206 



THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE OF AMERICA. 



mecca of thousands of art students annually. Within 

 the huge base at the bottom is a large collectiun of hardy 

 water lilies and myriads of gold fish are to be seen swim- 

 ming about. (A photograph of this fountain is repro- 

 duced on our cover page.) 



From the fountain is obtained a splendid view of the 

 superstructure of the National Capitol, and to the right 

 of the former a group of bannana plants which also bear 

 fruit at the present time. Around this group is a collec- 

 tion of giant canna, eight to ten feet high, in full blijom 

 and the "whole is surrounded by a border of crotons and 

 an edging of dwarfed box. On the other side is the 

 exotic bed containing about seventy-five varieties of eco- 

 nomic and ornamental plants brough'^ from all sections 

 of the globe. 



The range of orchid houses holds one's attention for 

 quite a period of time, for here is an excellent display of 

 rare plants, many of which are in bloom. The Holy 

 Ghost orchid, or Sanctum Spiritus, with a most excellent 

 reproduction of a dove hovering above an altar, empha- 

 sizes nature's handiwork, and Cattleyas in profusion add 

 their colors ta 'the beauties of the surrounding plants. 

 Another range of houses is devoted to the propagating 

 and growing of ferns and so-called stove-house plants. 

 These latter represent a wonderful collection of plants 

 brought from warmer climates. 



Within this reservation are many trees that have his- 

 torical associations, some of them having been planted 

 by Presidents of the United .States and others by noted 

 statesmen; there are varieties which have found a place 

 in the world's history, and their study is most interesting 

 and valuable along educational lines. 



As has been found the case with other visitors, it re- 

 quired a full half day to see all of the wonders of the 

 conservatory, the greenhouses and the grounds sur- 

 rounding them, and there still remained a wide stretch 

 across Maryland avenue where are located the offices of 

 the superintendent and many additional greenhouses and 

 places for the storage of such plants as cannot be ac- 



commodated during the winter in the grounds. Practi- 

 cally all of the trees, ferns and plants displayed in the 

 Gardens, and many thousands that are distributed among 

 the various government branches, for the beautiiication 

 of public buildings and grounds, and for exchange witlj 

 other similar parks, are propagated on this side of the 

 fence. No attempt is made to grow flowers that are fa- 

 miliar sights in commercial establishments, attention be- 

 ing devoted entirely to the production of flowers and 

 plants usual!}- found on private estates and of the rarer 

 varieties. 



NOT ROOM FOR BOTH. 



There's not room for the weed in your garden, 



And the flowering blossom, too ; 

 You can't have the noxious nettle, 



-\nd the violet's lovely blue. 

 T-"nr the weed will choke the blossom, 



.Vnd not all the sun and rain 

 \\'ill ever restore its beauty, 



( )r Ijring back the bloom again. 



You can't have the smile of sunshine, 



-Vnd the dark frown on the face ; 

 If _\ou have the look forbidding, 



^ ou will lose the smile's bright grace. 

 And it is better to have the sunshine, 



.■\nd the welcome in the eve. 

 Than the frown that is black and chilling 



.\nd the clouds within the sky. 



There's not room for the light and gladness, 

 And the sweetness in the life. 



As well as the dark and loveless. 



And a heart that is set on strife. 



And 'tis best to be sweet and gentle. 

 To be pure and good and kind, 



And to keep as a lasting treasure 



A sweet and lovint 



-Cliattivhox. 



FICUS BED CONTAINING .\BOUT TWENTY VARIETIES. SAID TO r.K (j.\K OF THE MOST COIIIT.KTK ('(il. LECTIONS IN THE 



UNITED STATES. THE BED IS BORDERED WITH HIBISCUS. 



