STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 93 



all disappeared and the broad bare arms of the tree stand out 

 they become interesting particularly if the tree be of some age. 

 While in a deciduous condition many trees particularly the oaks 

 become exceedingly picturesque. The strong arms with perhaps 

 many scars tell the story of conflicts with the elements which 

 have wrested from them a part of themselves but by weathering 

 the storm the tree as a whole has assumed more the carriage 

 and attitude of the triumphant hero. The angle at which the 

 branches leave the main trunk, the size, and distribution of these 

 branches are all factors which contribute to the general expres- 

 sions of the plant. The black gum with its straight central axis 

 and numerous small lateral branches spread out in a horizontal 

 position are particularly attractive and are quite distinctive. In 

 addition to this interesting and distinctive feature this tree trans- 

 forms its rich glossy summer garb to a most beautiful one of 

 crimson and dark shades of red during October. The pin oak 

 is somewhat similar in its habit of growth although its branches 

 are in general more drooping and its autumn coloring less vivid. 



While trees must be relied upon as the general structural or 

 framework part in the adornment of a place, shrubs, grasses, and 

 annual flowering plants make up the detail. And it is the detail 

 which gives finish and completeness to the place as a whole. It 

 frequently happens that in attempting to recall a particular build- 

 ing, room, or painting some one detail may serve to give the 

 mind a clew to the whole ; the general plan or outline may be lost 

 and a single factor of the finish serve to identify the whole, 

 hence the importance of these finishing factors. Shrubs are 

 important and satisfactory because when once established in 

 their proper relations to one another as well as to the general 

 scheme of improvement, each year adds to their beauty and their 

 value. Not so with the annual planting. It is the one factor 

 through which novelty and variety may be introduced, trees and 

 shrubs may be considered fixtures while annual plants serve as 

 pictures which may be shifted from season to season to suit the 

 pleasure of the occupant. Annual plants too are the only forms 

 of embellishment which a tenant will ever care to bestow upon 

 a place. Annual plants give quick returns and large profits 

 from a small outlay of time and labor. 



The range of size, variety in foliage and bloom afforded in the 

 list of annual plants which can be successfully grown from seeds 



