Irrigation was not
absolutely essential, as at many of the other missions; but,
notwithstanding, Father Uria had evolved a miniature system in his
garden by means of a spring in the foot-hills, half a mile away, from
which water was brought in a narrow flume. This had long been in use for
the general needs of the mission; but it was reserved for Father Uria to
apply some of the surplus water to the garden. Father Uria had once
visited the garden at Mission San Gabriel which had been the special
pride and comfort of Father Zalvidea; and it was with complacent
satisfaction that, in comparing it with his own, he saw the latter
suffered no disparagement. His was in fully as flourishing condition,
but the element of picturesque beauty was lacking; his needs for a
garden were entirely utilitarian, while Father Zalvidea required beauty
quite as much as use. The two gardens were typical of the two men. So
Benito was installed as his gardener.
While the Father was showing Benito the garden, and explaining to him
about the plants, the cats which, as usual, had followed him, employed
the time in roaming around among the bushes, searching intently for
anything alive which might make fair game.
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