114 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



planting trees, which so characterizes the highways in the valley of 

 the Connecticut. 



Charles M. Hovey said that we should keep in mind the dis- 

 tinction between suburban and country roads. Back in the country, 

 where there is not a house for miles, the roads are not mainly for 

 the convenience of those who dwell on them, but for passers 

 through. In these places there is not wealth enough, and perhaps 

 never will be, to make such roads as the essayist suggests. When 

 we come within the suburbs of cities we can ex|Dect more, but not 

 often even then, in the style recommended. In a suburban resi- 

 dence one wishes to get away from brick sidewalks, and to have things 

 as I'ural as possible without sacrifice of comfort and convenience. 

 The question is, how to produce the most picturesque effect, with- 

 out sacrificing these essentials. The roads in Brookline are bor- 

 dered with grass and barberry bushes, and the grass is cut and the 

 roads are kept in order by the proprietors. These make the pleas- 

 antest roads both for pedestrians and riders, but when we come to 

 build up we lose this rural character and need something different. 

 The speaker thought trees entirel}" out of place in city streets, un- 

 less very wide, — as much out of place as in a flower garden. The 

 shade, insects, and falling leaves are often a great annoj^ance. 

 They should be confined to boulevards, as they are in Paris, and to 

 such places as our own Chester Park or Commonwealth Avenue.. 

 The beautiful lime trees in Charles street will soon be a nuisance. 

 He disliked to destroy an old tree, and had erred in not cutting 

 down trees which should have been removed. The treatment of 

 roads must be governed by the character of the place, and the 

 wealth of the people generally is not suflScient to admit of macadam- 

 ized roads. 



The Chairman remarked on the indications that the members of 

 the Society were becoming interested in service in the field, and an- 

 nounced that this would close the series of meetings for discussion 

 this season. 



