Question

select the passage that has a more fanciful tone.
the place was a wilderness of autumn gold, violet blue, and flaming scarlet, and on every side were sheaves of late lilies standing together. the sunshine deepened the hue of the yellowing trees and made one feel that one stood in a temple of gold.
hereabout we grow wisterias as standards, and they bloom magnificently. we also have a good many somewhat hardy plants that may be wintered well in a cellar or cold pit, and forced into bloom in early spring.
adapted from frances hodgson burnett, the secret garden and william falconer, garden and forest weekly

Explanation:

To determine which passage has a more fanciful tone, we analyze the language used. The first passage uses vivid, imaginative descriptions like "wilderness of autumn gold, violet blue, and flaming scarlet", "sheaves of late lilies standing together", and "temple of gold" which create a dreamy, fantastical scene. The second passage is more matter - of - fact, discussing plant cultivation in a practical way. So the first passage has a more fanciful tone.

Answer:

The passage: "The place was a wilderness of autumn gold, violet blue, and flaming scarlet, and on every side were sheaves of late lilies standing together. The sunshine deepened the hue of the yellowing trees and made one feel that one stood in a temple of gold."