ILLINOIS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 275 



way, than a low edging of evergreen. The tiny liedge, and the walks 

 combined, running through the length and breadth of the garden, form 

 as it were, a line, by means of which the different objects are threaded 

 together, thus aiding (though in a mechanical way, as it were,) in unity 

 of construction ; and considering the slovenly propensity so common in 

 folks and animals, to step off the gravel just over and upon the grass, 

 thus obliterating the boundary line between walk and lawn, we consider 

 it quite indispensible to perfect neatness. Having thus arrived at the 

 subject of 



WALKS. 



What shall we say of them that has not been said many times over al- 

 ready .'' Shall-.they be straight or curved ? We have no objection to 

 traveling m a straight line when it is most convenient to do so. We 

 rather think that it is the natural way for sober people to go. Hence 

 we leave the "turpentine walks" for those who /lave //^/ but need to sign 

 the temperance pledge. Yet we would not overlook the fact that " the 

 curve line is the line of beauty." We regard that as the best walk 

 which, avoiding right angles, when practicable to do so, leads with the 

 most easy and natural curves from one object of interest to another, on 

 through the grounds. Just one straight walk we do dislike (and yet 

 that one is often unavoidable,) in a direct line from the front door to the 

 front gate. Think how embarrassing to the bashful suitor, calling at the 

 sunset hour, a time when all the family are congregated upon the veran- 

 da, enjoying the evening air, to be compelled to enter that straight gate, 

 and travel the whole length of that (narrow.') way, under the concen- 

 trated fire of the eyes of papa, mamma, and all the brothers and sisters 

 and visitors. He would prefer a side entrance, screened by shrubbery ; 

 and he would be right. 



L.VSTLY, 



Though perhaps we should have made it firstly, in laying out a garden, as 

 in other affairs, of life we would say, accei)t the situation — "take what 

 the gods send " and make the best of it. If you find yourself located 

 upon a level prairie which never saw a rock, don't try to deceive your- 

 self and your friends by piles of stones, hauled there with great labor and 

 painstaking, to make believe it is something else. Accept the (juietly 

 beautiful as your type, and improve accordingly. 



If, on the other hand, you have chanced to light upon a picturesque 

 location, with steep hill-sides, abrupt rocks, and deep ravines, improve 

 your wealth in keeping with itself. Don't (juarry down your rocks, but 

 decorate them. Don't fill up your ravines, but fringe the sides with the 

 vegetation which belongs to them. In short, adhere to the principles 

 of the art as laid down by Pope — " the study of nature ; the genius of the 

 plan, and never to lose sight of good sense." 



E. H. Beepe, from the Committee of Conference, reported that said 

 committee from this society Iiad unanimously agreed with the Execu- 



