274 ILLINOIS STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



amount of labor expended does not pay ; we had better produce nearly 

 the same effect by planting clumps of trees and shrubs of different heights. 

 Where the grounds are large, I would plant from three to nine trees of 

 one species, but different varieties in each clump. The effect is gen- 

 erally more pleasing than when there are so many different species together. 

 There are some trees that always look best when standing by themselves. 

 They have an individuality that prevents them from associating with their 

 fellows. Such should always be assigned a prominent place, where they 

 may be seen from all sides. Most of the trees with drooping heads are of 

 this character, and many of our evergreens look best standing alone ; 

 their symmetrical forms then show to great advantage. I have dwelt on 

 this part of my subject rather fully, because it is a very important one, 

 and one on which the success of the ornamental garden depends. Besides, 

 it is about the only part the male members of the household take any 

 active part in ; but if I can get them interested in this part of it, I have 

 some hopes that they will not stop there. 



It will be inferred from 'o^hat has been said that there is something 

 more wanted to complete our picture of " Ornamental Horticulture," and 

 it is here that the ladies of our Society will be mostly interested. I refer 

 to Floriculture. In this they have a wider scope than the mere tree-planter, 

 for, besides lending their treasures to beautify the grounds during the 

 summer, they still can have them during the winter to cheer and make 

 home a very Eden. As it is now near winter, you will have planted your 

 bulbs for next spring's flowering, such as hyacinths, tulips, etc. If you 

 have not done so, there is yet time before it freezes up ; no time should 

 be lost to get them in. They are the sure harbingers of spring. A few 

 planted in pots or baskets now will give you flowers before spring, if kept 

 in a warm place. A few words of advice to you who are keeping pot- 

 plants will not be out of place here. I find that the great trouble with 

 ladies, in growing flowers in winter, is that they keep their plants, as a rule, 

 too hot in the day, and not having a sufficiency of air they become drawn 

 up or weak. A temperature between fifty and sixty degrees is about right 

 for most plants. Give them all the sun you can at this time of the year, 

 and not too much water. Keep clean from insects, and success will surely 

 'Crown your efforts. 



Perhaps the best plants for beautifying the garden during the summer 

 and autumn months are annuals. Many of the hardiest of these may be 

 sown on the spot where they are wanted to bloom. Care should be taken 

 to thin out thoroughly, leaving plenty of room for each plant to develop 

 itself perfectly. By this means you will obtain finer flowers than if left 

 to grow without such care. The tall and stronger growers should be set 

 back next to the fence or belts, the dwarf and delicate varieties coming to 

 the front and around the house, where they maybe easily seen. This rule 

 will apply to all plants. A bed of mignonette near the house will always 

 be appreciated for its delightful fragrance. 



A knowledge of the habits of flowers will be indispensable to pro- 

 duce the best results. Some plants require a cool, shady place, others a 

 warm, sunny side, and some a sujjport on which to climb. • These and 



