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New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVII, Issue 19, 11 May 1899, Page 31

The youthful King of Spain is brought up strictly in accordance with the laws of hygiene, and hopes are entertained that by-and-by he will completely outgrow the delicacy of constitution from which he ha-> hi the rto suffered. His amusements are like those of most boys of bis age. One of his hobbies is gardening, and he has a pronounced liking for roses, enjoying experiments for the purpose of modifying their colour and perfume. ' The King and his comrade a watchman's son, who shares His Majesty's amusements, work together at amateur g.irdenrig.' writes one who knows King Alfonso. • It is- i-iten -ting to watch the two running about with little spades or rak^s, wheelbarrows or s-hovel.s, garden -ci-sors or rlowcr baskets. One day scne trpes in the royal garien were being pruned, and the Kmit's huinb'o co npanion having gore- oil fur a few minutes on an errand ot his < oijirade and uiou.iich. reap pf a led wearing a leafy erowi ii'ir I.- hat. v/hu h he ha 1 improved out of a somewhat gMuled lio.v. • What's th it r..uii«l your hit'" a*ked the King.

'• T'i.u s ir y rrown.' luphed the b>y coin i.oner , -it nearly tore the libbon lound my hat an 1 pinned it. There are plenty more up there where they are pruning the tree*. Would you like me to get you niie ? ' an. l the b >y's eyes spiukled with pleasure as he spoke. '■ \o, thank-, not any tor me '; a pause, and then — • the only crowns I can put on are heav,) one* that are worn on the bare head ; besides, 1 ilon t want my -kin'torn like the ribbon of your ha 1 "," ' The King ! usually ri-e- at 7or o'clock, and begins his Latin lesson at 10, afterward-, takim; hi- ' lessons of religion. Bat before studies of , any kind he to Mass every day with the Queen Regent in the prisa'c ulnpi 1 ot the pal tec.