HOETICULTURE, ITS PLACE ON THE FARM. 459 



Why and Hozv: The majority of us are too anxious to get start- 

 ed at some inviting project, and in that haste overlook many details 

 which seem of minor importance. Sometimes, a little wholesome 

 poverty is the best thing for one to start with, for under those con- 

 ditions one must go slow and ponder well in order to attain his 

 endeavors. 



We hope we have presented this in a practical and simple manner, 

 so don't say you can't afford or haven't time to attempt it. You 

 can rest assured that the "women folks" will be pleased to aid in 

 the undertaking. As our plans mature they lend enthusiasm and in- 

 crease just pride and interest, and one comes to recognize that a little 

 well-directed effort is all that is necessary to make our home sur- 

 roundings what they can and should be. We owe that much to our- 

 selves and the community in which we live. 



Mr. H, H. Pond: This is a great subject and an important sub- 

 ject, especially to the nurseryman, but there is one point in that paper 

 I wish to speak of. it is a point that may have been thought of by 

 others, and that is the matter of using sheep as a means of mowing 

 part of a lawn. The matter of keeping a lawn properly mowed and 

 trimmed is a serious question with the busy farmer, and while I 

 know that sheep are good mowing machines, I also know they are 

 good clipping machines for the shrubbery and trees, and I know 

 they like a shrub or young apple tree even if they have plenty of 

 good green grass. Perhaps we could hear from somebody how to 

 use sheep on the lawn instead of a mowing machine. 



Mr. Strand : I think I suggested in the paper that if sheep 

 were used for that purpose it would be more economical to arrange 

 the shrubbery and things like that so it could be fenced in. To pro- 

 tect trees a tree protector might be used or wire netting or some- 

 thing of that nature might be placed around the trees. 



The President: Would not a wash of tobacco and lime keep 

 them away? 



Mr. Clarence Wedge : I am rather inclined to sympathize with 

 Mr. Strand's idea of using sheep to clip the lawn. I have not had 

 anything to do with sheep within the last two or three years. I think 

 the difficulty found with sheep would be where they were allowed 

 to remain on the ground. If they are allowed to stay on the ground 

 only while they are busy, while they are filling up, they are not apt 

 to do much injury except to certain shrubbery, which might be kept 

 close to the house where it might be protected. Sheep leave a lawn 

 looking very even. Right across the road from my house and on 

 part of my grounds that are largely occupied by burr oaks, we have 

 a sheep pasture, and it is really one of the most pleasant views we 

 have. Those grounds are mowed as evenly as if done with the 

 lawn mower, and the trees are standing in their natural position, 

 combining the beauty of a park with the advantages of a sheep 

 pasture. 



Mr. H. H. Pond: I do not want any one to think I do not 



