1^6 



of elms and maples, alternate, on the street. We also planted 

 a great variety of forest trees on a belt 50 by 300 feet, the lat- 

 ter being the extent of our land on the street. This plantation 

 includes the front of the house, with a driveway and walks 

 lined with hedges. 



The aspect of woods bordering a street in a city may be a 

 novelty, but it subserves many good purposes. The exposure 

 of the house and along the street was formerly very bleak. 

 Already the protection of these trees from winds and storms, 

 and during summer their cooling influences, are quite percepti- 

 ble. Seclusion and shade are not the least of the objects ob- 

 tained. While walking unseen, or seated in the arbor curios- 

 ity is not unfrequently gratified by the remarks of passers by ! 



Even woodcocks and mischievous rabbits frequent the thick- 

 ets as game ! and the number of songsters and other birds are 

 a subject of general remark and delight. 



In rear of this small forest are the pear orchard, lawn, and 

 flower garden, all thus well protected on the north. The plan 

 tation of pears is lined on its three other sides by a narrower 

 belt, towering above the fruit trees, preserving the buds from 

 frosts and the fruit from blowing off". The lawn or pleasure 

 ground is also surrounded and studded with a rare collection 

 of ornamental trees. 



Next in order, is a grove, chiefly of evergreens, shading and 

 protecting half-hardy and ornamental shrubs, ferns, pot plants, 

 etc. Further on, hedge rows and tree screens from 3 to 30 

 feet high surround three squares devoted chiefly to small fruits, 

 which must speak for themselves, each in their season, of the 

 benefits of their protectors. 



The orchards for standard pears and apples are not over- 

 looked in this system of protection. Tree screens also enclose 

 the kitchen garden, and the rapidity with which their roots ex- 

 tend in the deeply trenched soil, is more than ofl'set by the 

 early and luxuriant growth of the vegetable. 



The chief utility perhaps of a thrifty enclosure to a pond — 

 aeide from its beauty and shade— is the number of dead ducks 



