MAY. 



219 



exotic shrubbery ; and silver maples, silver poplars and silver 

 firs stood at proper distances, like sentinels to guard the por- 

 tals of this temple. The grounds were likewise embellished 

 wi^h statuary, and large marble vases, holding some flaunting 

 exotic, stood in their assigned positions. 



Two years had not elapsed before the design of the im- 

 prover was completed, and the whole aspect of the place was 

 changed, as if by enchantment. The rustic cart paths that 

 led over the hills, and through the woods and valleys, were 

 widened and covered with a neat spread of gravel, and all 

 their crooked outlines were trimmed into a graceful shape. 

 An air of neatness was apparent in every direction. The 

 undergrowth of the wood was removed, certain misshapen 

 trees were cut down, and all rubbish was taken away that 

 could afford a harbor to noxious insects or mischievous quad- 

 rupeds. The lake that was embroidered with alders, swamp 

 roses, button bushes, the fragrant clethra and the droop- 

 ing andromeda was improved by the removal of all these use- 

 less plants, and gravel and loam were carted down to its 

 edges, which were then covered with soil and sowed with 

 grass seed, to afford a neat and lawn-like appearance to the 

 grounds, and to visitors a firm foundation for their feet. The 

 frequent tufts of shrubbery that gave a ragged look to the 

 pasture were likewise removed, and the whole was planted 

 with the most approved grasses. 



Not many rods from the cottage was a natural fountain 

 that bubbled up from a subterranean source on the hillside, 

 from which the farmer irrigated the greater part of his lands. 

 It was a true rustic fountain, girded on one side by steep fern- 

 clad rocks, and overshadowed by the gnarled and twisted 

 branches of the aquatic hornbeam, one of the most grotesque 

 and beautiful trees in the forest. From this fountain issued 

 a rivulet, which was conducted along the declivity, until it 

 poured its waters into a wooden trough, and formed a water- 

 ing place for the cattle. These objects were altogether too 

 rude to be admitted as a part of the map of improvements. 

 The bed of the fountain was excavated into a deep and spa- 

 cious reservoir, and from this a pipe was carried along under- 



