Sometimes Eight Petals
Our second oldest daughter gave us a clematis plant, so we planted it beside the ramp and put up a trellis for it to hang onto.
At first I was surprised that the flowers were not as big as shown on the picture but as the years went by we learned more how to care for it and it has been showing some nice specimens and even gets more petals than it use to get and sometime there are a mass of small petals inside the big ones. It is a royal plant indeed with its deep purple and waving flowers.
"In regard to the mental and moral development of the children, the results of the system of training are more apparent than they were two years ago. Several of the children who have been longest with us are proving efficient helpers, taking an intelligent interest in the work of the Home. Some of the older girls are veritable little mothers in their care of the younger children, nursing them in sickness, guarding them morally, and "mothering" them in various ways with a success that would do credit to mature women. Some are developing a decided taste for and marked ability in nursing, teaching, etc. Several have acquired a practical knowledge of cookery and other departments of domestic work that is very creditable and useful, and all, both boys and girls, have made good advancement in practical lines.
The boys being on an average younger than the girls, there are not, of course, as many among them who have been able to assume responsible work; but they are gaining in efficiency and development of character, and we have no reason to be discouraged at their progress.
The children entered enthusiastically into the outdoor work last year, helping in the care of the stock, assisting in the gardening, etc., with enthusiasm. They did nobly in the care and culture of the small fruit, gathering the peas, beans, etc.
The flower gardens were a source of constant pleasure to the family, young and old. The nursery family especially did quite a little among the flowers, and besides selling quite a quantity of cut flowers and putting up seeds for sale, organized themselves into a flower mission and sent flowers to the sick, and to other institutions where they would be appreciated. This work in the gardens has been of itself a wonderful source of development morally and intellectually to say nothing of the physical benefit of outdoor work."
January 1897 LTNe, GCB 61
