EVERT WOMAN HER OWN FLOWER GARDENER. 11 



Mineral fertilizers are not open to these objections, and I have found 

 them preferable to others on that account. 



Guano is always beneficial, if not applied in too large quantities. An 

 iron spoonful of it dug into the ground two or three inches from the 

 stems of the plants will increase their growth and beauty. A less quan- 

 tity should be given to tender annuals, and small plants. 



Liquid animal manures are also easily applied, and give to the plant 

 an immediate stimulant. In pouring it on, ayoid touching the leaves or 

 the stems of the plants, but give the earth a copious supply of a weak 

 solution. Guano applied in this manner is very beneficial. I have 

 used all of these with decided success; and always feed my garden 

 bountifully; and receive in return a bountiful supply of flowers and 

 vegetables. 



Plant with care and skill ; water when needful ; feed plenty of nour- 

 ishment; keep clear from all weeds; tie, stake, prune and cultivate 

 daily, and you will never regret the small investment required to com- 

 mence and continue a garden ; but will become more and more enamored 

 with the occupation ; and will yearly increase your stock, and multiply 

 your labors, and will be ready to say with Thomson, the poet of nature : 



I care not, Fortune, what you me deny, 



You cannot rob me of free Nature's grace; 



You cannot shut the windows of the sky, 



Through which Aurora shows her brightening face; 



You cannot bar my constant feet to trace 



The woods and lawns by living streams at eve : 



Let health my nerves and finer fibres brace, 



And I their toys to the great children leave; 



Of fancy, reason, virtue, nought can me bereave." 



