SIXTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK — PART VIII. 



835 



trees should be planted in front of the house to obstruct the view except 

 shade trees on the outside of the walk in a village or city and on tho 

 margin of a spacious country lawn. 



The front yard should have its well-kept grass and flower-beds, its 

 shrubs in groups planted in the corners and angles of the house and 

 walks. The -borders should he set with plants of good, low habit, which 

 retain their foliage to the root. It is always possible, in grouping and 

 massing hardy stock, to preserve good views and screen objectionable 

 ones. 



Fig:. 1. Poorly planned grounds, 

 with the trees and walks in 

 straigrht line- 



Fig'. 2. Properly laid-out grounds, 

 with the walks in curves and 

 the planting: done to bring out 

 the beauty of the house. 

 Figure 1 shows the method employed on many of the home grounds 

 throughout the country and villages. There is an abundance of trees and 

 shrubs, but they are planted out in such geometric lines that they add 

 neither grace, beauty nor utility. Always avoid, if possible, the planting 

 in straight lines. Imitate nature and group the trees, shrubs and herba- 

 ceous plants. Give your walks and drives graceful curves, and in these 

 curves plant the flower beds and low shrubs. 



In selecting trees and shrubs one should study and take note of the 

 varieties and species doing best in his vicinity, and in trees, especially, 

 planting those that are indigenous to that locality. It is always best to 

 consult your nearest experienced horticulturist regarding what you 

 should plant. On the border, where the massing of shrubs is mostly done, 

 one is always safe in planting such varieties as snowball, lilac, spireae, 

 quinces, syringia, hydrangea and scores of other hardy shrubs and plants, 

 as illustrated in figure 2. 



