FRIENDSHIP OF FLOWERS 137 



experience, and good sense takes warning with a resolve 

 to be choice in garden company, with a sudden recollec- 

 tion that there have been those, some two or three, in 

 whose presence we rise to higher levels and to whom a 

 flowery inclosure is a sanctuary. This friendship needs 

 no words an exchange of glances, a clasp of the hand, 

 and the afternoon may pass quickly, the shadows grow 

 long, and the sun rays creep higher and higher on the wall 

 ere the gate closes on a promise to meet soon again. 



Then we understand the reminders of gentle Izaak 

 Walton on fishermen choosing their company, and we 

 vow that gardeners should do likewise, permitting none to 

 taste of their salad or listen to the hum of the bees under 

 the hollyhocks except a kindred soul in harmony with the 

 best that is in us. 



The changing procession of perennials has brought an 

 interlude when they are blossomless and seem to be hold- 

 ing their breath while the tall lilies reign supreme. Soon 

 after the lilies of the valley stopped blooming in May 

 the other lily buds began to swell. The quaint little 

 tigridias crept in and out, holding out their offerings for 

 recognition, and the tall white lilies made a first appear- 

 ance, shyly enough, in June. 



In a spot where the sun shines warmest the first lilium 

 candidum, the white madonna lily, began to unfurl on 

 Ascension Thursday, and, counting those on the shady 

 side of the house, there will be white lilies right along 



