OKNAMENTING MICHIGAN SCHOOL GROUNDS. 109 



*'A few words on cultivation. One of our large plats we prepared by invert- 

 ing the sod according to directions ; on the other the sods were well shaken and 

 removed. In the former it was hard work to keep the grass from growing, but 

 the plants bloomed freely. In the latter blossoms were not so abundant, but 

 plants were more thrifty. I was much pleased with the collection, but as we 

 have been requested to make such suggestions, I would venture to say that 

 euphorbia would mix beautifully with Joseph's coat, pansies could easily find 

 a place, and acroclinium (everlasting) would be serviceable for school-room 

 decorations in winter. The collection need not be made larger by these addi- 

 tions, as an equal subtraction might be made." 



The secretary in compiling the foregoing account of our attempt to assist in 

 the embellishment of our country school yards, has been impressed with the 

 thorough interest taken by the teachers which have reported. Of course, only 

 very brief extracts have been given from most of the letters, but there is na 

 doubt but the work accomplished even in this exceptionally dry season has been 

 of lasting benefit. By uniting the efforts of people who believe in this work, 

 there is no doubt whatever that Michigan might, in a very few years, be an ex- 

 ceptional State in the beauty of its school premises. Shall the work stop here? 



