In these advantages alone one is repaid
for the extra first cost, and in addition the rich surface soil
obtained will double the bulk and value of the fertilizers with
which it is mixed.
Having made the walk, borders five feet wide can be laid out on
each side of it, and the soil in these should be as rich and deep
as any other parts of the garden. What shall be planted in these
borders will depend largely on the tastes of the gardener; but, as
has been suggested, there will assuredly be one or more shadowy
grape-arbors under which the proprietor can retire to provide
horticultural strategy. This brings us to that chef-d'oeuvre of
Nature--
The vine. It climbs by its tendrils, and they appear to have
clasped the heart of humanity. Among the best of Heaven's gifts,
it has sustained the worst perversions. But we will refrain from a
temperance lecture; also from sacred and classical reminiscences.
The world is not composed of monks who thought to escape
temptation--and vainly too--in stony cells. To some the purple
cluster suggests Bacchanal revelry; to others, sitting under one's
own vine and fig-tree--in brief, a home. The vine is like woman,
the inspiration of the best and the worst.
It may well become one of the dreams of our life to own land, if
for no other reason than that of obtaining the privilege of
planting vines.
Pages:
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71