98 Gardett Topics. 



ble characteristics the most satisfactorily. Altogether, we pronounce the " Fountain 

 plant" a decided success, and a valuable addition to our list of ornamental plants for 

 either indoor or outdoor decoration. 



The Value of J'lnuting Ornninentnl Trees. 



It is really encouraging to behold our State Horticultural and Pomological Socie- 

 ties actually leaving the dry and profitless discussion of fruits, and taking up more 

 time with the search for information about planting more trees, shrubs, vines, and 

 ornamental plants. The difference between growing fruits for the palate for profit, 

 or plants for their ornamental value, is decidedly marked. We are reminded, in this 

 connection, of the remarks made some time ago by S. B. Parsons, before one of the 

 Clubs of New York, in the course of which he said : 



" Those who grow fruits for market do so for the purpose of making money by fill- 

 ing the stomachs of their customers. This is certainly a commendable and legitimate 

 transaction, and I would not wish to discourage any one who is engaged in this busi- 

 ness ; still, there is very little in the mere act of growing fruits or plants for sale, 

 that will develop the higher elements of our nature. But, on the other hand, the 

 man who purchases a fine tree or shrub for the purpose of ornamenting his grounds, 

 does not look upon them as a source of profit, but purely as an ornament — something 

 that he can and does enjoy, free from sordid thoughts. I have been all through the 

 various fruit ' fevers ' that have prevailed during the past twenty years. I planted 

 a large pear orchard ; but the blight killed a portion, and a dry summer finished the 

 remainder. When the grape fever was at its height, I planted two acres of Dela- 

 ware ; but my profits have been exceedingly small. Other varieties have done bet- 

 ter, and with some kinds of fruit I have been partially successful. The taste for hor- 

 ticulture is rapidly increasing, and probably in no one branch is it more apparent 

 than that of ornamental plants. Few men will, at the present time, live in a house 

 not surrounded with ornamental trees. These may not be of the most costly varie- 

 ties ; and it is not necessary that they should be, for the dearest are not always the 

 best. Our native trees are as beautiful as those of any other country, and the masses 

 should become better acquainted with them by planting specimens in their grounds. 

 I do not know of a more beautiful tree than the tulip, or whitewood, as it is some- 

 times called. The sugar or silver maples, liquid amber, magnolias, and scores of 

 other native trees are to be had very cheap, and often for the mere cost of digging 

 and planting. 



" There is, however, a great want of taste in those who plant trees about their 

 dwellings, and a majority of our people place them too near ; and when they become 

 large they overshadow the buildings and make the place look gloomy. No large 

 trees should be placed nearer than one hundred feet to a dwelling-house. Place 

 your large trees in a group, where they will form a background, and then gradually 

 tone down with smaller trees and shrubs, until you reach the house, leaving it free 

 to sunlight and air. Evergreen trees may also be planted in groups, or as borders 

 to extensive grounds, and smaller evergreen shrubs placed within or by the side of 

 them. 



" There is too much sameness in the appearance of the leaves of our large ever- 

 green trees to furnish a very great variety ; but, by introducing what are termed the 



