SUMMER MEETING, 1S80. 67 



This was so grandly inaugurated last year, that it needs no further mention 

 here, except to urge a persistent continuance. 



It is just here that we invoke the aid of the State Department of Education, 

 and where its assistance mavbe almost invaluable. Our teachers need rousinsr 

 to a proper appreciation of the subject, and I appeal to them to lend their 

 influence. They have not lived up to their duty and privileges in this matter. 



Local societies should take up the subject where the larger organizations 

 leave it and in the same way carry it on and spread it abroad, and lastly 

 individual effort should be unceasing in extending, emphasizing, and carrying 

 out the su2f2;estions of the societies. 



If the State Department of Education will adopt a plan whereby our teach- 

 ers will be instructed and stimulated ; if this Society will continue its labors in 

 the right way, seconded by the local societies and aided by earnest individual 

 effort, a weight of influence will be exerted that will be simply irresistible. It 

 seems to me, however, that this Society can go a step further in this matter. 

 I believe a well-regulated system of prizes would be of great assistance in stim- 

 ulating to active effort and the production of definite results. Papers and dis- 

 cussions serve to awaken interest, but without action no definite results are 

 reached. I have no detailed plan to suggest for a system of prizes; that would 

 be properly the work of a committee. But I think it would be a move in the 

 right direction. Thomas, the doubter, has many representatives with whom 

 no amount of argument prevails, and almost every one is better pleased with a 

 practical demonstration. If we can adopt some plan whereby one school yard 

 in a township will be properly ornamented, the end, so far as that section is 

 concerned, is practically reached. If we can give these doubters an actual 

 experience of the benefit and value of this sort of work, further argument will 

 be unnecessary. 



I trust I shall not be too wearisome if I venture a word of detail in the 

 management of ground. All work should be done in accordance with a plan 

 made and adopted before any work is begun. I do not make this assertion 

 because making plans is part of my work, but because both observation and 

 experience have taght me that best results cannot be otherwise obtained. While 

 I would not say a word against voluntary labor and the ornamenting of 

 grounds with as little outlay of money as possible, yet, I believe it a wise 

 economy to incur some expense. As a rule, things are valued at what they 

 cost, and if that is nothing, the thing is apt to be neglected, while an expense 

 sufficient to put the grounds into a good condition at once will be respected and 

 the work considered worth preserving. The plan should be made and work 

 superintended by one who has some taste in that direction and who can give 

 the matter some thought and study. The teacher ought to have ability in 

 this direction. 



In making a plan convenience should be first considered, after that whatever 

 variety is compatible with simplicity and harmony. Walks can generally be 

 brought from the street to the building by an easy curve, that shall not vary 

 from a straight line enough to materially effect the distance, and a group of 

 trees at the curve will make it appear necessary. Another group of trees may 

 partially conceal the entrance and the two groups connected by a few specimen 

 trees and plants. Only necessary walks should be made, and I would confine 

 the ornamenting mainly to the front of the lot, leaving the sides and rear for 

 play ground — wanting them only for shade. The play ground should receive 

 some attention. I believe it may be made a source of instruction as much as 



