STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 131 



ORNAMENTATION OF HOME GROUNDS. 



From J. B. Stearns of Norurabega Castle, Camden. 



Although I have in a sort of "rule-of- thumb" manner, made my 

 rgrounds here look fairly well with some help at first from Mr. Ernest 

 W. Bowditch of Boston, I am sure they would not bear the criticism 

 of a professional landscape gardener, and I am also sure that no one 

 can be more ignorant of the right way to lay out and ornament 

 grounds than I am. As for a paper "on the ornamentation of 

 home grounds" it seems to me that grounds vary so much in extent, 

 inclination, surroundings, etc., that even a trained landscape artist 

 could hardly say much of general application. If I should presume 

 to give any hints on this subject, I should sa}' : 



1. The best grass, well kept, is the best and safest dependence. 



2. Be rather sparing of flowers, unless in masses of one kind, or 

 a few kinds. 



3. Grade all slopes evenly as possible and make few or no sharp 

 terraces. 



4. Set shrubs and vines near, or on the house, but trees at some 

 -distance, if at all. 



5. Distribute such large ornaments as summer houses, hot-houses, 

 large vases, fountains, etc., so that they shall never be in one line of 

 view, and if possible so that they shall not all be seen at any one 

 time. 



6. All buildings and ornamental features of considerable size 

 should be placed at generous distances from each other — the larger, 

 the greater the distances. Of course this implies large grounds. 



It is easy, and the temptation is great, to crowd in too many 

 trees, shrubs, and flowers. If one wants many flowers and small 

 shrubs, give them their own places, in a separate garden, but one 

 will be safe in laying out large lawns of the best grass that can be 

 easily and cheaply kept in best condition. Many small flower-beds, 

 small shrubs, etc., placed separately in the grounds, give them a 

 spotty appearance. A few kinds in large masses always look well. 



Even these few hints, I offer with hesitation. 



