ANNUAL REPORT. 147 



IMPllOVEMElsTS. 



A border of trees and shrubs was planted last spring, be- 

 ginning near the new propagating-house, and extending 

 south of the large houses and a short distance along the 

 main road toward the village. These have made a good 

 growth, and, in a year or two, will add much to the beauty 

 of the place. The willow hedge above the large house, hav- 

 ing become a nuisance as a harbor for insects and vermin, 

 and by the exhaustion of the soil upon either side, has been 

 pulled out by the roots, and burned, and the space devoted 

 to the growth of pear-seedlings. 



It is proposed to obtain the desired wind-break by plant- 

 ing a row of hemlocks and spruces along the north side of 

 the road leading to Col. Clark's. 



LABOR. 



The labor of the department the past year has been nearly 

 all done by students ; and, while it may not be as profitable 

 as if done by more regular help, yet there is great pleasure 

 in having the work done by young men who desire to learn, 

 and who are faithful and intelligent in the discharge of their 

 duties. 



The main difficulty in the way of the successful employ- 

 ment of students' labor is in our inability to arrange for their 

 irregular work. 



This requires a thorough equipment and some skilled labor 

 to assist in the preparation. 



