294 THE GARDEN OF A 



August 8. This is the month for gathering 

 flowers, not as individuals, but in masses, when a 

 sickle is often more serviceable than scissors. In 

 fact, this morning I possessed myself of a mass of 

 phlox and golden glow in this manner, and filled 

 the study fireplace with them most effectively with- 

 out rearrangement, using an old stoneware jug, 

 to hold the water. So often the best effects in 

 decoration come from transferring the flowers 

 indoors without disturbing their natural pose. 

 Gather an armful of goldenrod, for instance, put 

 it in a jar, with only a loosening shake to adjust 

 it, and the most careful spray by spray arrange- 

 ment will not yield equal grace. 



The dogs are happy again, being free of the 

 garden, for now that the ground is everywhere 

 covered, instinct seems to keep them to the walk, 

 and Bluff hardly gives a tail wag of apology, when 

 he joins me, stepping carefully between the rows, 

 or sitting gazing at me with apparent interest, 

 as I fill my basket from the beds of the long 

 walk. 



That we have the poor always with us, is one 

 of the most daily evident of the Master's truths, 



