1896.] ESSAYS. 49 



flowering shrubs, so numerous in variety, so attractive in flower. In 

 the ease of the new!}' introduced sorts, many possess foHnoe of varied 

 colors, thus giving us an abunthince to select from in the adornment 

 of our grounds. 



As we progress year by year in this work of improvement, and 

 become familiar with the more common varieties of flowering shrul)s, 

 we may desire to make some changes, or add to our collection some of 

 the more rare and costly varieties, or the newer acquisitions continually 

 being brought into the market. 



The .Japan Maples with their delicately cut foliage of various shades 

 and colors are decidedly fascinating. The Rhododendron and Azalea 

 are costly at the outset, and require the best of care to succeed, but 

 few, if any, plants e(|ual the gorgeous beauty of their flowers. The 

 IMagnolia family are almost as showy in flower as those just named, 

 l)ut nuist have special care in planting and after-culture till they have 

 become lirmly established. While the Rose is found growing in al»un- 

 dance in many places, still the large flowering sorts of recent introduc- 

 tion re(|uire a constant care and treatment that mau}^ are unable to 

 give, in order to produce the large, showy blooms, of all shades and 

 colors, that have been so great an attraction of late years. 



Before leaving the question of what to plant, I would not omit 

 alluding to some of our native plants, that possess considerable merit 

 in this direction. Our native Mountain Laurel or Kalmia Latifolia 

 can be utilized, and it is difficult to name a more beautiful shrub when 

 in flower. Its bright, glossy foliage, through the entire year, produces 

 a most pleasing eftect. Our native Swamp Pink, Azalea Nudiflora, 

 white and pink, are also worthy of utilization in our work. These, 

 with the Kalmias, must be removed with the earth retained about their 

 roots to succeed well. The Clethra Alnifolia gives a fragrant white 

 flowering shrub, and a small clump in some suitable location would l)e 

 generally appreciated. For a background against some fence or build- 

 ing, a group of wild Sumach will give a flue effect in the flower and 

 leaf in the autumn season, and for climbing vines to cover hedges, 

 boulders or walls, the Bitter Sweet, Woodbine and Clematis possess a 

 degree of merit that entitles them to our endorsement for these 

 l)urposes. 



Recreation Grounds. 



Before leaving our home grounds for the roadside question will it 

 not be well to consider for a moment something in the way of pleasure- 

 grounds for the children of the household ? Cannot a small space be 

 given over to their use and graded for a tennis court or croquet 



