This too quick or too slow habit of seeing belongs to minds as well as to callings; and when children are learning to look around them at the world outside, it has to be taken into account.

Some will see without looking and be satisfied slowly to drink in impressions, and they are really glad to learn to express what they see.

Others, the quick, so-called "clever" children, look, and judge, and comment, and overshoot the mark many times before they really see.

These may learn patience in waiting for their garden seeds, and quietness from watching birds and beasts, and deliberation, to a certain extent, from their constant mistakes.

To have the care of plants may teach them a good deal of watchfulness and patience; it is of greater value to a child to have grown one perfect flower than to have pulled many to pieces to examine their structure.
And the care of animals may teach a great deal more if it learns to keep the balance between silly idolatry of pets and cruel negligence--the hot and cold extremes of selfishness.
Little gardens of their own are perhaps the best gifts which can be given to children.