212 TflE STRAWBERRY GARDEN. 



The local Horticultural Society had offered a tempting ar- 

 ray of prizes for the best berries, and everybody was eager 

 to see who had won them. Strawberry culture was prac- 

 tised quite generally in the country thereabout. Mary, with 

 her father and mother, had gone before, and Kate, escorted 

 by her brother, followed after. 



When they reached the door, they paused to read a flam- 

 ing placard announcing the list of prizes. 



" Twenty dollars for the best basket of one variety. Ten 

 dollars for the second best, and, Kate, they are going 

 to give a silver cup for the three best baskets of any varieties. 

 If we should get that, wouldn't it be fine ? " 



" Yes," replied Kate, scornfully. " Some little child's 

 plated cup. Who cares for that? I'd rather have the 

 twenty dollars, any day." 



" Perhaps we may get it. Who knows? Our baskets 

 were pretty fine, I can tell you. There were not many as 

 good." 



With a good deal of excitement, and curious to see how 

 things would turn out, they paid for their tickets and 

 entered the hall. It was very warm and close. The 

 people crowded round, and the village brass played in the 

 most approved manner. Everybody talked as loud as they 

 could, and altogether it was a very great occasion. 

 Johnny pushed through the crowd, and dragged his sister 

 after, as best he might. As for seeing anything, it was 

 next to impossible. . 



