140 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTUEAL 



back ground. A rose-hedge of hardy varieties, the rich velvet George 

 IV's, as we used to call them ; the sweet scented damask, the early 

 pink Junes, the Prairie Queen and hardy white across to hide the 

 back door and unsightly objects that are sure to be there. An old 

 tree covered with coral honeysuckle makes a delight all summer. A 

 sweet-scented honeysuckle on the south of the house will live in this 

 climate if the precaution is taken to have the trellis ^hinged, that it 

 may be laid down during winter. The wisteria or trumpet vine will 

 shade the well or the south porch. The red Japonica, snowball and 

 lilacs will form another pretty group on the other side from the 

 rose hedge. 



Then trees — elms first, in the middle and last, sugar or hard 

 maples, box-elder, mulberry, white and black walnut, and tulip trees 

 where they are desired as permanent; but for quick shade, close to 

 the house, soft maples, cherries, and cotton-woods planted along the 

 drives, the walks to the gate and woodhouse save the weary house-wife 

 an aching head many a day by keeping her in the shade. Box-elders 

 around the water-tanks, keep the water cool, and the cattle stay 

 around them and drink more water than they otherwise would. 

 Above all things, or, perhaps, I should say beneath, have grass, a 

 turf; with very little trouble the corners can be filled with grass 

 instead of unsightly weeds. Our turf is certainly the crowning glory 

 of our grand valley. 



I have aimed to suggest only things that may be done without 

 taking much attention during the busy season and yet will have the 

 desired effect. Pardon me, if I have spoken too much in detail, but 

 I have in my mind's eye, what to me is the most beautiful picture in 

 the world, and when you say farm home, I see it colored with all 

 the brightness and glory of childhood's pictures, the sweetest, dearest 

 place on earth. I am sure that ray love of farm life grew from my early 

 education on a well-arranged, prettily-adorned country home. My 

 theory is not one thought out in a city hammock, but one resulting 

 from practical experience in my own life. 



The evening being very warm the meeting adjourned till 

 9:30 A. M. 



