SUMMER MEETING. 91 



narrow, irregular strip along the sides of whatever shrubs and herbs 

 best suits the taste. These should be just far enough apart to make a 

 solid mass when full grown, planting larger ones in the background, 

 gradually dropping toward the front with various smaller plants. The 

 amount that can be planted in such a place is surprising, and still have 

 room for plenty of grass in the center. 



A farmer's lawn is usually much more spacious than so many of 

 the narrow city lots. In fact, it may be compared with the large city 

 places, upon which hundreds and even thousands of dollars have been 

 expended, and yet a farmer's lawn may be made as attractive with a few 

 dollars' worth of labor and material, and much less attention is usually 

 required in preserving it. The ideal arrangement of such a place re- 

 quires the skill of a landscape artist, a title which I cannot claim. The 

 residence is, or should be, situated some distance back from the high- 

 way, giving room in front for several shade trees and clumps of shrub- 

 bery. These should be arranged to cover unsightly objects, whether 

 far or near, and at the same time preserve desirable views from some 

 of the most prominent positions. In general it is best not to scatter 

 the trees in all parts of the lawn, but keep in groups and have at least 

 one large open space with various nooks or retreats and places that 

 afford dense shade as well as the bright sunshine. The location of 

 walks and driveways is an important feature. There should be no more 

 of either than will constantly be used and both should extend directly 

 toward the place to which they lead and not in a roundabout way, not 

 necessaiily in a straight line, but with a gentle curve around and be- 

 tween clumps of shrubbery. As a rule it is best to have but a single 

 driveway leading from the road past one side of the residence and back 

 to the stable, with a small circle between the residence and stable on 

 which to turn. There may be places where a double gateway with a 

 driveway curving from one to the front of the residence and back to 

 the other, with a branch running back to the stables would be prefer- 

 able, but I think they are few. A walk in such a place is much more de- 

 sirable than a driveway. 



Between the small city lot and this more spacious one there are 

 infinite gradations, each requiring special consideration, for which I 

 have not time, space or talent. 



H. 0. Irish, Missouri Botanical Garden. 



