'Why, a month ago, Mr. Reed told us, you were coming here in April; and said you were from the country, and would no doubt be fond of gardening; and so he told us that any of us who liked, might choose a spot, and get it ready, and put what we could find in it. Such a number of boys offered, that we had to draw lots; for Mr. R. said that four only should undertake it; and I am one of the four,' said the speaker: whose name was William Gardiner. 'We laid it out in four divisions, with a circle in the middle; and Mr. Reed said we might put roots in the circle; but that we must leave the beds empty, because you would like to plant them yourself.'
Frank went to the spot, and found a rose bush in the centre, and the whole circle filled with roots. There was a beautiful crocus in blow, and strawberries and violets; with many other plants, which do not bloom till late in the season.
'I must bring out some seeds with me to plant,' said Frank.
'No, you need not,' said William Gardiner; 'we shall all give you some of ours, and that will make more than you will want.'
'You are very kind,' said Frank, 'I told my friend Sam, when I left home, that I did not think I should see any boys, whom I should like as well as him; but I suspect I shall find myself mistaken. What is that frame and those posts for?' said Frank.
'O, that is our gymnasium; did you never hear of gymnastics?'
'No, what are they?'
'Why, I don't wonder he never has heard of them,' said Tom Blanchard; 'it is a new thing here. This was put up only last fall.'
'It is to teach us various sorts of exercise, climbing, jumping, &c.' said Albert Lawrence. 'Do you see that tall pole? I believe I can climb up to the top, though it is smooth.' He immediately ran off, and to Frank's astonishment, ascended the pole, which was 30 feet high, and when he had reached the top, took off his cap, swung it, and put it on again, and came down in safety. A few minutes after, Emily came out and called, 'cousin Frank, we are going home now.'