i>8 



THE CANADIAN HORTICULTURIST, 







Fig 2573. An Attractive Footpath in a Park. 



value of real estate, a most important factor 

 in this money-making age. At the start the 

 Hamilton society had the usual kicker, or 

 better, perhaps, the " chronic kicker " rap- 

 ping it over the knuckles, dubbing its mem- 

 bers faddists, etc., but that is now a thing ot 

 the past, and it is supported by rich and poor 

 alike. A glance over the names of the ex- 

 ecutive committee convinces one it is the 

 most representative one in the city, com- 

 posed of busy, active men,, having the inter- 

 est of the advancement of Hamilton in every 

 way very much at heart. The foregoing 

 remarks may be well considered by societies 

 just forming, and it would be well for them 

 all to go easy at the start, not attempting too 

 many reforms, not being intrusive, and not 

 forming too high ideals. The press in 

 Hamilton has been of great assistance 

 to the workers. Always have they 

 found it ready and willing to aid in 

 every possible way. Make confidents 

 of the editors, and you are always sure 



of good returns. The clergy have also ma- 

 terially assisted city improvement, not only 

 in committee, but in active work during the 

 flower competitions. At the same time our 

 churches and schools could have set a much 

 better example than they have done in mak- 

 ing their surroundings more pleasant to the 

 passerby. However, better things are hoped 

 for in the future, through this medium. To 

 make improvement societies a success you 

 must have the enthusiast ; he must be at 

 your meetings, and he must be on your com- 

 mittees, and in selecting the latter get as 

 many of the busy men of your community 

 on them as possible. They are the ones who 

 usually have the most time at their disposal 

 for the public good. A good secretary is an 

 indispensable attachment. Don't get a ma- 

 chine. He must be a man of some initia- 

 tive, and when you get such a one don't put 

 too much on his shoulders. Interest as many 

 as von can to assist him. 



