VIII 



SHRUBS 



All large forms are to be used with caution 

 In small grounds. We must give our yard to what 

 we deem the best, and in the country, where we 

 are surrounded by woods, we will not try to con- 

 struct a forest at our doors. If we can deceive 

 ourselves into thinking that the yard is a cosmos, 

 well and good; but the effect will be rather des- 

 perate if we try to mal<:e it one. If a brook runs 

 through it, flowing between steep banks, bowered 

 with alder, elder, willow, woodbine and clematis, 

 setting the birds a-slnging with its gurgle, and 

 opening glades that invite us from the world to 

 listen for that message of more than mortal con- 

 sequence that winds and waters always seem 

 about to speak, yet that ever eludes our under- 

 standing, we are privileged, indeed. Only, as 

 there may be a mile of delightful wilderness be- 

 yond our confines, and no lilies, dahlias or chi-ys- 

 anthemiums In all that distance, is it not better 

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