TO GIVE AWAY | AdventAI

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Nov 20, 1893

TO GIVE AWAY.

"I WISH I had something to give away," said a dear little woman with a large heart and a very contracted purse, to me.

"Try flowers," said I, "a little can of them, and you can be as generous as you please." Perhaps one of your neighbors has had to put on her pincushion, "Welcome, little stranger." Never mind if you do not know her very well; you may be assured she will appreciate even one flower. Again, there may be crape on the door, sad hearts within; cut your choicest flowers—they have a language of their own, and may be more comforting than words of sympathy.

Is anything more lovely than sweet peas? They are made to give away, for the more you pick the more they come. Stand at the gate and give a bunch to the schoolchildren as they pass. Instead of saying to that strange rude boy, "Get off that fence!" or, "Don't swing on my gate!" give him a flower or perhaps a rooted slip. This little kindness may save you a very choice plant or a chance to taste your own rare fruit.

Why not have a "give-away bed"? Geraniums, petunias, ageratums slip so easily, you wouldn't miss a dozen or two. As for seeds, they should not be kept any more than money. Better exchange, for it's funny, but true, plants like a new place. Haven't you noticed your petunias and asters from your own seeds are not as nice, but give them to the woman around the corner, and in her yard they will flourish mightily.—Vick's Magazine.