THE SCHOOL-GARDEN 57 



some instances a lawn is impracticable, but a good 

 and even earth surface should always be secured. 

 The early spring is the season in which to do all 

 this shaping and seeding of the land. The spring 

 fever is on and enthusiasm is new-born. If the 

 school is in the country, the farmers can be 

 interested to do the heavy work. If the subject 

 has been well discussed in the school for some 

 weeks or months, it should not be difficult to 

 organize the farmers into a "bee" to grade, till 

 and seed the ground. There is always at least one 

 energetic man in the community who is ready to 

 take the lead in such movements as this. Much 

 of the value of improving the school-ground lies 

 in the arousing of public interest in public questions. 

 The next year, plant. Let the matter be 

 discussed in school. Ask the children to make 

 plans. When the time is ready, choose the 

 simplest plan that seems to fulfil the requirements. 

 Remember that during a large part of the year 

 the school-ground will be practically without care. 

 The planting must be able to maintain itself, if 

 necessary. Leave the centers open. Throw the 

 planting mostly to the borders or margins. Avoid 

 all elaborate designs in bedding. Be careful not 

 to have scattered effects in planting. Have the 

 planting as little and as simple as possible and yet 

 accomplish the desired results. Leave ample space 

 for playgrounds. Cover the out-buildings with 

 vines, and screen them with bushes and trees. 

 Use chiefly of hardy and well-known trees and 

 shrubs and herbs. Aim to have the ground 



