170 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



vironment. But we have other environments, and can we be in 

 harmony with that which does not suit us in that which is im- 

 mediately about us ? Can we be in harmony with what offends us ? 

 There is one way to do this, and that is to have it in harmony with 

 ourselves, make it what we would have it be. Make it so that our 

 ideas of beauty and grace will not be offended. If a thing does not 

 suit us, let us study it till we can make it better, at least. There is 

 no true reason, all things being equal, why our farming districts may 

 not be the fairest and most prosperous in the world. An artistic 

 touch here and there softens the angularity of a corner or beautifies 

 a desolate or unsightly spot, and this is left for man to do. Trees, 

 shrubbery and vines are very effective here. If I were to have my 

 choice between them and spacious buildings, I would by all means 

 choose the living, growing, ever varying trees and shrubbery. An 

 unpretending home with these is always attractive, while a stately 

 mansion without them, though it may have grouped about it many 

 outbuildings, appears bleak and uninviting. 



Then there are other obligations than those belonging to our- 

 selves, those belonging to our neighbors and to the public in gen- 

 eral. How many think as they lay out their grounds that they are 

 planning one of the homes of the nation. I fear that there are com- 

 paratively few who have with them the thought that they are making 

 the homes of the nation or that the nation can be blessed by them in 

 any way. They forget that no man liveth to himself and that each 

 may bless his brother. This is a higher thought than pleasing self 

 and self-aggrandizement, and if each would think of doing some- 

 thing worth while for the grand whole they would be truly patriotic 

 in their work. 



In thinking of the possibilties of country grounds we are brought 

 to consider at once our ability and our surroundings, for our ability 

 is the limit of things possible, and our surroundings may vary in- 

 definitely. There is also a diversity of taste which would lead one 

 to choose a home in one locality and another in a place with quite 

 opposite surroundings. Some would not be satisfied without a lake 

 view, while others would prefer broken or picturesque scenery. 

 Again others delight in the even prairie. 



We in Minnesota have much in our favor, for we are near the 

 beginning of things. We can begin well if we study well. It is 

 never best to commence work without due consideration. Let us 

 plan first, and if our trial plan does not seem the right one after look- 

 ing it well over, let us plan again and again, too, if necessary. 

 Perhaps many will say, 'but I cannot go far just now. Shall I wait 



