266 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL 



LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 

 BY W. WICKS, MT. CAEROLL, 



We will here venture a few sufjf^esti.ons. lu the next twenty 

 years in Northern Illinois many new homes will be made and old 

 ones reconstructed. They should be arranged with taste. The face 

 of Nature might be greatly changed by the magic touch of the land- 

 scapist. We urge farmers to pay some attention to this subject, as 

 it will pay in a number of ways. 



1. In the increased value of estates. 



2. In the enhanced pleasure of farm life. 



3. As a means of keeping the boys at home. 



4. When combined with tree culture it so modifies the climate 

 that man and beast are greatly protected. 



We outline a few practical hints as applied in rural arts. For 

 want of knowledge, time and money is often expended injudiciously. 

 The universal mistake is made in locating the ornamental trees in 

 front, instead of the rear, of the house ; '' we get the cart before the 

 horse." An object on canvas appears better with a pleasing back- 

 ground. The house is the main feature, the park and other distant 

 objects is the back-ground, that helps to complete the material 

 picture. The painter studies the harmony colors, — the landscapist 

 may do the same. 



Green trees, hedges and white snows are pleasing objects in 

 winter scenery. A picture set in a nice frame appears more beautiful ; 

 so flowers, bordered with some suitable edging, are more attractive. 



In this soil and climate, for ornamental planting, evergreens 

 should largely prevail, as they are a joy forever. The front yard is 

 the proper place for lawn and flowers, — flowering shrubs should be 

 placed back to one side. Curved walks and drives are in harmony 

 with modern taste. Terrace work — sod walls against embankments 

 — add much to make home complete. 



All trees should be planted several rods from the house to avoid 

 a smothered appearance, as well as having reference to keeping the 

 cistern water pure. 



SHRUBBERY FOR THE NORTH WEST. 



BY A. B. AUSTIN, DOWNER's GROVE. 



Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen: 



Some twenty-five years ago when first attempting to run a nur- 

 sery, a great deal more zeal than experience was displayed, and in no 

 place did it appear plainer than in raising evergreens and flowering 

 shrubs. Not much was known at the time in Northern Illinois 



