STATE POMOr.OGICAL SOCIETY. lOI 



ruined. So too, a shrub which naturally grows drooping and 

 graceful may be spoiled by stiff and formal pruning. 



About any home there are objects or views which are unattrac- 

 tive. The picture should be so planned that the groups of plant- 

 ing should shut out these undesirable scenes from the walks and 

 windows most used. Buildings which of themselves are unat- 

 tractive may often be made to appear attractive if partially 

 screened by foliage. A plain shed or barn if treated in this way 

 loses entirely its undesirable appearance and may really add to the 

 picture. Perhaps no feature of ornamental gardening could be 

 made to contribute more to the beauty of the farm home than this 

 one properly thought out and executed. 



Not only are there undesirable scenes to be shut out but there 

 are attractive ones to be brought in. A deed of conveyance 

 carries with it no monopoly of the beauties of a scene provided 

 that scene can come under the eye of an observer from outside. 

 Oftentimes the most beautiful part of a picture may lie beyond 

 our own borders. To shut out such a picture by our own plant- 

 ing would be a great mistake. To bring it in and enhance it by 

 giving it an appropriate framework of foliage is the course to 

 pursue. Many a scene which in itself would possess little of 

 attraction becomes beautiful when seen through a vista of trees. 

 Hence properly planned openings may render what lies beyond 

 much more attractive than it would be if spread out openly to 

 view. I 



Walks and sometimes drives are a necessity but they should be 

 treated always as a necessity, not as an ornament. Could they 

 be done away with the picture would be better. They should, 

 therefore, be as inconspicuous as possible. They are for utility 

 and should be constructed with that end primarily in view. They 

 should be directed and go where they affect to go. This does 

 not mean that they must be straight. Footpaths are seldom or 

 never straight. A path curved enough to give it lines of beauty 

 and still appear direct. If then a well planned group is placed in 

 the bay of the curve to hide the view of one end of the path from 

 the other, the effect will be good. 



If water enters into the picture it should be carefully handled 

 in order not to appear stiff and formal. Nature may here be 

 more closely copied perhaps than in most other places. To cor- 

 rect and smooth up a brook is generally to spoil it. Water can 



