200 THE JOY OF GARDENS 



If it were not for their flowery looks, who would toler- 

 ate even the catchfly, trimming its gummy stems to trap 

 feeble ants; or the carnivorous Venus' flytrap, or the 

 pitcher-plant holding a deadly drink*? How well these 

 fit Tennyson's "Nature red in tooth and claw." 



Others there are, crowding to the wall weaker plants, 

 through usurping arrogance. We can understand why the 

 dandelion, camomile, and roadside weeds must push and 

 hang on for dear life if they would survive, but why 

 plants in a garden should pursue a selfish policy is not to 

 be understood. In cleaning time those who give an inch 

 and take an ell are trimmed back. The blue-eyed forget- 

 me-nots, the May pinks, and sweet Williams are energetic 

 spreaders. Dividing plants and giving away roots does 

 not lessen their numbers ; they are up and doing early and 

 late. 



Tragedy paints the darker shadows in the pictures of 

 life. We cannot understand, and yet above it all is the 

 unquenchable faith that "all 's right with the world." 

 Though Tennyson sang sadly of nature's cruelty, its 

 gloom, hiding the loss of many lives, is dispelled by the 

 larger trust. We need but look on the brighter side and 

 beyond. 



"From belt to belt of crimson seas, 

 O'er leagues of odor streaming far, 

 To where in yonder Orient star 

 A hundred spirits whisper peace." 



