TREES 



379 



should not be planted with continuous belts of trees so as to 

 obstruct the view of the school-house. 



Shrubbery is very effective on school-grounds. It may 

 be grown on the borders of the belts of trees, and in the 

 corners and around the outhouses. Hedges also of low 

 shrubs may be grown along the front of the grounds. 



In selecting trees be careful to take those adapted for the 

 soil and moisture conditions that prevail on the grounds. 

 Among the trees best adapted to various soils, and beautiful 

 and long-lived, are the elms, maples, and oaks. Walnut, 

 butternut, chestnut, beech, birch, mountain ash, pines, bal- 

 sams, cedars, and spruces should also be planted for variety 

 and beauty. If the grounds are extensive other trees may 

 be planted for study and experimental purposes. The trees 

 on the schoolgrounds furnish many topics for nature lessons. 

 On a large school-ground fruit trees of various kinds could 

 be grown. It is a good plan to plant some of the trees by 

 groups, that is, have clumps of elms, maples, pines, etc. 

 This makes a more beautiful and striking effect. Ever- 

 greens especially should be planted in groups. These look 

 well in the corners at the back of the grounds and around 

 the outhouses, and they also afford shelter and nesting places 

 for birds. In beginning a school-ground plantation there is 

 no objection to the planting of fast-growing trees like box- 

 elder, poplars, cottonwood, and catalpa, providing these 

 are not the only kinds. If other more lasting and beautiful 

 trees are planted at the same time, the more rapidly grow- 

 ing kinds will afford pleasant shade while the slower growing 

 kinds are small. But as these grow tall the less desirable 

 kinds should be cut out. 



There are many ornamental shrubs that may be planted. 



