68 THE PLANT WORLD 



magnolia, or the sugar maple, and study its marvelous veining. See 

 how, in many cases, the margin is reinforced to prevent lashing by the 

 wind. This is done by arches and counter-arches. A skilful architect 

 is here. 



Even now the woods are not devoid of green. Besides the pines, 

 junipers, hemlock and the like, one finds mountain-laurel, rhododendron, 

 princes-pine, pyrola, and the lovely club-mosses. Many herbaceous plants 

 keep for a long time verdant. Indeed, there is no season when the 

 forests are dull. W. W. Bailey. 



OUR OPPORTUNITY FOR "BEAUTIFYING THE HOME GROUNDS." 



Great interest attaches to the efforts which many are exerting to im- 

 prove the appearance and attractiveness of their house grounds. While 

 the efforts, in the past, mainly have been the easy ones of those having 

 abundant means, the interest has belonged to all who have had oppor- 

 tunity to see the improvements made. At present, the efforts are shared 

 by a much larger part of the public, in some cases even to the point of 

 self-denial. 



The widespread desire to-day to have neat, attractive grounds and 

 yards is directly the result, in part, of the descriptions and illustrations of 

 the beautiful in wild and cultivated Nature which are regularly coming 

 before us in such journals as Country Life in Atnerica, and the department 

 of " Beautiful America " in The Ladies' Home Journal. 



Another phase of the matter comes before us in the very practical 

 paper "Beautifying the Home Grounds," by Mr. L. C. Corbett. This 

 paper has recently appeared as "Farmers' Bulletin No. 185," issued by 

 the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Mr. Corbett recognizes that the 

 formal setting of extensive grounds is the privilege of but few, and ac- 

 cordingly passes such conditions briefly. He does show that nearly 

 every one who has any yard can make it a little paradise. 



It is probably true, or at least should be, that every reader of The 

 Plant World has already begun to call in Nature's assistance to make 

 his or her ' ' home grounds ' ' more pleasing by planting this or that group 

 of some favorite plant. And our opportunity is what? To systematize 

 the work till the available plot, large or small, is as attractive as the cir- 

 cumstances will permit. But further, to encourage, yes, incite our 

 neighbors to try their fortunes along similar lines. There is need, after 

 necessities of life are provided, to produce the environment which shall 

 be relaxing and cheering to all in the household. E. L. m. 



