INTRODUCTION 



winter beauty that severe priining^ entirely destroys. 

 In the leafless season, a mass of shrubbery is envel- 

 oped with a hazy mist of delicate color which comes 

 from the coalescence of the different tints of the barks 

 of the small branches ; and this color, together with 

 the fine tracery of the spray, adds much to the winter 

 landscape. 



When shrubs are planted for mass effect, the treat- 

 ment of the group differs from that given to a single 

 bush, but even then the plants should not be cut back 

 so far as to impair their vigor. The proper time for 

 pruning depends upon the habit of the plant. Those 

 which bloom early on wood of the previous year's 

 growth should not be pruned in autumn or in early 

 spring ; for this removes all the flower buds, and con- 

 sequently no flowers are produced. These shrubs 

 should be pruned immediately after the blooming 

 period. On the other hand, shrubs which bloom late, 

 on wood of the current year, should be pruned after 

 the leaves fall in autumn, or in early spring before 

 growth begins. 



In view of the great sums expended by towns and 

 cities in the care and decoration of roadways, park 

 lanes and boulevards, in order that they may be shrub- 

 bordered and tree-shaded, it is difficult to comprehend 

 why our country roadsides are so generally forlorn, 

 cheerless, barren, and desolate. Were the wild growth 

 of shrubbery encouraged, cared for and properly con- 

 trolled, nature would decorate the country roadside 

 with a generosity that no Park Commissioner could 

 emulate. With very little or no expenditure of 

 money, and with a minimum of intelligent care and 



