144 



THE CANADIAN HORTICULTURIST. 



covered that the trees have become a nuis- 

 ance and must be dealt with according-Iy. 

 So the large lower branches have to be cut 

 off, and the trunks thereby disfigured for all 

 their future life and their death hastened. 

 The tops have been dwarfed and deformed, 

 and good shade, combined with the free cir- 

 culation secured, has been postponed foryears 

 whilst they and beauty of form have parted 

 company forever. That is but a picture 

 drawn from what is taking place around us. 



The future of trees, their suitability for 

 and their effect on the situation should be 

 taken into consideration at the time of their 

 planting, and kept in mind for their treat- 

 ment after. To obtain the best effect, the 

 trees on each street should be all of one 

 kind, so as to secure regularity in form and 

 manner of growth. Planted at regular dis- 

 tances apart, and no branches allowed to 

 remain permanently on the trees until a stem 

 of eighteen feet from the ground has been 

 secured. This requires yearly attention, 

 yet will give but little labor, as the branches 

 removed are small and will leave no scar to 

 mar the trunk. The effect of such treat- 

 ment is to cause the trees to grow rapidly 

 tall, and when once a stem of proper height 

 has been attained a spreading top will soon 

 follow. When the branches meet and be- 

 gin to crowd, the growth will be forced to 

 the open sides. Then there would be luxu- 

 riant shade for the pedestrian, whilst the 

 roadway also will receive the benefit. 



Now let us consider what the reward 

 would be of such a course of care and fore- 

 thought. Rows of trees with smooth and 



Get the Best Shrubs for the Lawn — 

 In selecting shrubs for the lawn, quality 

 should be considered first of all. There can- 

 not be many used on small grounds, there- 

 fore those selected should be the best. Let 

 me say right here that it is a serious mistake 

 to scatter shrubs over the surface of a lawn. 

 To do so detracts from its dignity. A lawn 



stately trunks, themselves a pleasure to look 

 at, bearing aloft their leaf-laden branches, 

 which secures the much-desired protection 

 from the fierce rays of the summer's sun ; 

 and also secures the delightful and health- 

 giving sensation of unobstructed currents of 

 fresh air circulating beneath. Vaulted cor- 

 ridors roofed with verdure, and a vista of 

 charming perspective as far as the eye can 

 reach, an inducement for the lively choristers 

 of the forest to take up their abode and give 

 animation to the scene — a consummation all 

 should help to secure and preserve. The 

 busy workers in the city cannot readily ob- 

 tain the opportunity to enjoy the delights 

 of the country, but in this way these might 

 be in a measure produced in the city for the 

 benefit and enjoyment of all. 



But there are more than merely physical 

 gratifications to be obtained from such sur- 

 roundings. There are mental and moral 

 improvements made possible to every one 

 within their influence. Nothing could more 

 powerfully contribute to the cultivation of 

 the artistic sentiment, stimulate the love 

 of the beautiful in nature, expand the mind, 

 elevate the thoughts and refine the feelings 

 of all that Is susceptible. If such a course 

 as indicated had been adopted 25 or 30 years 

 ago, and consistently adhered to, London, 

 which is noted for its abundance of excel- 

 lent shade trees, would have good cause to 

 be much more gratified with them than it 

 can be, and call forth from visitors an ac- 

 knowledgment that it was indeed a city pre- 

 eminent for its magnificent avenues — Lon- 

 don Free Press. 



as a lawn, should be given a chance to assert 

 itself, and stand on its own merits. If it is 

 broken up by shrubbery it loses its individu- 

 ality, and is no longer a lawn in the best 

 sense of the word. Shrubs should therefore 

 be kept to the rear of it, or to each side, and 

 the lawn be left perfectly clear. — April 

 Ladies Home J our 71a I. 



