6 



groups or in masses or in a hedgerow as to permit an outlook where it is desirable, 

 and to hide the uninteresting, or perhaps unsightly, objects; and, if possible, also 

 plant windbreaks only in that quarter where the view of the surrounding country 

 is the least interesting. One may wish to have an enclosed part of the yard either 

 at the side, the back, or perhaps even toward the front of the house. At the same 

 time, interesting distant outlooks may also lie in the same line of sight from the 

 house as does the enclosed yard or garden. Of course one cannot look at a garden 

 and at a distant view at the same time and fully enjoy each. Moreover, as one 

 already has the view to start with, why not make the garden somewhere else in 

 order to increase the number of interesting outlooks from the house? The garden 

 too is spoiled if left open, as is necessary if distant views are to be arranged for 

 across it. A desirable garden must be enclosed, or at least convey a sense of that 

 privacy which is achieved by enclosure. A distant view appears surprisingly 

 more interesting when a heavy border is planted on either side of it, just as a 

 suitable frame enhances a picture. And considering the view, with its flanking 

 masses of trees, as a framed picture, it should be remembered that the frame 

 should not be particularly noticeable; hence the vegetation about these openings 

 in a border should not be such as will be more prominent than is the scene in 

 the distance which it is intended to frame. 



The point of view from which one should do most of his planning is the house. 

 Ordinarily, the house is already built and the farm buildings more or less fixed 

 as to position and uses. Furthermore, in some cases the buildings, necessarily 

 the most important elements of a plan, are so arranged as to make an ideal develop- 

 ment very difficult. However, in accordance with some definite ideal, it is general- 

 ly possible to somewhat ameliorate a few of these unfortunate conditions, and to 

 plan for further improvement at some future time. Also, under most conditions, 

 however unfavorable, it is possible to satisfy the essentials as to shelter and 

 reasonable attractiveness of setting for a house. There are few farmhouses in- 

 deed which, by the use of a few fine trees, carefully disposed, cannot be made to 

 look like homes. If it is not possible to arrange for gardens and shrubberies 

 within close view of the house, they may be equally interesting in a different 

 aspect, even though necessarily more distant and not plainly seen from the house 

 windows, or at least not so near as to be easily accessible. In choosing the plants 

 for the yard, it has already been suggested that trees should be predominant. 

 They are necessary for a satisfactory windbreak, and their height and size is 

 likewise necessary to make for scenery in the yard which is in scale and also in 

 character with the surrounding landscape. It is highly desirable, also, to use 

 many evergreens. Although they are not so suitable for shade as are some of the 

 tall-growing and more spreading deciduous trees, in the borders evergreens are 

 indispensable, and in winter they are both effective and cheerful. No foliage is 

 the equal of the hemlock in color, in value, or in fine texture. Pines are interest- 

 ing in themselves and some will grow faster than hemlocks, but as they get old 

 their habits of growth are somewhat open and thus they do not in the end make 

 as effective windbreaks as do the more dense-growing trees, unless perhaps they 

 can be planted in wide groves. In the selection of trees for farm yards, native 

 species should be the favorites. They may be collected about the farm, will be 

 sure to grow better than most trees that are not indigenous, and may be relied 

 upon to look well. If evergreens are not found in some particular locality, there 



