ariably causes an
irregular and jagged after-growth. All unsightly vegetation, such as
dead leaves or flowers, dried up stems, &c., must be promptly removed;
weeds ought not to be allowed to grow a second pair of leaves--much less
to flower--before being exterminated. Trailing and climbing plants,
especially roses, will need careful attention, and keeping within
bounds: straggly or weakly shoots must be at once cut away.

* * * * *

The most important requirement just now in the kitchen-garden is water:
during hot weather completely saturate the ground with it. July is not a
very brisk month in the Children's Kitchen-garden; however, seeds of
such useful salads as lettuce and radish may still be sown; and a few
dwarf French beans can be put in if there is sufficient room. By sowing
a small quantity of the early sorts of peas, it is just possible to
obtain a fair crop, and particularly so if the autumn holds fine.

* * * * *

It may not be amiss to make a few remarks as regards gathering fruit,
flowers, and vegetables, as this is a much more important matter than is
usually thought. In gathering such salads as cress or mustard, and fruit
of every sort, an absolute rule is to exercise the utmost care; and such
"telltales" as broken branches, mutilated stems, and salads--cress, for
example--entirely up-rooted, will at once proclaim a slovenly method of
gardening. This, above all things, must be avoided. Skilful gardeners,
whether amateur or professional, will sever a flower with so much care
that its parent plant will scarcely be seen to shake whilst undergoing
the operation. In gathering peas, most people tug and pull at these as
if anxious to see how much strength the pods _can_ possibly bear. In
this instance, as in others where the same carelessness is employed, the
plants get severely disturbed, and a consequent short crop is put down
to the score of bad seed. Neatness, order, and care are principles of
great moment in Gardening.

A SUMMER HOUR.

[Illustration: "'TIS HERE THE CHILDREN LOVE TO COME" (_p. 45_).]

A wide expanse of yellow sand,
A breeze so fresh and free,
Which, gently rippling, scarcely wakes
The calm and tranquil sea.

Beneath the clear and shining wave
Bright shells and sea-weeds lie,
Reflecting all the golden light
Of the sweet summer sky.

And many a crystal pool is there,