OR, HOW I BECAME A FLORIST. 63 



fell to thinking. Yes, I began to think. I had learned to 

 think now. With my -out-door life had come increased 

 bodily and mental capacity. The fresh air had improved 

 my physique, and work had calmed down my mind, and 

 turned my thoughts to more cheerful subjects. This, too, 

 ought to be added to the profits of my undertaking, for is 

 not health worth more than money ? But what am I to do 

 now, about money itself? According to the thermometer, I 

 have come within eight degrees of being without it. Let the 

 glass fall to thirty-two degrees, and my income from the garden 

 is at an end. As soon as we have a frost I shall be utterly 

 without means for the next eight months. I had anticipated 

 this, but had not given it very serious attention. Something 

 must be done, and quickly. I will consult the books. " The 

 Gardener's Monthly" thought it high time to get ready 

 for winter. "The Agriculturist" was in favor of taking 

 things in hand early, and recommended removing tender 

 plants to the house. Mr. Copeland informed me that the 

 florist's year began with September. Now is the time to 

 begin the year by gathering the plants together, preparatory 

 to removing them to the greenhouse. That's it ! They 

 are all getting their greenhouses ready. And I have none ! 

 Suppose I build one ? It is not to be thought of. It would 

 cost several thousand dollars, and all I have is the two thou- 

 sand dollars I received as the insurance on my husband's 

 life. No, I must do something else. I must take in sewing, 

 and struggle through the winter, until my flower garden 



