REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON ORNAMENTAL GARDENING. 217 



The circles were planted witb, a centre of maize, an outer border 

 of fine verbenas, and rings of coleus, centaureas and Palace Gem 

 geraniums : the diamonds had a centre of blue salvias, an outer 

 border of blue verbenas, and a filling of Abutilon Thompsoni and 

 white-edged pelargoniums. The little crescents were filled with 

 ageratum, alternanthera, variegated thyme, and echeverias. Al- 

 though your committee would not recommend this selection or 

 order of plants as the best possible, yet they were thrifty and very 

 pleasing to the sight ; and when we consider that the whole 

 amount expended for them was only one hundred and thirty dol- 

 lars, Mr. Youell, the gardener, is entitled to much commenda- 

 tion. The whole place was highly creditable. 



At the time of our visit it was suggested that a small green- 

 house would probably be provided in the fall to supply hereafter 

 the wants of the gardener. That anticipation proves to have been 

 well founded, a lean-to 55 feet by 15, having been lately erected. 



Your committee are pleased to see the temporary abodes of the 

 sick made so cheerful and agreeable to the eye ; and when we 

 reflect that all trees, plants, and vegetation work for us as long as 

 the sun shines or the light lasts, constantly elaborating and giving 

 out the oxygen which we need, and taking up and consuming the 

 nitrogen and other gases which kill, we should rejoice to find our 

 medical friends adopting them. If cut flowers, after decay begins, 

 are not approved, surel}', while growth continues and buds open, 

 we may not fear them. All know how gratefid flowers are to an 

 invalid. 



Before leaving the place, your committee, through the kindness 

 of Dr. Cowles, were permitted to inspect the interior of the build- 

 ings, and to learn something of the treatment of the patients and 

 the neatness and conveniences of the establishment. But as the 

 interior of a hospital has little to do with landscape gardening, 

 your committee will onl}' add that they were much indebted to 

 Dr. Cowles and his assistant, as well as to Mr. Youell, for kind 

 attentions and an agreeable visit. 



On the tenth day of June, when Rhododendrons were in per- 

 fection, the writer passed a delightful afternoon on the estate of 

 H. n. Hunnewell, Esq., at 



"Wellksley, 

 and, on several occasions since that time, he has enjoyed with 

 others the privilege of examining and admiring its many objects 



