OUT-OF-TOWN PLACES 



blooming shrubs. But the full flow of the sun- 

 shine upon the window is a thing courted. Al- 

 lowing for all difference in climate, I think 

 there may be a question if we do not err in this 

 country by over-much shading. A cottage in 

 a wood is a pretty subject for poetry, but it 

 is apt to be uncomfortably damp. And there 

 are village streets with us so embowered that 

 scarce a ray of sunshine can play fairly upon 

 the roofs or fronts of the village houses, from 

 June to October. A summer's life under such 

 screen cannot contribute to the growth of roses 

 in the cheeks any more than to the growth of 

 roses at the door. There is no provision 

 against agues — whether moral or physical — 

 like a good flow of sunshine. 



In the establishment of new country houses 

 with us I often observe infinite pains bestowed 

 upon the elaboration of flower-patches, and 

 banks of shrubbery within enjoyable distance 

 of the door, while in the midst of them, or at 

 such little remove as works the same result, a 

 great array of shade trees is planted. After 

 only a few years, these gross feeders have 

 seized upon all the available plant-food within 

 reach, and with the great lusty boughs of the 

 maples waving over his cherished parterres, 

 the proprietor is amazed at the shrinkage of 



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