DECEMBER MEETING. 297 



that it liavc around it plenty of grass of some kind, trees, shrubbery, and some 

 flowers. Not tiiat trees should l)o too close around the house; I know one 

 with a grove of maples closely crowding it, on nearly three full sides, and almost 

 all the sunshine that can enter the dwelling must come in in the morning. I 

 think the house must be damp, and I know, whether this be the cause or not, 

 that the farmer's wife is never well. I know a dooryard, which, within about 

 a dozen years, has grown to be a source of much pleasure, from the native 

 trees, transplanted mostly by (ine boy. I wish that I could make you under- 

 stand a titlie of all its varied beauty ! There is one soft maple not far from 

 the front of the house, which is almost always lovely. Even the bared branches 

 have a delicate tracery against the sky, that is pleasing. Then when spring 

 brings out its crimson flowers, when, later, it stands in summer dress, and still 

 more when autumn ''lays its fiery linger" upon it and it glows, possibly for 

 Aveeks together, like a burning sunset before the window, it is a treasure whose 

 value can never be told; and it has cost so little I There are elms with their 

 long green plumes, a tulip tree that gives promise of a wealth of blossoms by 

 and by, poplars with varied and interesting foliage, the sumach, like a huge 

 bouquet when in bloom, the linden, — but I forbear, and only mention a little 

 hemlock, slow in growth, but so exquisite when the new foliage is putting out. 



It is well in planting trees, to think of autumn touches: Persistency of 

 srreen foliage is desirable in some, and for this are most fruit trees valuable. 

 As a back ground for the bright colors of the hard maple they can scarcely be 

 excelled, except by evergreens. I think I never saw a more beautiful autumn 

 dress, than that worn by a strip of woods I passed a few days since, where 

 deciduous and evergreen trees were intermingled. The poplars too are valuable 

 for retainins: o'reenness late. Here the first of November are these trees still 

 green, while elms, black-walnuts and others are nearly or quite bare. For hold- 

 ing foliage late, and for gorgeousness of fall attire, remember, too, the common 

 beech. 



If not prejudiced by the idea that town people have more time for the orna- 

 mentation of their homes, farmers might learn something to their advantage 

 'by close observation in the city. One of the most beautiful things I saw the 

 ■other day, in passing along a city street, was the Virginia creeper, so abundant 

 in our timber lands, covering a large area on one side of a brick mansion, Now 

 if I had a brick house, I believe one of the first things I should do, if possible, 

 would be to plant this vine. It is lovely in summer, on this wall cares for itself, 

 and makes a gorgeous though short-lived show before it drops its leaves. It is 

 •equally good on a log house, but does not seem to fancy climbing clapboards. 

 Another pretty thing I saw was a hedge screen of privet. Now I knew this was 

 a fine shrub, "almost evergreen" having pretty flowers that make up nicely 

 in bouquets with roses, and I knew it could be used for this kind of hedge ; but I 

 did not know how very beautiful it could be. Perhaps the close-cut green sward 

 in front enhanced its loveliness. This is an easy plant to grow, and I do not 

 think it would require much labor to make a hedge of it, to separate the kitchen 

 garden, the clothes yard, or the wood pile with its surroundings, from the grounds 

 in front. 



One more thing about trees, I propose that Arbor Day, inaugurated by 

 •Gov. Bagley in the centennial year, be a perpetual institution, and be supple- 

 mented by a day in autumn for the planting of ornamental shrubs, vines, and 

 flowers about the homestead. "Would not this bring a wonderful chans^e in a 

 iew years to our rural homes. Another thing, could there not be arranged 



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