LANDSCAPE GARDENING AND HOME DECORATION. 3 



the work, and the more complete and fully matured that 

 plan the better. 



Many individuals who have a special love for the beauti- 

 ful in nature, who are familiar with a large number of the 

 most beautiful trees, shrubs, etc., and have studied the 

 effects of their varying forms, size, and colors, and who are 

 about to build a home, are qualified to make a satisfactory 

 plan for themselves, and a large amount of pleasure may be 

 the result of this work. 



This study of art and nature is one of the best kinds of 

 training of the perceptive faculties. Nothing can better 

 train the eye and thoughts to see and love the beautiful 

 than this work, and it has a most refining and elevating 

 effect upon those who thus spend their leisure hours. 



If proper time is given to the subject, and the advice of 

 those who have had some experience is sought, there need 

 be no difficulty in making a good working plan by the 

 amateur. The father and the mother should both be in- 

 terested and plan together, and the children too should 

 have a voice in the matter, for there is nothing that holds 

 them to the old home as the trees and plants they have 

 planted or helped to plant and care for. 



When cost is not an item of consideration, a complete 

 plan made by a skilled landscape gardener who is willing 

 to incorporate, as far as possible, the particular species of 

 trees and plants and other features desired by the owner, 

 will give the most satisfaction; but the value of the study 

 and training to the individual is lost; therefore I would 

 advise every home-builder to make a great effort to learn 

 what are the best decorative trees, shrubs, and plants for 

 homo planting, and how best to succeed in growing them to 

 the greatest perfection. 



