Sun Rose and Spiraea 



kinds peep in and out of the stones, and one 

 never knows where next a snowdrop or a scilla 

 or muscari, may force itself in its desire to 

 greet the sun. Indeed, so well have the plants 

 thrived that this year I contemplate enlarging the 

 rock-garden, so that I shall have room for the new 

 things that a visit to the flower shows and my 

 friends' gardens make me cry out to possess. 

 Every afternoon there is a search for lizards, 

 which, if they are abroad lie on the rocks above 

 the cistus. At an unfamiliar or threatening tread 

 they hurl themselves, regardless of consequences, 

 into the shrub below. Very often, though, they 

 will lie quite still while I am planting, or weeding, 

 or doing some of the many, many needful things 

 that a garden is always asking for. They are very 

 good-natured, and generally are " on show " when 

 required. One is there for Jane and Elisabeth, 

 the poor wretch whose tail was lost. He lies there 

 like a broken toy. 



Jane moves round to the south side for another 

 view, and I go down to see if its fellow is anywhere 

 to be found. Not he ! 



So I stand with Jane above me on one side and 

 the stern Elisabeth on the other. It seems to be 

 an excellent opportunity for settling all differences 

 between the three of us. Jane shall stand on the 



x 95 



