 

 the bath. 



The next morning I was complimented on the nice ap- 

 pearance of my flowers by Thomas. He endorsed my list, 

 and, after showing it to Miss Sampson, I returned 

 home. 



Having finished my household duties, I turned my atten- 

 tion to the subject of tuberoses. Going into the woodshed, 

 I procured two empty flour barrels, and placed them side 

 by side near the window. Getting some pieces of board, a 



