The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-11-13
ONE SUMMER IN A GARDEN

sas fever" broke out in Maine. Wonder
full stories of that far-away land were
told and retold, until many were per-
suaded to try their fortunes in that
new country. Among others. as | re-
mem Der, Nehemiah Dockman was one
of the fret to succumb to the power OF
the fever. and nothing would give him
ease until he had disposed of his little
farm and began hastily to make prepa-
tions for the long journey towards the
unknown Edorado.
A house was rented for the family
of ten. two boys of eight and five-an
older boy had hired out for the summer
and Nehemiah hurried away to the
West. 1t was bare home they went
to. but the wife and little ones were
trying to be comfortable and happy.
II don't see why | can't live out. as
Tom did, and earn something this sum-
mer," said Jim one day to his mother.
1t was just as the spring work was be-
ginning, and Jim would be eight years
old the last of May!
why, my boy" replied Mrs. Dock
man, do you suppose you could earn
your salt?"
Now Jim had planted row of corn
the year before and had somewhat ex
aggerated ideas of his capabilities as a
farmer. He was therefore little
troubled by his mothers question; but
she went on to say.
"You are rather young to work out,
and want you to go to school this sum-
mer; but will see if we can hire lit
tie land of Mr.. Durham for garden,
and you may have the care of it,"
Mr. Durham was very generous in the
matter, and satisfactory arrangements
we're soon made. The land was made
ready, and Jim with a little help and ad-
vice on the part of obliging Mr.. Durham.
planted it TO peas, beans. corn, potatoes
and the usual garden truck, and awaited
events.
Meanwhile school had begun. 1t was
a mile distant from his home, and Jim
had to start pretty early to be punctual
and would reach home little late. but
he was strong and willing; and by rising
early he could work an hour or two in
his garden in the morning, and by hurry
ing home from school could find plenty
of time during the long summer after
moons to wrestle with the weeds. While
other boys of his age were playing or
swimming in the lake hard by, he was
resolutely welding his hoe, stirring up
the soil, cutting down the weeds, and
helping the corn and vegetables to grow.
One day a gentleman, driving by,
stopped to speak to Mr.. Durham.
who lie your hired man out yonder?"
he inquired.
"Oh, ho!" chuckled Mr.. Durham good
humoredly, "that is Mr.. Dock mans little
boy; he is only eight years DID,"
whats that you say?" inquired the
gentleman. "only eightyea old? Why,
he was working SO steadily and soberly
/ supposed he was your hired man. At
any rate, ne bu6 DOy lOI ue.
Others also noticed the boy-how
faithfully he was caring for his garden,
until it became the talk of the neighbor-
hood. Jim would decline invitations to
go fishing, or swimming, or hunting for
pond lilies-of course it was hard to do
so-with the plea. 81 must work in my
garden, can't take the time"
And 80 Jim Dockman spent the spare
hours of zone summer in garden;" and
what were the results? | don't remem-
Der exactly how many potatoes and
beans and how much corn and other
truck he raised, only l remember that
the yield was very excellent. Such
faithfulness is not likely to lose it's inn
mediate reward. But Jim Dockman
was doing something besides raising
corn and beans that summer. That was
the least part of his fruitage. He was
cultivating patience and fidelity and
elfdenial; and these are most impor-
tant factors in the making of manly
character. Jim Dockman was quite a
different boy in October from what be
was in May, 1855. and the change was
largely due to lone summer in a gar
den." Often have heard him say.-he
is now prominent public man in one of
the great Western states-that the re-
sponsibility for the cultivation of that
garden when he was a mere boy had
made him man.
Parents are not wise in taking all bur-
dens from their children. ut is good
for man that he bear the yoke in his
youthw-George Raymond IN the Ad-
a,naco