No. 6. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 7u3 



our visitors, I'liends and ueiglibors, aud in fact, every one that passes 

 by. It is rightly a matter for jjersonal pride that our surround- 

 ings be made to speak our appreciation for the beauties of Natifre. 

 Therefore we shall be careful to view whatever plans w'e may make 

 from the two points. 



Have you ever stopped to consider how badly proportioned our 

 average country places are, having in mind those where farming, 

 fruit growing or similar rural work is carried on? Fortunate in- 

 deed is the 50 or lOO-acre place that has half an acre of home grounds 

 about the house. Even there the chickens and other animals are 

 frequently allowed to hold possession to the destruction of any 

 pretty gardening plans. In comparison with the owner of city prop- 

 erty, what a much better opportmnity has the countryman and fruit 

 grower with an abundance of low-priced land to have a beautiful 

 garden home with little expense and accompanied by greater per- 

 sonal interest. 



But few country homes exist wh^sre from one to five acres could 

 not be set aside for law^n and flower gardens. ^'It -w- ould not pay," I 

 hear some one say. Perhaps the balance in dollars and cents would 

 be a little less, but is the pleasure and comfort to count for nothing? 

 If the financial results are to be considered above everything else, 

 and the loss of that much ground is serious, then the owner must be 

 working the remainder of his proijerty on very close margins, and 

 his methods need investigating. 



A good expanse of lawn may be considered one of the chief aims, 

 because v/hen that is set apart, it offers many opportunities for de- 

 velopment in detail and striking effects. Above all, set out with the 

 determination it is to be a good lawn of good grass. To be half- 

 hearted in home-making is to create waste places, and those we have 

 no use for. 



Decide to have, if jjossible, a flower garden, not simply flower beds 

 and border around the grounds, but something of an enclosure into 

 which one may pass and feel tkat he is in a different atmosphere, 

 where flowers are on every side inviting admiration and interest. 

 I know of no phase of gardening that is more delightful, invigorat- 

 ing and care-destroying than that which folates to the hardy flowers. 

 A carefully selected assortment gives a profusion of flowers all the 

 year, from the very earliest spring days when some will open their 

 adventurous blossoms almost out from the snow, to the time when 

 some will defy the lighter frosts of the autumn. 



A rose garden, which may be made a section of a general flower 

 garden, is much more pleasing than where roses are simply scattered 

 here and there. They are not fitted for promiscuous planting, and 

 always respond better to definite treatment. If a fine law^n offers 



48—6—1903 



