Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1877-08-18
Granger's Little Place.

My friend Granger, though born and
bred in the city, had always been of what
he called ga rural turn"-fond of flowers
and trees, and of pictures and poems re-
presenting country scenes and subjects.
He had also frequently expressed wish
that he could afford to give up his city
business and retire into the country.
there to devote himself to model farming.
knowing these tastes of his, was not
much surprised on returning to the city
after rather lengthy business absence,
to find among my letters card, inscribed
81. r. Granger, Woodbine Cottage.
Rose Terrace" with an invitation to
"call soon."
went out on the following Saturday.
The street cars took me into newly
created suburb, and within four squares
OF Rose Terrace, which I found to be a
row of tiny new cottages, and SO called
from having been left by the recent
grading at an elevation of about eighteen
inches above the level of the street, or
rather road. Each cottage was buried
M Gothic portico or bow window, and
they were all SO exactly alike that I
might have experienced some difficulty
In finding Granger's but for the wood
blne trained over the portico. On reach
ing the garden gate [ perceived Granger
himself, attlred in q loose jacket and
broad-brimmed straw hat, busted among
some rose bushes and ilacs in the front
yard. He had pruning knife in his
hand and sickle and garden hoe lay at
his feet. On seeing me he came forward,
. his round, ruddy face beaming with
hospitable welcome.
"You find me rather rusticated, I sup
pose, !" he observed, with zest, "but the
fact is [ found the place sadly neglected
the lawn quite weedy and the shrub
berry here he pointed to the lilacs and
rose bushes" very much in need of
pruning; besides the grounds have got
to be laid out, you see."
found the house snug little affair,
OF two parlors and library on the first
floor, and a couple of chambers above;
rather more room than was required
by a bachelor, I limited, though Granger
received the suggestion with contempt.
"A wife is too expensive; and would
hate to lose my independence, said he.
He took me into the garden at the back
OF the house-a space of some fifteen
yards by ten-and displayed to me with
pride what he had effected. The walks
were tastefully bordered with gooseberry
and currant bushes, but were rather mar
row, and obliged us to proceed in single
file. There were tiny beds of vegetables
"a strawberry bed and melon patch
cucumbers for pickles, and raspberries
for preserves; besides, trellis-worl
arbor, to be covered with grapevines.
You see" he added, " there's moth
ing SO pleasant as having fruits and veg
etables of your own raising, served fresh
and crisp from the stalk. It's convenient
also, and renders you so independent of
the Market"
He called my attention to row of
bee-hives not yet tenanted; also pointed
out fancy poultry-house, and patent
dog-kennel. In the midst of the garden
rose pigeon-house of elaborate design,
above which was q weathervane of his
own invention-a shepherdess, pointing
with her golden crook in the direction of
the wind. On this original idea he
greatly prided himself.
cit suits the pastoral nature of the
place, you see," he observed, COM
placently (; "and. indeed l would not
object to pet lamb or two-only Tn
afraid they might interfere with the
vegetables"
We were summoned to supper by Mrs.
Mix, the housekeeper, woman Of reso-
lutte aspect and determined mien. She
looked sharply at me, and evidently did
not altOoether apnrova of NV y1raeaooa
Also, it struck me that Granger ap-