The daily morning journal and courier., 1904-05-17
GERSkAN WOMEN GARDENERS.

Attractive Mingling of Flowers, Fruits
 And Vegetables.
 Most American travellers in Germany go to the principal cities, see as much sights of art, architecture and scenery as possible, and return without having the chance to stop on the waysides and learn of the real home-life of the peo- pie. No existing guidebooks lead to such roads. Mecklenburg Schwerin, with it's little sister State Strelitz, is only 2S German miles long and If broad, but is one of the most fertile agricultural districts existing. The finest breed of farm animals, the rich est crops of grain, fruit and grass are raised here. Husbandry in all it's branches is studied from long experi- ences, and when we consider that all farm land has been for centuries under cultivation. with no loss of productive ness. we see that there must be some reason and effort which keeps it up to so high a standard.
 Every family has a garden and the work in it is done exclusively by women. In the villages, where a minister resides, who always has a big farm to cultivate as his support, his wife is the leading spirit in the garden. In other places, perhaps the wife of schoolmaster or forester takes the lead. Often there is a friendly contest to see who shall have the first peas and car rots for the table; of course every thing grows in open air. On Whitsun- day all try to have the first lettuce, and if possible a young chicken or pigeons I for dinner. Generally the garden is close to the house; when surrounded i by a stone fence the main path runs in the middle. If the green hedge in- closes it, the paths run all around next to it. because close to the hedge noth- i ing will grow All beds are laid out in straight lines, no turf whatever. Gar den land may not be wasted and grass grows in. the meadows. Along the main walk on both sides are beds about l five feet wide called rabbits. At each | end is generally clump of lilacs or cherries. Rose. currant and gooseberry bushes are planted at intervals in the middle of these beds and are trained to resemble little trees. This leaves room for diverse perennial flowers under meath. Gooseberries grow to excellent size and flavor. For Easter they have the first shives and as the season ad- vances each variety, as 1t natures, is greeted with delight and thankfulness by the family. Asparagus is one of their favorite vegetables. It is grown in raised beds and cut three times daily for fear that the heads of it turn blue or green when exposed to the sun. They like it white. Green, long shoots are not eaten. Beams they have, but they prefer long, very feshy pods of Lima, as the latter is almost unknown, as are also sweet corn and tomatoes. except at the rich domains where gardeners are employed Of peas they have, be- sides other kinds, very large pods bear ing. called sugar peas" which is cooked whole, like string beans. Pars- ley is raised in two distinct varieties, the curly for decorating. the plain for Hts roots. which are used in soups. Of celery the turnip rooted is only known and prepared when cooked, for salad and soup. An immense amount o1 different sweet herbs, for use in the household, always find place. Cara way seed Is cut twice during the season The broad bean is grown in single row between the potatoes. Pear, plum and apple trees are distributed all over the farm in single specimens. Orchards lof one kind are seldom found. Peach aDricots and grapes are grown or trellises in some protected spot, or or the south side of house ors barn lOnions, carrots, turnips and similar crops are sowed broadcast on the beds
 children and old women do the wedding Particular stress is laid on such vege. tables as can be preserved for the win, ter, either in mature natural state ol dried. Nothing is wasted, even tht rose leaves are gathered, before drop. ping, and exchanged at the drug store for something necessary. Privet hedges are very much valued, and on a certain time long blue and green-looking flJ appears, which feeds on the leaves. | is the Spanish fly; the children art leager to pick them off and sell them
 they are used for making fly blisters The gardens of the more wealthy peo
 pie and nobleman's estates are laid ou
 in English styles, with curved walk ant the turf dotted with beautiful Howe
 beds. The ladies are all good house
 keepers, take personal interest il all matters. oversee the garden ant
 help, often, to gather the vegetable
 for dinner. All summer in fair weath
 er before and after school hours
 women. accompanied by their servan
 girls and children, go, with little hand
 baskets or wagons containing a lunch la-gardening; they work, enjoy outdoo life, fresh air and healthly recreation
 Wilhemine Seliger.