THE STRAWBERRY GARDEN. .159 



" Keep no servant, and live in a more simple " 



" And raise strawberries, " exclaimed Johnny. " Hi ! 

 won't it be fun ? We can plant the whole place to sraw- 

 berries." 



At this startling announcement the company were com- 

 pletely demoralized. 



The lively Kate thought it would be perfectly jolly, and 

 she and her brother at once began to lay plans for the 

 proposed strawberry garden. Even Mary thought that 

 would be better than moving away. So greatly excited did 

 the young people become over this project, that it was 

 nearly eleven o'clock before they sought their respective 

 " downies " for the night. 



Mr. Wellson, far from discouraging this idea, gave it his 

 cordial support, and said to his wife, as they were shutting 

 up the house : 



' ' I shall be glad to have them try it, even if they make 

 nothing by it. It will take them out of doors, give them 

 a healthful employment, and teach them, not only to work, 

 but much useful and valuable knowledge." 



The next morning the entire family went out to inspect 

 their garden, and to decide what should be done first. 



To understand all their doings, we must take a slight 

 glance into the history of the place. 



The estate had been in their hands about four years, and 

 represented the small legacy from the Wellson family property. 

 As has already been described, the garden lay on the south 



