158 MASSACnUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



tall trees, wliicli will break up the regularity of the sky line formed 

 by the straight roof. The outbuildings should be kept from an 

 undue prominence by groups or bands of evergreens. 



As the plan slowlj' unfolds before us and as we depart from the 

 house, a lawn inevitabl}' presents itself to the mind, fur there is 

 no one feature that gives a greater air of elegance and comfort to 

 a place than a well grassed lawn. It may often be an expensive 

 toy that scarcely repays the labor bestowed upon it ; but it also 

 may be an object of great beauty, and one which, without any con- 

 siderable expense of money or toil, seems always in order. I do 

 not propose now to enter into the details of the construction of a 

 lawn, for they must vary with the conditions of ever}' place. Any 

 one, who inclines to study and improve his opportunities in this 

 direction, maj' find all needed assistance in earlier publications of 

 this Society. 



The forming of a lawn will at once sweep away one of the 

 greatest blemishes of our countrj^ homes — the little door-3'ard 

 fences, running to every corner of the house and enclosing spaces 

 too small for any practical use, harboring noxious weeds, and en- 

 couraging the presence of tangled and decaying grass, thus rend- 

 ering the ground damp and unwholesome. The}' are inconvenient, 

 unattractive, expensive, and unnecessary. Make a marginal note 

 on your plan for tiieir immediate removal. 



Next proceed to stake out a driveway leading from the highway 

 to the house, including a circular or oval turn convenient to the 

 front door, and continuing to the stable ; this should be at least 

 twelve feet wide, and should follow the easiest and most access- 

 ible route. I'athways should also be staked out, leading from 

 the house to the highway, the well, the various outbuildings, and 

 places most frequented. One simple rule will dictate the route of 

 all paths and driveways, and insure a graceful outline. It is 

 merely to follow tlie trail one would naturally make in going from 

 one point to another. Instinctively the feet will seek the easiest 

 direction, avoiiling rocks, shrubs, and undulations. Did you ever 

 follow a cowpath through a rough pasture? No one will give 

 cattle credit for engineering science, yet the path they make will 

 always be found the easiest and most direct route from point to 

 point, which is just the object we aim at. 



When your paths have been thus staked out, trace them on j'our 

 plan ; the intervening spaces will form the lawn. Let me advise 



