SPRING EFFECTS ON THE LA WN. 33 



middle of May, and we find ourselves fast settling down 

 into the slumberous rich fulness of content inspired by the 

 gracious conditions of early summer. The activities of 

 spring have culminated into the restfulness of summer. 



It is the activities of spring, however, that I wish to 

 consider at present, fully believing that no more charming 

 subject can enchain our attention than the simultaneous 

 unfolding, as it were, of the leaf and flower bud of all nature. 

 It is a new birth, and inspires all the glad feelings associated 

 with an actual resurrection. The very sight of nature at 

 this season is a positive delight, and the lawn, so planted as 

 to exhibit properly the glories of this season, will surely 

 gain a charm unspeakable. Nor is the charm less for 

 people generally, but rather more, because in a full com- 

 munity of interest in this particular season every one 

 feels, recognizes, and takes possession of the evident charm 

 ^s common property. There is none of the elusiveness of 

 some of the shy beauties of other parts of the year. 



As we walk upon the tender, emerald greensward we 

 luxuriate and glory in the very bounteousness with which 

 nature is renewing her mysterious powers about us. We 

 are insatiable ; we demand the evident presence of spring 

 everywhere on the lawn. The object is not yet the rich 

 composition of color in fall effects, not yet the quiet subdued 

 masses of late summer foliage, nor even the broad glow and 

 gleam of June. 



In contemplating once more the wonderful mystery of 

 renewed creation, exemplified by freshly budding leaf and 

 flower, we simply seek with avidity something of special 

 spring foliage and bloom eveiywhere. It is not enough to 



