`` I knew he meant us ! '' cried Demi , clapping his hands . `` You are the man , and we are the little gardens ; are n't we , Uncle Fritz ? '' `` You have guessed it . Now each of you tell me what crop I shall try to sow in you this spring , so that next autumn I may get a good harvest out of my twelve , no , thirteen , plots , '' said Mr. Bhaer , nodding at Nat as he corrected himself . `` You ca n't sow corn and beans and peas in us . Unless you mean we are to eat a great many and get fat , '' said Stuffy , with a sudden brightening of his round , dull face as the pleasing idea occurred to him . `` He do n't mean that kind of seeds . He means things to make us good ; and the weeds are faults , '' cried Demi , who usually took the lead in these talks , because he was used to this sort of thing , and liked it very much . `` Yes , each of you think what you need most , and tell me , and I will help you to grow it ; only you must do your best , or you will turn out like Tommy 's melons , all leaves and no fruit . I will begin with the oldest , and ask the mother what she will have in her plot , for we are all parts of the beautiful garden , and may have rich harvests for our Master if we love Him enough , '' said Father Bhaer . `` I shall devote the whole of my plot to the largest crop of patience I can get , for that is what I need most , '' said Mrs. Jo , so soberly that the lads fell to thinking in good earnest what they should say when their turns came , and some among them felt a twinge of remorse , that they had helped to use up Mother Bhaer 's stock of patience so fast . Franz wanted perseverance , Tommy steadiness , Ned went in for good temper , Daisy for industry , Demi for `` as much wiseness as Grandpa , '' and Nat timidly said he wanted so many things he would let Mr. Bhaer choose for him . The others chose much the same things , and patience , good temper , and generosity seemed the favorite crops . One boy wished to like to get up early , but did not know what name to give that sort of seed ; and poor Stuffy sighed out , `` I wish I loved my lessons as much as I do my dinner , but I ca n't . '' `` We will plant self-denial , and hoe it and water it , and make it grow so well that next Christmas no one will get ill by eating too much dinner . If you exercise your mind , George , it will get hungry just as your body does , and you will love books almost as much as my philosopher here , '' said Mr. Bhaer ; adding , as he stroked the hair off Demi 's fine forehead , `` You are greedy also , my son , and you like to stuff your little mind full of fairy tales and fancies , as well as George likes to fill his little stomach with cake and candy . Both are bad , and I want you to try something better . Arithmetic is not half so pleasant as ` Arabian Nights , ' I know , but it is a very useful thing , and now is the time to learn it , else you will be ashamed and sorry by and by . '' `` But , ` Harry and Lucy , ' and ` Frank , ' are not fairy books , and they are all full of barometers , and bricks , and shoeing horses , and useful things , and I 'm fond of them ; ai n't I , Daisy ? ''
said XXXXX , anxious to defend himself .
Arithmetic Bhaer Daisy Demi George Grandpa Lucy Nights Stuffy barometers