60 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



but were uniform and thrifty. Two or three specimens of the Abies 

 cephalonica, and of the cherry and crab-apple tree were also shown. A 

 small wilderness of trees were grouped near the street, for a screen from 

 sun and survey, which might now be cleared and thinned, perhaps, 

 without injury to the place. A small lawn, visible from the parlor- 

 window, served as a croquet ground; and a long walk led down t:^ the 

 duck pond, around which the Cornus sanguinea grew in wild abandon. 

 When first planted, it must have been moi-e effective than at this time. 



The evidences of industry and of a resolute will appeared in all direc- 

 tions. " Straight work " was apparently the ruling idea; and so thor- 

 oughly was it executed, that a large elm tree was made to yield one- 

 fourth of its diameter to the axe, rather than curve the path, where 

 there was nothing to obstruct it. 



The grass below the garden was for hay and not for lawn, utility and 

 directness governing all things. 



One feature was remarked with much praise. Scarcely a caterpillar 

 or seed-weed could he seen! And when it was known that the whole 

 work had been done by Dr. K., with one hired man, the Committee were 

 astonished, and deemed the example worthy of high commendation. 

 "^0 one but an enthusiast could have accomplished so much at such a 

 cost! 



Economy and comfort often go together. The true principles of art 

 can sometimes produce striking effects, at half the expense bestowed by 

 ignorance. We often see men planting hundreds of trees to destroy the 

 breadth and beauty of a landscape, where a few clusters would have ac- 

 complished vastly more effect. 



It is one of the advantages conferred by this Society, that by diffusing 

 knowledge, the common people are enabled, at little expense, to have a 

 cheerful spot of sunshine and color, or shade and refinement, of their 

 own creation, from a few trees, or shrubs, or selections from the world 

 of flowers. Our cities, when they spread out their gardens for inspec- 

 tion, are cultivating and developing the tastes, and improving the aspi- 

 rations of the people. The progress of civilization and art in a country 

 tends directly to the love and study of nature; and the study and love 

 of nature in turn improves art and morals. Whoever loves nature must 

 be led to adore its Author. Whoever watches the opening and painting 

 of a bud, and sees how true to time and law is all growth, cannot believe 

 that blind chance controls it. Whoever contributes to our innocent 

 pleasures, adds to the sum of human happiness, and becomes a bene- 

 factor. Every one who helps to advance the knowledge and taste of the 

 masses, helps to keep them pleasantly and innocently occupied, and di- 

 verts them from dangerous ways. They can thus be made to observe 

 more closely, and find satisfaction in the very wilds about them. Even 

 the lichens and the fungi becomes vehicles of pleasure. Money devoted 



