THE STRAWBERRY GARDEN. 169 



praise cannot be given. His eyes were blue, and full of 

 good nature and kindness. 



The usual greetings were exchanged, and Kate having 

 briefly stated their mission, the three crossed the smooth 

 grass towards the strawberry beds that spread out fair and 

 wide over the hill-side. They were several acres in extent, 

 and all in one continuous piece. One portion appeared to 

 be new, as if but recently planted, while the other part was 

 thickly matted with vines, having narrow paths at equal 

 distances cut through it. All around in a wide border 

 stretched the. green and level grass. This gave to the 

 strawberry plantation an air of finish and elegance, while 

 it took away all appearance of business yet the whole 

 thing meant business, and nothing else. It was cul- 

 tivated for profit, and for that alone. The combination 

 of the sweeping lawns and regular strawberry beds was 

 artistic, and according to the best rules of landscape 

 gardening. It accorded with the surrounding estates, and 

 served to show that gardening need not of itself be alto- 

 gether unlovely and rude. 



" Now, Mr. Harker, tell us all about it. We have come 

 to learn, and want to see everything that will be of use to 

 us." 



" To see all, Miss Kate, would take a year. We can 

 only examine those operations now going on. The rest I 

 must tell you as best I can." 



" That's very kind in you, I'm sure. To begin, why 



