THE GENESEE FARMER. 



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EVERGREENS. 



The planting of Evergreens is a prominent fea- 

 ture in American modern gardening, and has al- 

 eady produced a great improvement in our rural 

 jceuery. 



To us, however, it appears that, as a people, we 

 ire adopting this branch of tree-planting as a mere 

 fashion ; and, as a fashion, following it blindly, with- 

 LKit skillful taste and proper discrimination. 



We do not wish to convey the idea of underrating: 

 evergreen trees ; indeed, it is impossible to estimate 

 their value too highly. 



The Norway Spruce, for its hardiness, beauty of 

 form, vigor of habit, and other useful qualities, has- 

 become deservedly a popular favorite; and the 

 planting of it and other valuable sorts of Spruces, 

 Pines, etc., should be greatly extended. Not only 

 for ornamental purposes are these desirable, but 

 especially would we recommraend them as screens 



If it is desirable that evergreens should be plant- 

 ed for the adornment of our landscapes and embel- from the prevailing high winds. Planted on the 

 lishment of our homes, it is really necessa- 

 ry, to attain this result, that a judicious 

 ;aste should be exercised in reference to the 

 positions they occupy, the numbers planted, 

 and the particular varieties best adapted to 

 lecomplish the desired purpose. In this 

 natter there is open to the public a wide 

 leld for study, for criticism, and for the 

 practical expression of good taste and good 

 iense. 



Instances are becoming more and morefro- 

 |uent of large evergreens growing within 

 four to six feet of residences, with their 

 branches on one side, crowded out of place 

 ind spread over the front of the house, eflfect- 

 nally excludiHg light and circulation of air 

 from the interior. Again, in small city lots 

 we often see a dozen growing up together, 

 iud occupying the space that one, oalv, 

 hould be allowed, 



A single specimen, well developed in all 



ts parts, on every side, is a much more -^^r^ ^ ^^ 



beautiful object than a crovrded group of 

 mperfectly formed trees can possibly be; 

 md its scenic effect, also, is much better. 



In one yard in this city, two or three 

 iozen Spruces are growing on a space of 

 ibout 15 by 30 feet— a perfect swamp, with- 

 )ut beauty or utility. 



In cemetery lots, this fashion of planting 

 s carried on to a ludicrous extent — from 

 MX to a dozen trees frequently being plant- 

 id on a small lot twenty feet square. 



In limited spaces, we would recommend the 

 Jtiialler varieties of Junipers to be planted, and al- 

 ?o the American, Siberian and Golden Arbor Vitse, 

 which may be pruned and confined to a small com- 

 pass for a long time. 



On the south side of a dwelling, where shade is 

 desired, it will usually be best to plant deciduous 

 ,trees ; as they will aff"ord more shade iu the sum- 

 mer, and admit the cheerful rays of the sun in the 

 winter season. 



NORWAY SPHUCE. 



north and west sides of dwellings and stables, and 

 scattered either singly or in groups over large open 

 spaces, the higher growing evergreens can seldom 

 be out of place, or offend the eye of the nicest 

 critic. Even village lots afford room to grow one 

 or two, when a greater number would be quite un- 

 warrantable. 



The time best adapted to transplanting evergreens 

 is when they are just swelling their buds ; and even 

 after they have began to paft, they may be moved 

 with perfect success. 



