THE STRAWBERRY GARDEN. 205 



came for gathering the new crop, there was little else to be 

 done. 



As the blossom buds pushed out and lay thick and 

 suggestive among the plants, the Wellson spirits rose. 

 Even the toiler of the family was cheered at the sight of 

 the expected crop, and still more at the bright and happy 

 looks of the young people. The out-of-door life, and 

 the interest excited, by having something to show for the 

 labor of his hands, stirred to more active and uproariously 

 jolly life,. the sturdy young John, Jr. As for Kate, she 

 was just merging into young womanhood, and perhaps her 

 spirits were toned down slightly, yet the brilliant color 

 and clear, healthy glow on her face showed that the out- 

 of-door life was of benefit. Yes, that's it : Work, out- 

 of-doors ; something to do in the real tangible world of 

 nature, that is the cure for many an ail and ill both 

 .mental and bodily. Her loveliness, Mary, seemed to think 

 so. Her color returned, and though there was sometimes a 

 shade of sadness in her eyes, she was generally her old 

 serene and delightful self. 



So much for the strawberry garden as a medical pre- 

 scription. The family doctor nodded his head, saying with 

 a smile, " Nothing like a little out-of-door employment, 

 Mrs. Wellson. Nothing like healthful work." [See Ap- 

 pendix C.] 



