216 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



power to enter the organic system of nature. Some of these fairy vege- 

 table creations we might ahnost imagine endowed with a spiritual exist- 

 ence also, or, as the poet expresses it : 



" There are spirits of flowers that have blossomed and died, 

 Long since in the garden, its beauty and pride ; 

 Yet they rise from corruption in robes new and bright. 

 As vision-like phantoms, all spotted and white. 



" Gay bodies we know have gone down to decay ; 

 With the winter's first breath they have withered away — 

 But a change has come o'er them, and dream-like and fair, 

 The features that marked them they'll once again wear. 



" The same wondrous tissue, the outline and grace 

 Of each tiny leaflet and blossom we ti-ace — 

 True types of ourselves whose poor bodies shall rise 

 From the grave of corruption, the heirs of the skies." 



ORNAMENTAL AND LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 

 Illhiois State Horticultural Society : 



Gentlemen — Through fault of the mails I have but now received 

 notice that I am expected to write an essay on "Ornamental and Land- 

 scape Gardening." 



Scarcely had I read the notice when hortus, garden, and colo, I till, 

 came into my mind. I wish I had power to make that individual, that 

 is, make every farmer and gardener in this western empire State feel the 

 individual loveliness of landscape gardening. I have neither time nor 

 inclination to write a long article on this prolific topic, but will just try 

 to see if we can not make this matter suited to the circumstances, the 

 tastes and pleasures, of those who till the soil. 



The true principles of ornamental gardening are three only — per- 

 spective, light and shade. Think what your grounds will be fifty years 

 hence, and then form, group, open, and establish accordingly. 



A clump of trees must break the monotony of the plain, or too ex- 

 tensive lawn. Evergreens and walnuts must break the glare of prairies, 

 or champaign, and cast into shade such objects as may be too noticeable. 

 In a word, don't torture Nature, but chasten her. Never straiten a stream 

 of devious water ; rather help it in its windings, unless it materially inter- 

 feres with some more cherished object. Avoid every thing stiff and 

 formal; and let your trees and shrubs appear in their own form and 

 manner of growth. If you cannot make your pruning-knife behave itself 

 in your pocket, throw it away, or give it to some boy fond of fishing, that 

 you may never see it again. 



For trees you need not go out of your own neighborhood ; take those 

 which thrive best near your own home ; they are friends, accustomed to 

 your soil and climate, and you may depend upon their good behavior. 

 Exotics — foreigners — may do well ; treat them with all courtesy, urbanity 



