Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1855-09-20
LIVING IN THE COUNTRY.

The Sparrowgrass papers IN Putnam are
'acy, Here is portion of one In the last
number - 3. i
Mrs. Sparrowgrass,' said 1, let us have
some nuts and apples, and a pitcher of Bing-
hampton cider; we have good cheerful fire
tonight, and why should we not enjoy it 2
When Mrs Sparrowgaass returned from
giving directions about the fruit and cider,
she brought with her square paper box full
of garden seed TO get good garden seed is
an important thing in the country. IF you
depend upon an agricultural warehouse you
may be disappointed. The best way is, to
select the best specimens from your own rails
ing then you are sure they are fresh at least.
Mrs. Sparrowgrass opened the box. First
she took out a paper of seeds, wrapped up
in newspaper-then she took out another
package tied up in brown papcr-then she
drew forth bundle that was pinned up-then
another that was tapped up-then another
that was twisted up-then out cam, bursted
package of watermelon seeds-then wither-
ed ear of corn-then another package oil wa
termelon seeds from another melon-then
handful of split ekra pods-then handfuls of
beans, peas, squash seeds, melon seeds, cucum-
Der seeds, sweet corn, evergreen corn, and
other germs, then another bursted paper OF
watermelon seeds. There were watermelon
seeds enough to keep half the country sup
piled with this refreshing article of luxury
As the treasures were spread out on the table,
there came over me feeling that reminded
me of Christmas times, when he~young ones
used to pant down stairs before dawn, lamp
in hand, to see the kiDgly toy-gifts of Santa
Clause. The Mental Gardner, taking Antci-
patton by the hand, went forth into the future
garden; the peas sprouted out in round leaves.
tomato put forth his aromatic spread; sweet
corn thrust his green blades out of many
hilock luttuce threw up his slender spoons;
beans shouldered their way into the world
like Eneases, with the old beans on their
backs; and watermelon and cucumber, in
voluptuous play, sported over tho beds like
truant schoo-boys
Here sweet peas, on tptoe for flight,
With wings OF gentle flush DER delicate white,
And taper fingers catching at all things
To bind them all about with tinny rings"
Now said Mrs Sparrowgrass, let US
arrange them in proper order; will make a
chart of the garden on piece of paper, and
put everything down with date, to be plant
ed in its proper time Mrs. Sparrowgrass
said she thought that an excellent plan.
Yes | replied, tasting the cider, we will
make garden tonight on paper, ground
plan as it were, and plant from that; now
Mrs. s., read off the different packages Mrs
Sparrowgrass took up paper and laid il
aside, then another, and laid it aside. Il
think said she, as the third paper was placed
upon the table, { did not write any names
on the Seeds but | believe 1 can tell them
apart; these said she, are watermelons.
Very well, what next g Then next, said
Mrs. s., Is either musk melon or cucum
Der seed MY dear said l, we want plen
ty of melons, for the summer, but do no
wish to plant half an acre of pickles by mis-
take; can't you be sure about the matter
Mrs. Sparrowgrass said she could not. well
then lay the paper down and call off the next.
The next are not radish know said Mrs
Sparrowgrass; they mist be summer cab
bages.' Are you sure now, Mrs. Sparrow
grass 2 said |, getting little out of temper
Mrs. Sparrowgrass said she Was shure of il
because cabbage seed looked exactly like tur
nip seed Did you save turnip seed, also
said [. Mrs. Sparrowgrass replied that sh
had provided some, but they must be in an
other paper. Then call off the next W
will plant them for cabbages, whether or no
Here is name, said Mrs. Sparrowgrass
brig htening up. Read it, said l, pen i
hand. Watcrmelons-not so good sal
Mrs. S. Lay that paper with the rest, an
proceed Corn said Mrs Sparrowgras
with smile. Variety q Pop, am sure
Good, now We begin to see daylight
Squash said Mrs. Sparrowgrass. 'Winte
or Summer? Both. Lay that paper asid,
my dear Tomato Red or yellow q Mr.
sparrowgrass said she had pinned up one
and tied up another, to distinguish them, b.
it was SO long ago, she had forgotten whic
was which. Never mind said |. there
one comfort, they cannot bear without show
ing their colors.' Now for the next Mr.,
Sparrowgrass said upon tasting the tomat
seed, she was sure they were bell-pepper
Very WE'LL SO much is gained we are sure
the capiscum.' The next Beans sal
Mrs. Sparrowgrass.
There is one kind of bean in regard I
which have prejudice. l allude to tn
asparagus bean, sort OF long winded escu
lent, inclined to be prolific in strings
does not climb very high on the pole, b.
crops out in abundance Of pods, usually n,
shorter than bill of extras, after contract
and although interesting as curious vegit,
BILE, still not exactly the bean likely to
commended by your city guests, when serve
up to them at table. When Mrs. sparrow
grass in answer to my question, as to the pa
ticular species Of bean referred to, answers
Lmas,' felt relieved at once. Pot Il
Limas to the right with the sheep, Mrs. Spa
rowgrass, and as for the rest Of the seed
sweep them into the refuse basket. l wi
add another stick to the fire, pare an app
for you, and an apple for me light cigi
and be comfortable. What is the use of fre
ting about few seeds, more or less Blu
next year, we will mark all the packages wi,
names, to prevent mistakes, won't we Mr.
Sparrowgrass