196 THE JOY OF GARDENS 



not an out-of-the-way jut in the wall which might shelter 

 a nesting caterpillar or insect snuggling in comfort for the 

 winter. 



The world is suspicious of the man who willfully sets 

 foot upon a worm, nor would count him among the most 

 desired of friends. There are times, however, when a 

 neighbor encroaches on his neighbor's property, and the 

 judge must decide which is the fittest to survive. Far be 

 it from us to callous our sentimental tenderness for the 

 smallest of living things. 



At night, when the sun is down, the flowery world is 

 a different place from that we know by day. The colony 

 of toads which has been protected for the sake of their 

 fondness for insects preying on plants, goes awalking in 

 the dusk. They are a friendly company. They enjoy 

 human society, though the human giant must look colos- 

 sal to their bright eyes. 



When any one takes a book in the late afternoon and 

 rests in a big chair near the nasturtiums, hop-hop down 

 the path come two, three, or more toads to sit in an 

 admiring circle. Company manners do not interfere 

 with business, for a lightning-motioned tongue darts 

 rapidly as Mr. Toad takes the good of insect life coming 

 his way. 



The cool of the evening is an ever-returning reminder 

 of how fair the world can be, and how at peace. The 

 flowers are grateful for the shadows and the de\v, lifting 



