FARMS. 93 



extensive cultivation of the grape than our own, and that it is 

 only a question of time when we shall have varieties adapted 

 to almost every locality. 



As before remarked, the committee liad not time to exam- 

 ine, as they would have been gratified to do, Mr. Wilder's 

 nurseries and farming lands, of which he has about fifty acres 

 in addition to the homestead. In a field near the garden we saw 

 the fine half-blood Jersey cows, which Mr. Wilder has several 

 times exhibited at the shows of this society, where they have 

 been justly admired. It is seldom that cows are met with in 

 any breed, that present so many points of merit as these, and 

 we can hardly suppress the wish that Mr. Wilder should carry 

 out with them and their offspring, the same principles whose 

 results he has so strikingly exhibited in various plants pro- 

 duced by crossing. 



Wellesley Place, the country residence of Hollis H. Hunne- 

 well, at AVest Needham, was visited by the committee on the 

 3d of August. It consists of about six hundred acres, includ- 

 ing the beautiful lake Waban. On the southerly side of this 

 is located the splendid mansion of Mr. Hunnewell, with the 

 ornamental grounds. A few years ago, the larger portion of 

 this place was covered with the natural growth of forest trees. 

 Now it presents one of the best specimens of landscape garden- 

 ing in New England. Mr. Hunnewell retained, in the laying 

 out of this place, as many of the original trees as possible, and 

 through these, the broad and well-turned avenues lead to the 

 house and over the grounds. Interspersed among the native 

 trees, and in belts along the broad walks, are planted specimens 

 of all the popular trees and shrubs, both those of our own and 

 other countries, that will endure the climate. From either 

 side of his princely dwelling, — whether from the front, across 

 the extensive green and velvet-like lawn, or from the rear, 

 over the glassy mirror of lake Waban, or the interesting vistas 

 which here and there open to the eye, — the views are charming 

 and in good keeping with a correct taste for landscape gar- 

 dening. 



Although this place is more noted for its forest trees and 

 shrubs than for fruits, his collection of the latter, botli for open 

 culture and under glass, will bear favorable comparison with 



