1906J Nature Study No. 35. 67 



NATURE STUDY No. XXXV. 



The Galt Park Wild- Flower Garden. 

 By R. S. Hamilton, Gait, Ont. 



About six years ago through the generosity of a kind friend, 

 the town of Gait came into possession of some thirty acres of 

 woodland, lying on a rapidly rising upland, which forms the west 

 bank of the river Grand and immediately adjoins the western limit 

 of the corporation. 



At one time this area was heavily timbered with -white pine 

 but later was devastated by fire. At the present time it is cover- 

 ed with a dense growth of young trees, such as red and white 

 maple, white oak, wild cherry, juneberry and poplar, with here 

 and there a tall white oak or beech, raising its head high above 

 its fellows. 



A condition attached to the gift was that the woodland should 

 be left as far as possible in a state of nature. The present dense 

 growth, however, and the consequent obliteration of herbaceous 

 plants has robbed the region of much of the beauty of ordinary 

 woodland, and some changes are in contemplation so as to bring 

 it into a state more in keeping with the conditions that prevail 

 in the majority of our Ontario woods. 



The surface varies in its conformation. There is a gradual 

 ascent to a divide on the western edge of the area ; but this is bi ok- 

 en by many minor sharp ridges and deep depressions, so that in 

 one part may be found the conditions of dry rich woods, in another 

 those of open and rocky woods, and here and there are the moist 

 woods and pond conditions. 



A commission of citizens, was appointed by the municipality 

 to plan, construct and maintain a system of parks for the benefit 

 and pleasure of the citizens of Gait. A competent landscape gard- 

 ener was engaged, who after careful examination of the situation, 

 drafted plan's for a system of park development, which is at pres- 

 ent in process of evolution. Driveways have been made and 

 bridle paths cut through the underbrush. Feeble and stunted 

 trees are being removed, so that the more perfect specimens may 

 develop and light and air may penetrate. 



Nature Study Club's Opportunity. For several years Gait 

 has had an enthusiastic Nature Study Club, organized as a scien- 

 tific society, but latterly as an association in which nature study 

 methods might be discussed and preparatory work done by the 

 teachers of the town. Much interest has thus been created in 



