146 



THE TREE DOCTOR 



Imagine the glory of this vine when in full bloom ! America is 

 a country of "homes." Oh ! that people would study the life of 

 plants and trees and make it a nation of vine-clad homes ! 



Photo 128 is a demonstration of the fact that there is seldom 

 such a thing as "can't." Right at that spot was an old road-bed 

 (now in the lawn) where cinders and all matter unfavorable to 



Thriving on an old Road-bed. 



plant life had been scattered. It is desired to put a Hawthorn 

 tree there. Very well, strike a circle eight feet in diameter ; now 

 dig to a depth of three feet ; done. Now fill with sods, soil, ma- 

 nure, etc. We plant the Hawthorn ; growing finely. Around it, 

 and about eighteen inches from it, is a ring of the Japanese Iris, 

 a gorgeous charm in the latter part of July. Then outside 

 (hold on, don't pick them !) a ring of vigorous, healthy Asters. 

 Oh, don't say can't ;" yes, you can grow plants almost anywhere. 

 A neighbor has some choice varieties of hardy Phlox ; they go 

 to seed ; next spring the young seedlings come up thick, and a 



