Evergreens. 2 1 



dromeda will be wreathed with its heath-like bells, and will remain for weeks 

 in beautiful perfection, giving us patience through many a tedious, bluster- 

 ing storm. Two snowy clusters now upon my table give token of the coming 

 spring, and rival in their delicate grace the carefully-nurtured exotics of my 

 flower-stand. 



Shelter gives us all this with no care, no cost : and, if we wish, we may add 

 to the list of our wintergreens the mahonia, glowing with shades of bronze- 

 green and crimson ; the broad-leaved laurel; the stately rhododendron ; the 

 holly, clustering with scarlet berries, and dreams of Christmas holidays. 



It is an ignorant and indiscriminate use, and only that, which gives the im- 

 pression of gloom. Ranged in close files or closer clumps upon the south- 

 ern instead of northern sides of our house or grounds, shutting out instead 

 of hugging in the sunlight, evergreens are indisputably objectionable ; but 

 this may be avoided simply by careful thought, and a consideration of 

 location, size, habit, color, (Sec. This, unfortunately, is not always remem- 

 bered before the mischief is accomplished and past remedy, save at great 

 cost of time, money, and vexation. 



When, anxious to escape the confinement and turmoil of the city, we 

 yield to that longing, which, early or late, makes country men of us all, our 

 first thought is location. This determined, after diligent and anxious search, 

 we come to stumbling-block number two, — plan of house ; and, appreciating 

 our need of help, apply to an architect. Profiting by his experience and ready 

 suggestion, we settle, to our satisfaction, this difficulty. Every thing seems 

 in train for the successful accomplishment of our purpose ; but we have 

 forgotten and passed over an important and elementary consideration, 

 never dreaming that the planting of our house upon the ground, with due 

 regard to exposure, views, drainage, and the many minor details which 

 make or mar a home, peculiarly demands the scrutinizing supervision of a 

 practised professional eye. But consider the house finished. Now for 

 trial number three, — grounds, plantations, driveway, paths, &c. 



These questions we almost invariably approach with ignorant impatience, 

 and the conviction, that with abundance of material, and liberal outlay, we 

 shall accomplish the end in view. 



Perchance a hazy memory of Fast-day strolls among the pines, cedars, 

 junipers, whortleberries, barberries, and privets of some uncultured hill- 



