APRIL. 



35 



more for the third circular bed, and lastly three 

 feet for the wide alley ; and at the end of all 

 these measures a stake was put down. 



Having fastened the line loosely upon the 

 central stake, he commenced striking out the 

 circles ; at the first stake, three feet from the 

 centre, he tied into his line a sharp pointed 

 stick ; holding the stick perpendicular, in his 

 hand, and keeping the line tight, this first cir- 

 cle was described on the ground. He proceed- 

 ed in the same way with the others until all 

 were completed. 



With much delight Margaret saw the outlines 

 of the plan upon the ground, and having ex- 

 pressed her approbation of her brother's skill, 

 returned to the house by her flower beds, where 

 the Crocuses were in full bloom, opening their 

 petals of brilliant hues to the bright morning 

 sun, and the Snow Drops so gracefully and 

 modestly hanging their heads among the foliage. 

 Some of the Narcissuses were beginning to 



