8 LAWN AND SHADE TREES. 



We are yet a young people, and in many places the trees that 

 adorn our homes and our streets have grown with our growth ; 

 and while we are to pass away, they are to remain life-enduring 

 monuments of our labors and examples of instruction to our 

 children's children for generations to come. 



In years gone by, our street shades, as well as those adorning 

 our homes, had to contend against depredations of roving cattle, 

 horses, etc. ; but thanks to the courts, and more recently to some 

 of our State laws, it is fast coming to the comprehension of the 

 multitude, that our roadways are public property only as they 

 may be properly and soberly used as passage-ways, and that 

 otherwise they belong to the owners of the land adjoining. 

 When this feature is more generally known and adopted, we 

 look to see our roadways and public pleasure drives more 

 generally adorned with tree and shrub in front of each man's 

 land as may please his taste or suit the position. 



More variety of trees can also be safely planted ; and as the 

 light wire fences or well-trimmed hedges gradually take the 

 place of heavy boards, rails, or pickets, our roadways will soon 

 present more the appearance of park drives than pathways to 

 market. 



In the following pages it has been the object of the author to 

 so plainly describe each tree and shrub, with its adaptation to 

 positions and soils, that the most complete novice in tree planting 

 may read and understand, and thereby advance the beauty of 

 our roadsides, cemeteries, and private homes. 



