THE FARMER'S HOME. 15 



Pastures, however, should always have clumps of trees inter- 

 spersed at various points, for shade to all kinds of stock. 

 These thrive better thus cared for than if exposed to the glare 

 of the summer's sun. This arrangement relieves the monotony 

 of the scene and obviates the necessity of rows of trees around 

 the premises. Loudon says, in this connection : " It is astonish- 

 ing how much better cattle thrive in fields even but moderately 

 sheltered than they do in an open and exposed country." 



Where not impracticable, locally, every owner of land enough 

 to warrant it, should devote an acre, more or less, near his 

 dwelling, to ornamental pui-poscs. If he Avill kce}) this in grass 

 and cut it several times during the summer, he will realize more 

 from it in the aggregate than an average crop, preserve its 

 lawn character and adapt it to the wants of his children, as 

 a play-ground, at all seasons. This reserved plat should be 

 decorated with the most pleasing varieties of trees for their 

 foliage, flowers, fragrance and ornamental fruits, when such 

 can be conveniently obtained ; otherwise, the best the neighbor- 

 ing country and nurseries afford. 



Particularly, neglect not trees of an evergreen character, 

 which give to a place a living, cheerful appearance, even during 

 the most dreary periods of winter. They are far more service- 

 able for screens to protect from bleak exposures, at the time 

 when deciduous trees have lost their foliage ; and to many |)er- 

 sons they are more agreealjle at any time. Who does not admire 

 their towering forests — their fragrant groves — their secluded 

 dells and sequestered shade? Transplant them then to your 

 own grounds, to enjoy their ambrosial bowers, at your leisure 

 and pleasure. Bryant thus muses : — 



" Beneath tlie forest's skirt I rest, 



Whose branching pines rise dark and higli, 

 , And hear the breezes of the west 



Among the threaded foliage sigh." 



Especially set out shade trees in the road sides or streets 

 bordering your premises, if your towns will not do it, their en- 

 tire lengths. Protect and nourish these while young, and they 

 in turn will screen you from beating storms and scorching sun, 

 and will ever be a credit to your private enterprise and piiblic 

 spirit ; and as you pass them to the parish church or village 



