SCHOOL AND HOME GROUNDS. 375 



a few evergreen trees adds a pleasing variety, 

 especially in winter. 



Shrubs may be used for a greater number 

 and variety of purposes than any other kind of 

 plants. When properly massed, they form ex- 

 cellent screens to hide unsightly buildings or 

 shut out some view which is less pleasing than 

 another. These masses of shrubbery do double 

 duty, for they not only act as a screen (Fig. 144), 

 but may, with the addition of a few trees, form 

 an excellent background for the whole picture. 



As has been already suggested, groups of 

 sturdy-growing shrubs may be used in the curves 

 of walks and drives as substitutes for a more 

 natural obstacle to necessitate the turning aside. 

 These may give new charm to the landscape by 

 concealing some beautiful vista until the curve 

 has been passed, thus adding the elements of 

 surprise and discovery to the delight of the 

 beholder. 



Masses of shrubbery may form little secluded 

 nooks or a quiet corner for a rustic seat, where 

 one may steal away with a book, or simply rest 

 in the cool and inviting retreat (Fig. 142), un- 

 consciously feasting the eye upon the beauty of 

 a far-away hill, a waving meadow, or, it may be, 

 upon an old-fashioned flower garden at one's 

 feet. 



With the help of vines, irregular groups of 

 low-growing shrubs along the wall or within the 



