wing his
bereavement, how like my own, has been his experience! This explains my
sympathetic desire for his friendship. What a noble fellow he is! I
shall be proud to claim him as my friend! Now Fillmore, you must tell me
of his work for the farm. I am anxious to know more of the peculiar
methods of this inspired genius."

"Very well! In the center of the large garden at the rear of the Gerrish
cottage, is a roomy workshop, built for Gilbert's sole use and
occupancy. Alone in this shop, he has mapped out for himself such a
course of study, experimental work, and industrial amusement, as might
suit the fancy of his swiftly changing moods; or conform to the passing
whims of his busy brain. To the combined interests of Solaris farm, he
is intensely devoted. To keep a realistic picture of the farm always in
his mind, he has drawn an immense map, large enough to completely cover
the wall space on one side of the shop. He subdivided, colored and named
the subdivisions on the map, after a bold, brilliant scheme of his own.
The result is a matter of astonishment to all beholders. The map seems
to possess some charm of attraction, which no one can explain. On each
subdivision from time to time, Gilbert has tacked cards filled with
finely written notes, setting forth from his own standpoint, a history
of the subdivision, its peculiarities, and capabilities of the different
soils; character of crops and fertilizers, together with such
suggestions for perfection or improvement, as his thorough knowledge of
chemistry might determine; or his keen, analytical, observation of the
crops produced, might indicate.

"This map of itself, is a most valuable work; involving an immense
amount of intelligent, skillful labor; also much study of chemistry, and
of horticultural and agricultural authorities. As an indication of our
appreciation of its value, this map has been taken as a suggestive model
for the completion of those made and kept by the clerical force employed
in the farm office.

"On the south side of his shop, two large doors open into a roomy,
glass-roofed hot house, containing a very unique collection of potted
plants, which, under the skillful hands of this young enthusiast, are
undergoing the different stages of experimental treatment, such as he
may deem necessary, to prove or disprove his many pet theories or
fancies, in regard to care, growth, insect enemies, and to application
of electric light, sun light, heat, moisture