summer carpet of green
Literally, grass:
Go to! God hath deposited cash in the Bank subject to our gentlemanly order; he hath bounteously blessed the world with a summer carpet of green. Begone, Heraclitas!
--Pierre, or The Ambiguities (1852)
How enviable is the Chian! Such is his simple, clean, comfortable house; so cheap, so movable! When his summer carpet — of green velvet — wears out, how easy to move to another; to select some still pleasanter spring or valley, and enjoy the change of scene and air; free of the curses and the cares entailed by civilization.
--May 1853 Scenes Beyond the Western Border; and
Scenes and Adventures in the Army
A green carpet in the Arsacides:
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