yi INTRODUCTION. 



they are building, are unable to avail themselves of their 

 often costly advice, but must content themselves with 

 obtaining from other sources such knowledge as will enable 

 them to properly care for the ornamental trees, shrubs, or 

 plants that they may be able to procure, and to so group 

 and combine them with the lawn, the dwelling and other 

 buildings, and with the surrounding conditions as to make 

 not only a beautiful home-picture, but also to harmonize 

 with any beautiful homes or estates adjoining or near by, 

 that the beauty may be as widespread as possible. 



While thus supplying the above call for knowledge in a 

 concise and practical way has been the central idea in the 

 construction of this book, the instructions in the principles 

 of growth and care, grouping and arrangement, underlying 

 successful work in home ornamentation are equally adapted 

 to the more extended work of decorating large estates, 

 parks, and other public grounds, and some few hints are 

 given as to the management of public squares, school-yards, 

 cemeteries, the construction of country roads, and roadside 

 improvements. 



It has been the author's aim to give plain and simple 

 descriptions of each tree, shrub, or plant recommended, to 

 present those that are of real value under ordinary condi- 

 tions, and to give full and careful direction as to soil best 

 adapted to the growth of each, and the special care, train- 

 ing, pruning, etc., required for their best growth. 



In presenting this book to the public it is with the view 

 of supplying the knowledge so much needed and sought for 

 in a practical, condensed form that shall enable the home- 

 owner and -builder, occupied with the daily cares of busi- 

 ness, to make beautiful his surroundings; and the author 

 hopes that, after more than 20 years of experience in teach- 



