EMBELLISHMENT WITH TREES AND SHRUBS. 207 



We know that only amongst tree-covered hills and fields we find 

 the sources of perennial springs, and that these are fast decreas- 

 ing in many sections of our State ; and we all recognize their use- 

 fulness, and admire their beauty as the water flows from them in 

 gentle streams, winding perchance beneath tall trees, or between 

 belts of shrubbery', until finally united with the larger water- 

 courses. Is not this a picture of Ornamental Planting such as is 

 b}' no means an impossibilit}'? 



As to the profit to be derived from planting with forest trees for 

 commercial purposes, we should not base our calculation upon the 

 prices of today, but upou the probable prices in the future when 

 the crop will become marketable ; at which time, to all appearance, 

 there will be a much greater scarcit}' of forest products than now. 

 It has been said that land which can be bought for a few dollars an 

 acre is the onl}' laud where it is warrantable, in a commercial view, 

 to plant forest trees ; and that seems to be an aspect of the ques- 

 tion which the advocates of forest planting in Massachusetts must 

 meet. But by embellishing portions of our land, secured when 

 prices are low, with woods intelligently cared for during a period 

 of 3'ears, can we not have, in a reasonably short time, orna- 

 mental forests in the neighborhood of large cities, and near our 

 towns, where the citizens can find agreeable resting places in their 

 spare hours ; with drives and walks well sheltered with foliage 

 during the season when the days are longest, and the hours for 

 pastime, and without business occupation, are most numerous? 

 Often lands that are partially planted by nature can be secured, 

 on which the existing growths may be guided, while new orna- 

 mental trees are added — these being so planted as to secure that 

 improved effect and enhanced beauty which a wise mixing of dif- 

 ferent varieties must create. 



No better bequest can the present generation leave to the next 

 than well planted city and town giounds. It must be the best 

 appearing towns, as well as the towns that can show the best 

 financial management, that will take the lead in the future ; and 

 a combination of these two good points will decide for the citizen 

 where he shall make his home. 



By showing the comparative ease with which tree planting can 

 be done we maj- hope to promote such results ; but in this, as in 

 all such work, we shall find that our efficiency as a Society de- 



