74 State Horticultural Society. 



discard the other style entirely, for a certain portion is requisite to pro- 

 duce that variety of scenery which attracts and pleases the eye. I would 

 locate the lawn, like the garden, on a southern slope, so as to be fully 

 exposed to the rays of the sun, for it exerts a wonderful influence in 

 giving darker hues to the leaves and painting the flowers with deeper 

 tints. I prefer the parallelogram to any other form, unless some pecu- 

 liarity of surroundings otherwise determines. But after the location 

 has already been decided on, then all weeds, briars and brambles should 

 be thoroughly eradicated and the surface broken and seeded to blue- 

 grass, which serves to bind and hold the soil. It also retains its freshness 

 more certainly than any other grass. If by chance or otherwise any 

 forest trees, such as oaks, elms, sugar maples, cedars or weeping willows 

 should be growing on the location, so much the better, for by nursing, 

 pruning and shaping they may be made a valuable addition to the lawn 

 without incurring any additional expense. 



Some lawn makers are opposed to enclosures, but it seems to me 

 that there should be a line drawn somewhere. It should, however, be 

 as light and inconspicuous as possible, so as not to obscure or mar the 

 beauty of the space enclosed. Xothing* that is uncouth in appearance, 

 ^uch as rocks, stumps, dead and dying branches, should be tolerated on 

 the lawn. 



Much has been written and said in favor of certain kinds of flowers, 

 shrubs and trees for ornamental purposes, but where there is such an. 

 endless variety to select from, and such a material diiference in tastes, 

 locality and climate, I consider it Avould be almost unpardonable pre- 

 sumption to recommend particular kinds, save such as grow wild in the 

 locality where the lawn is located. 



By all means plant a lawn, for it is difficult to conceive of anything 

 that will insure a greater degree of domestic tranquility than a neat, 

 well-kept lawn. It educates, civilizes, refines and purifies, and lifts our 

 thoughts above the corroding cares of this life to things eternal and that 

 far-awav home where flowers never fade. 



