– 11 –

Ruth H. T.

“Ruth” is my very fine new rose-tree.
“Compact in growth” is she, and “fairly vigorou”;
Her leaves so “dark and shiny, will not mildew.”
“Erect” she carries “large round blooms of copper-carmine”
“Continuous” these blooms, and “sweetly scented”

Around her base spring many-coloured tulips;
Beside her leans an orange crimson-spotted lily;
Beneath her smiles a small bright apricot-hued viola.

—So to my faith, and for your fancy. But the facts are:
Two bare thorny twigs with a pink label;
Stuck in the earth around them several white pegs!