Ornaincn/al 'I'rces and Shrubs in Jlomc Grounds. 169 



Valne of Planting Ornamental Trees and Slirnbs in 



Home G-rounds. 



THE question of actual profit in dollars and cents, in planting ornamental trees and 

 shrubbery, is not to be so exactly shown as it has been with fruit trees, yet 

 there is a vast profit herein, not limited to the immediate advantage of the planter 

 or purchaser of the property so embellished. Who can have failed to note that 

 when a piece of real estate is ofi'ered for sale, its ornamental trees and plants (if 

 well selected and in good culture), always add a charm, which finds recognized value 

 in the increased price paid by the buyer ? Is there not profit in planting and caring 

 for good trees and plants for ornament? Every farm and orchard, every street and 

 highway, every public square, park or cemetery, needs its ornamental planting, and 

 all property adjacent is increased in value where it is done. On the farm, near the 

 orchard, and near the house, and on the highway, ornamental (not less than useful) 

 screens of deciduous or evergreen trees, are more or less necessary (if nature has not 

 provided in advance), as protections from wind and storm. Any farm, orchard or 

 vineyard so protected will yield a larger annual return, and will come earlier into 

 ripening, and consequently the value of the property be increased. A dwelling 

 embowered in trees, is manifestly more comfortable in all seasons of the year, and 

 must be more healthful in consequence of the equalized temperature produced 

 thereby, and of course enhanced in value by this important aid. 



It has become a common subject of remark and study — the influence of trees on 

 climate and crops, as evinced by the destruction of our native forests by the wood- 

 man's axe. On the Western prairies we now see forests and groves springing up, 

 and carefully cultivated to protect farms and houses from the effect of storms and 

 blighting, hot winds, and to furnish timber and fuel. Who can tell of the great 

 increase of value to accure from these young groves, and from the vast lines of beauti- 

 ful hedges now growing up in the West, to take place of unsightly fences ? 



Every homestead requires its arbor of vines, its screens of evergreen trees, and its 

 beautiful hedge rows, for the seclusion they afford, and to keep out of view objects 

 not proper to submit to the public eye. Every porch, and every approach to the 

 home, claims the grateful shade of some over-arching tree, or the welcoming smiles 

 of plants of beautiful foliage and fragrant flowers. 



The healthful effects and profits of the various fruits of garden or field have their 

 due importance, yet the sacred associations of home are by no means complete till 

 the inviting shades of beautiful trees and the sweet scents of many tinted bushes and 

 plants bespeak a regard for something beyond the pleasures of the palate or the 

 profits of culture, and declare the bliss of contentment more precious than gold. 



The importance of our subject is not limited to the planter or owner of the 

 premises ; it extends to the whole community. The constant, careful culture of 

 good plants, whether for fruit or ornament, cannot fail to exercise a healthy influence 

 on all in their vicinity as,regards both taste and morals. It leads to gentle thoughts 

 and good purposes. The soothing and refining influence of spreading trees, of 

 flowering shrubs with delicate odors, of graceful climbers with drooping festoons and 



