NOVEMBER 241 



' To the wise a fact is true poetry and the most beautiful 

 of Fables.' In 1895 E. V. B. published a second book, 

 called ' A Garden of Pleasure.' It has the same qualities, 

 but is not perhaps quite as good. We are apt to think 

 this of second books on the same subject — perhaps we are 

 prejudiced in favour of our first friend. 



1890. 'The Garden's Story, or Pleasures and Trials 

 of an Amateur Gardener,' by George H. BUwanger. I 

 suppose nearly all readers of garden books have seen this 

 charming, clever, tasteful, little contribution from the 

 other shore ; I do not mean the next world, but America. 

 In spite of the constant interchange of books between the 

 two countries, it required an introduction from so well- 

 known a gardener as Mr. Wolley Dod to make the book 

 known here. Let us thank Mr. Wolley Dod cordially, 

 and thoroughly agree that an international exchange of 

 information on so all-absorbing a subject as gardening is 

 most interesting. The cUmate of America, with its hot 

 summers and long cold winters, makes gardening a much 

 more serious undertaking than it is in our own damp, 

 equable, little island. Mr. BUwanger gives us a most 

 luxurious and opulent receipt for the old favourite 

 mixture called, all the world over, Pot-pourri : — ' The roses, 

 used should be just blown, of the sweetest-smelling kinds, 

 gathered in as dry a state as possible. After each gather- 

 ing, spread out the petals on a sheet of paper and leave 

 until free from aU moisture ; then place a layer of petals 

 in the jar, sprinkling with coarse salt ; then another layer 

 and salt, alternating, until the jar is full. Leave for a 

 few days, or until a broth is formed; then incorporate 

 thoroughly, and add more petals and salt, mixing daily 

 for a week, when fragrant gums and spices should be 

 added, such as benzoin, storax, cassia buds, cinnamon, 

 cloves, cardamom, and vanilla bean. Mix again and 

 leave for a few days, when add essential oil of jasmine, 



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