8-4 State Horticultural Society. 



planted under the shade of trees or shrubs the same as they grow in the'r 

 native woods. The phlox or Sweet William, the butterfly milkweed, 

 the wild asters, the columbine, the violets and many late bloomers may 

 be transplanted with much certainty of their living, at almost any time 

 of year. 



The best eiTect is obtained by planting the wild flowers in masses. 

 The taller ones may be set in the rear and the shorter ones in front, vhere 

 they will be seen. I^one where they grow in nature, and plant in shade 

 or sunlight, to correspond to the situation they were found in. The 

 same thing should be noted in regard to whether they like wet or dry 

 places, and whether they are found in a northern or southern exposure. 

 In fact imitate nature in arranging them, not only in respect tc location 

 but also in planting in masses. 



I have particularly advocated the use of the wild flowers for two rea- 

 sons. First, they are among our prettiest plants, and second, they will 

 thrive wtihout much cultivation, which can not at all times be given in 

 school grounds. ISTow that school gardens are being advocated, there 

 is no objection to planting the cultivated flowers or even vegetables to 

 use in obtaining a better knowledge of plant life. 



I believe our wild plants will prove the most satisfactory, however, 

 and that the study of the natural situation in which they occur, in order 

 to place them in similar surroundings is one of the best means of becom- 

 ing better acquainted with plant life. This very acquaintance, which 

 will be enlarged as the student learns to love plants better, will serve not 

 only to improve the tastes and the mind, but will enable the boy or girl 

 who follows it up to better manage the farm crops of the orchards and 

 gardens at home. I wonder how many of the pupils and teachers who 

 read this, will begin the coming spring to spend a part of their holidays 

 and evenings after school in starting a planting about the school grounds 

 cr the home. 



