8 EVERT WOMAN HER OWN FLOWER GARDENER. 



— for skirts are always in the way. If it is admissible on the beach, 

 where wealth and fashion do congregate, why not in the garden, sur- 

 rounding one's house ? 



A large shade hat, and a pair of old kid gloves are indispensable. Rub- 

 ber gloves are often recommended, but are far too clumsy for the fingers. 



Now, the dress is bespoken, and we must purchase the tools required. 

 A large three-pronged iron fork, with a short handle, is needful for 

 loosening the ground, removing plants and uprooting weeds. I should 

 rather do without a trowel than such a fork. They can be purchased 

 of all hardware dealers. 



A small set of tools, comprising a rake and hoe on one handle, a 

 trowel, and a spade, are very essential. With their aid much light work 

 can be accomplished without calling upon Mr. O'Shovelem. 



A watering pot, with a large nozzle, and a fine sprinkler, is also 

 required. 



With these implements, every woman can he her own gardener — and 

 not only raise all the flowers she may desire, but also contribute a large 

 share of the vegetables that are always welcomed at the table, during 

 both summer and winter. 



The cultivation of the soil possesses a wonderful fascination ; its very 

 odor, after a refreshing shower, is inspiring; and as you gather your 

 flowers, you will also gather improvement in many ways. 



"He made them all, and what He designs, can ne'er be deemed 

 unworthy of our study, and our love." If we see a pot of flowers in a 

 window, it gives us respect for the inmates of the dwelling — but if we 

 see a beauteous garden, " A brilliant carpet of unnumbered dyes," we 

 know that there is taste and refinement within that home. 



On the European continent, women work in the fields with the men, 

 and become beasts of burden. I hope never to see them thus, in this 

 more favored land, but I do desire to have them take a daily interval 

 from the labor and care of the house, and breathe into their hearts the 

 oxygen and iron contained in the fresh air; taste the balm and the 

 tonic of 'the sunlight and the garden. 



Every day there is some work to be done, if the garden is well kept. 

 There is no need of having a " weeding-day" like a " washing-day," — for 

 the weeds can be kept down, daily. Every morning dig over one or two 

 beds, according to their size, — ^and continue the work until all are 

 cleaned up. Then commence again, and thus prevent the soil from 



