68 The Ottawa Naturalist. [June 



the observation of the things of nature and much aid has been 

 given in intelligently conducting nature classes in the public 

 schools. 



In addition to the above, it has been felt for some time by 

 the members that definite assistance 'should be given to those di- 

 rectly engaged in park adornment, and that under the guidance 

 of their teachers, the children might be brought nearer to the 

 beautiful things of nature and at the same time might help to 

 preserve for generations to come, many species of plants, now 

 threatened with extermination in the wholesale destruction of the 

 woods in the vicinity of the town. 



It has therefore been decided to establish a wild flower gar- 

 den along that one of the bridle paths in the woodland in which 

 there was the greatest possibility of showing the wood plants of 

 the district in their natural habitats. 



This work is now engaging the attention of the club, and, as 

 it may present features of interest and may encourage other sim- 

 ilar organizations to follow the example, an attempt is here made 

 to give in detail the working plans of this scheme which has been 

 entered upon with much enthusiasm. 



Character of Area. The bridle path, along which the wild 

 flower garden will be made, runs in a general north and south 

 direction. From the norh there is gradual slope for a short dis- 

 tance, passing into a sharp declivity which extends into a deep 

 depression. This area is well wooded with maple, white oak and 

 beech, and has a rich loamy soil, generally adapted for the growth 

 of open and deep wood plants. At -the foot of the declivity, the 

 soil becomes damp and 'soggy and in places almost marshy. At 

 the base of the hill are small ponds which are to be widened and 

 deepened for water plants. The whole forms an ideal situation 

 for growing wild plants under natural conditions. 



Design of Garden. The general plan will be the organiza- 

 tion of plant colonies. That is plants will be grouped together 

 in families as far as possible in keeping with their soil and light 

 requirements. The ground has been carefully examined and 

 stakes driven where plants as brought in are to be located. Thus 

 confusion and errors will be avoided by those aiding in the work. 

 Along the path rustic arbors, and "at both entrances arches, are 

 to be constructed, over which native vines are to be trained. 



Collecting and Planting. The work of collecting and plant- 

 ing is to be done mainly by the school children under the super- 

 intendence of the teachers, so that each child and each teacher 

 may have a share and a responsibility in connection with the 

 undertaking. Each teacher will acquaint his or her class with 



