Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1913-07-24

must come back, for you have not
seen my fritillaria imperialis."
II know what you are trying to tell
me; 1t is that the reason most crown
imperials-the fritillarias-do not sue
ceed is because we do not plant them
on their sides, but upright instead. II
every one knew the charm Of that
plant, the hanging bells and their
fragrance and the way birds love-
them, crown imperials would be as
plenty as crocuses in all the yards"
The Hollyhock Woman led the way.
talking briskly, and the neighbors at
home this sunny afternoon peeped
through the curtains at them.
II do wish those two flower fanciers
would stay at home." grumbled the
Practical Woman to the Yearling
Bride and her baby. II am certain
they will walk around by my block,
and II I 60 home, there I shall find
them looking over my borders wonder
ing why have not made I fire Of the
rubbish littering the yard. Why, every
one knows that the asters and the
golden rod and the French marigolds
have stayed SO long this year that
we have been afraid to pull up too
many things. The other morning when
l was up at six to catch the milkman.
l saw the Hollyhock Woman out rak.
ing her beds and strewing the dry
leaves over them. She said she al
ways did that before she put on q
mulch. How aggravating these care
full people are! I have no doubt she
carries a pair Of scissors in her
pocket all the time to clip of dead
leaves and twigs."
I'VE ought to be thankful some one
sets us an example, don't you think
80, baby?" said the young wife to her
Growing son, who was trying to reach
the red leaves twined in her hair.
Good day to you" said the Prim-
rose Man, crossing the street. "Your
lot looks as II 1t meant an autumn
garden. The bitter-sweet is scarlet,
the mountain ash is hung with berries.
the dog-wood, hop-tree, bush -cranber.
ry and snow-berry are full of fruit"
The little woman smiled happily,
and the baby clapped Its hands. as
she said:
"You encourage me by noticing my
yard. A little praise goes long way.
30 the wiseacres say. Think Of the
many months we must stay In the
house and look out Of the windows-
and why should our yards look DESC
late at any time? The fruiting
shrubs bring the birds all winter and
look SO pretty when the snow hangs
on them"
"If more people only knew It! 1t
seems incredible that every one does
not grasp every atom Of Joy and
pleasure that comes his way. So
much goes to waste, and life Is 80
short. Now must be going; l have
something I want to do before sun.
set"
The Hollyhock Woman took her
basket on her arm and set of down
the street. Her friends strolled slow.
ly after her, as the Primrose Man had
promised to show the others col
chicum, or fall crocus. in blossom on
the grassy lawn before the window OF
q Shut-in Woman who lay on her
couch looking out at 1t.
What can she be doing?" whisper
ed the Practical Woman, who did not
believe in much flower planting. The
Hollyhock Woman certainly acted
queerly. She was q block ahead on
the hill, across the street, and every
few minutes she would get down on
her knees.
"She is sticking crocus and daffodil
bulbs In places where she thinks they
ought to grow. It's her way of sur
prising people," eaid the Primrose
Man.
"Oh. the dear woman" cried the
Young Wife. please run after her
and make her come homo to supper
with me. You must come, too, Mr..
Primrose Man, and let Us talk Of flow.
ers together"
LENA MAY M'CAULEY.
Copyright 1sl1. by w. q. Chapmsn.)