153 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



as to set corncr-^vise up and down, tlie whole to be dressed, painted and sanded. 

 This will resist the strain of ''teters" and will also keep oil pencil marks and 

 jack-knives. Make the posts about 6x8 inches of the most lasting timber to 

 be had, and either cut the tops to a long point in gothic style or round tlieni 

 nicely, being governed somewhat by the style of architecture used on the house, 

 if any predominates. 



As to the trees to plant, I would say use maples and elms around the border 

 at least. The kind to be used witliin the enclosure will depend much upon the 

 size of the lot and the soil. Any tree is beautiful if finely developed, Norway 

 spruce, arbor vitaes, cedars, among the evergreens; catalpa, peperidge, sassa- 

 fras and oak, ash, ch.estnut, beech, birch and basswood may all be used, besides 

 many more if tliere is room enough. As to the arrangement of trees, let the 

 size of the ground determine. Small grounds scarcely admit of anything but 

 formality, — trees in regular order, — straiglit rows, straight walks, etc., or, at 

 least, some geometrical figures must be used for the curves of walks; but if 

 the grounds are large or diversified in surface, use the flowing or natural style 

 of planting as also for walks, flower-beds and lawn-plats, etc. 



" How to care for and save the trees?" Here, as with fences, is another 

 difficult problem. If some protection must be used to preserve the trees, a box 

 miirht be made of four boards about 10 inches wide and five feet lonsf nailed 

 tosrether at their edcfes and filled with holes one or more inches in diameter to 

 let in the air and sunlight; but I think in most cases a little reasoning witli 

 jiupils in regard to the benefit and beauty of trees will convince them that the 

 trees are their friends and will receive their protection; but if too low down in 

 the scale of manhood for moral suasion to reach them, then I would say use 

 all the sprouts that need trimming olf from the trees in trimming up the boys. 



As to ''How to manage flowers?" I can picture to myself a model school 

 yard laid out with beautiful walks which must be quite direct between the 

 points they ar e designed to connect, since they are business rather than pleas- 

 ure walks ; which bound fine patclies of smooth lawn, and over these lawns I 

 behold here and there nice flower beds scattered as if by chance or by the hand 

 of some floral goddess. I would make it a matter of pride ainong the boys to 

 see who could best tend and care for the trees whicli might have a circular 

 space cut around tlic roots of each one and this space kept free from weeds and 

 grass for some vears and also the mowino: and cariufic for the lawns. Wliile I 

 would let the girls care for the flower beds in the same manner, and when any 

 one neglected the work pass it to another, tiuis appealing to their pride and 

 striving to cultivate a taste for the flowers, trees, etc. 



And lastly, I would have the teacher understand botany and floriculture, 

 and have her teacli the pupils all she can about these flowers and trees — their 

 similarities and differences of parts; the harmony of colors and how to arrange 

 flowers so as to bring out the best effect — teaching the names of all the parts 

 of flowers, fruits and plants, as also the functions, etc. I have tried this in a 

 winter school with only dried specimens, and it is surprising how much can be 

 taught children in a few short talks given at the end of each week's study. 

 Many small children learned almost all the terms used in structural botany — 

 the kinds of leaves, flowers, clusters, etc., from just seeing a specimen of each 

 tacked up around tiie school rooms, after being told a few limes ; and who says 

 this is not worth more than the nonsense that usually fills up the idle pupil's 

 leisure time and empty brain? I believe a genuine love for these rural pursuits 

 may be inculcated that will in after years cheer many an otherwise dreary 

 home. Try it, teachers and school officers — try it. 



