13 APRIL 1951, Page 15

In the Garden

The lilac tree (Edith Cavell, double white) which I recently operated upon seems to be showing no deterioration in her condition. Her buds are swelling as healthily as those of her two sister trees, and I am daring to hope that all is well. I am having some anxiety, however, about the sterling balance in my ornamental pond, for, when I went out yesterday morning after daybreak, I surprised a heron, the first I have ever seen in this district. I thought immediately of my gold-fish, having heard of disastrous runs upon such currency in the pond of a friend in Sussex. After watching my visitor soaring proudly away southward. I counted mx exchequer, and was thankful to find it up to Treasury standards. RICHARD CHURCH.