SHADE-TREES BY THE WAYSIDE. 63 



shutting out from view scenery more enjoyaj^le than any that 

 could be substituted by intervening objects. The location 

 and adjacent surroundings should be taken into account also 

 in deciding what kind of trees to set. If a tree is to form 

 the frame and adornment of an already pleasing picture, a 

 very different kind would be selected from one designed 

 to form a picture of itself. Happily the variety indigenous 

 to our soil and climate is ample for all situations. The 

 elm, with its open top, its long, slender, gracefully-drooping 

 branches, the ash, with its more rigid boughs, and tlje maple, 

 with its dense foliage and protecting shade, are types of the 

 various kinds that are easily obtained, hardy, and of rapid 

 growth. A very little artistic taste would decide on a proper 

 selection, if the individual will look beyond the present time, 

 and beyond the leafless, branchless stick that he is putting 

 into the ground, and see in the distant future the majestic 

 tree under whose branches his children's children shall 

 rejoice and feel grateful for the enterprise and forethought 

 which prompted their ancestors of his generation. 



In regard to the time for setting, spring is believed to be 

 the most favorable, although good success has often resulted 

 from autumn planting, thorough work being more decisive 

 of good results than the choice of seasons. Securing good 

 roots, proper preparation of the ground, and thorough mulch- 

 ing will insure the growth of a large proportion, whether set 

 in spring or fall. 



The marked success of one or two competitors who left 

 '•ae full tops on their trees has not convinced the Committee 

 tnat such is the better way. We believe that a few years' 

 growth will demonstrate the fact that close trimming and 

 shortening will insure a more certain life, and a more even 

 and well-proportioned top, than can be secured by the other 

 system. 



Calvin Rood, Chairman. 



