236 GREEN TRAILS AND UPLAND PASTURES 



new curve of the channel, it planted a hedge of willow 

 possibly fifteen years ago. That hedge is now thirty 

 feet high, as uniform along the top as though it were 

 annually trimmed, and presenting an unbroken wall of 

 shimmering, delicate green set on the sweeping curve of 

 the stream, with a pink garden of Joe-pye-weed at its 

 feet. There is no gardener like the river when you give 

 him a chance! 



The river understands the art of the border. In 

 Stockbridge is a fine old estate which has two miles and a 

 half of river front, though the entire frontage of the 

 estate on the highway is less than half a mile. It used 

 to be known as the Ox Bow Farm. There have been 

 many striking shrubbery borders planted on its drives, 

 no doubt at considerable expense; but down on one 

 of the innumerable bends of the river bank, at the feet 

 of aged, stately willows, and visible only to him who 

 voyages by boat or canoe, is the most beautiful border 

 of all. It is, of course, on the convex side of the bend. 

 The curve is gentle, and the opposite bank shows no 

 exposed soil, being exquisitely draped with wild grape 

 vines, a little feathery clematis, and great masses 

 of wild balsam apple (Echinocystis lobata) with its 

 delicate white blooms, its light green foliage, and its 

 prickly fruit gourds. Some people call it by the 

 homelier but perhaps more appropriate name of wild 

 cucumber. Around the sweep beneath the great wil- 

 lows, set close to the water in dark, rich mould, is a long 



