1898.] ESSAYS. 31 



exquisite sheen, which gives them such attractiveness and quiet 

 beauty. Roofs that shelter the manly and gentle virtues that 

 are nurtured in refining homes, the intelligence and influence 

 generated around these hearthstones, are the lineal descendants 

 that contribute to the useful pursuits of life. 



Home grounds and farm lands are only waiting in anticipation 

 the finer charms of adornment which will mark their future, by 

 the simple application of more educated tastes and rural aptitude 

 are sure to bring forth, to quicken the fine instincts of civil life, 

 with an array of good sense, and beautiful objects to behold in 

 the landscape, which is beautified if in true accord with nature, 

 and helps to adorn her. Wherever I see good tree-planting and 

 well-kept grounds, I know they teach the value of rural life, 

 that brings men into daily contact with nature, for every place 

 must have its especial adornment, its own interpretation of the 

 skill of the planter, and the amount of care bestowed, and those 

 who cultivate best will be quite apt to get the most out of life. 



I will close with the oft-repeated advice of the old Scotchman 

 to his son : " Jack, Be planting a tree, it will be growing while 

 you are sleeping." 



