1893.] ESSAYS. 87 



laud and the uses to which it shall be put ; therefore, everyone who 

 owns a homestead, or farm, ought to have a good plan of its outlines, 

 on which may be shown the positions of woodlands, pasture, tillage, 

 and unproductive land ; also of the buildings, roads, and ornamented 

 grounds, and the kitchen garden. The water-courses and the differ- 

 ences in level should also be shown. Such a plan continuously kept, 

 with revisions from time to time, is essential to the best results. 



The roads and buildings should be located with reference to con- 

 venience, but where the conformation of the ground or a grove or 

 cluster of trees makes it best to have the roads and paths deviate 

 from a straight line, picturesqueness is gained and no convenience 

 sacrificed. It is often possible, by planting trees or otherwise creat- 

 ing an artificial obstacle as a I'eason for so doing, to deflect a road or 

 path and thus gain a pleasing eft'ect, without any unreasonable incon- 

 venience resulting ; thereby increasing the natural beauty of the 

 grounds, and opening vistas which add to the general landscape 

 effect ; and forming scenes of varied grace which no artist's brush 

 can reproduce. 



I shall make no attempt to give any detailed plans for planting 

 individual places and developing what Nature has provided in ever 

 varying character on the many estates, of all sizes, which afford 

 opportunities in this direction ; but will barely mention here a few 

 leading and obvious principles. 



Trees should be so planted as to afford protection to both biped 

 and quadruped ; and especially the north and northwest sides of 

 buildings should be screened from cold winds by belts of evergreens. 

 These, however, should be not nearer than thirty or forty feet ; leav- 

 ing the interval as a precaution against woodland and grass fires. A 

 gravel walk or road around any building is an additional protection. 



The beneficial influences afforded by the direct rays of the sun 

 should be allowed to reach the dwelling apartments of all living 

 creatures, in house or in barn, in summer as well as in winter ; and 

 trees should not be so placed as to prevent this when they become 

 large. 



Considering trees as a shelter, the evergreens would seem to be the 

 best protection against cold and wind, while deciduous trees will 

 screen us from heat; but, used in combination, both join in produc- 

 ing the best ornamental eft'ects. 



I would that we might further encourage individuals to find in the 

 study of such decoration a pleasant pastime ; and thus to enjoy 



