an experienced gardener; that hothouse flowers 

 should flourish in a greenhouse without a fire, or 

 that beds and borders should be always in a blaze of 

 beauty, when they can afford neither time nor money 

 sufficient to keep them in such a state of high 



culture The pleasure that there is in 



the actual practical work of a garden must be tried 

 before it can be understood. Liking for it will grow 

 by exercise, even when not felt naturally ; for of this 

 healthy enjoyment it may be said, what is generally 

 remarked of more doubtful pleasures, that it only 

 needs a beginning." 

 Chronicles of a Garden, by the late Miss H. Wilson. 



" I love my garden ! dearly love 



That little spot of ground ! 

 There's not, methinks (though I may err 

 In partial pride), a pleasanter 



In all the country round." 



MRS. SOUTHEY. 



The garden of the English cottager is one of our 

 national distinctions, and it is well remarked by a 

 Quarterly reviewer " that when we see a plot set apart 

 for a rose bush, and a gilliflower, and a carnation, it 

 is enough for us ; if the jessamine and the honey- 

 suckle embower the porch without, we may be sure 

 that there is the potato, the cabbage, and the onion 

 for the pot within ; if there be not plenty there, at 

 least there is no want ; if not happiness, there is the 

 nearest approach to it in this world content." 



" Yes ! in the poor man's garden grow 

 Far more than herbs and flowers, 

 Kind thoughts, contentment, peace of mind, 

 And joy for many hours !" 



