■ ■' sFl^^^^^r'^^^^^rp ■ 



yarietj of shade. And the most inportant con- 

 sideratioo associated with the embslliebmeit of 

 a coantry bom* is a pnoper — 



AKBANGEHXNT 07 8HADB TBIB8. 



No definite rules can be given on this subject; 

 bat general principles are inferred front wkat 

 "WB most admirein the scenerj of nature. The eye 

 is always delighted with a stretch of smooth, 

 green tarf, beneath the shade of trees; and it is 

 rendered more charming if the surface lays up t* 

 oar yiew, in aseesding swells ef ground, open- 

 ings or ristas, for the altersate play of sunshine 

 and shade enliven the scene. 



It may always be observed that a fine dwel*' 

 ling, or a pleasing scope •{ landscape, presents 

 a more striking featsre when the view is broken 

 beyond it by masses of timber; consequently, to 

 give the most interesting expression, we would 

 generally desire, as far as practicable, to break 

 the view in the back ground by pla'nting trees 

 of a large growth back of the house, extending 

 the same o5 at the wings.which should finally fall 

 off in broken lines towards the read. Then the 

 remainder of the ground sheald be planted ac% 

 cording to the extent and featares of the place. 

 If there is a bread, open surrounding prospect, 

 a few scattering trees towards the extremity, 

 and two or three neatly formed evergreens near 

 the hoase, may be all that is needed. If there is 

 more extent and rariety of surface, and more 

 diversity and interruption in the surrounding 

 views, it may be desired to give a more sylvan 

 feature to the plaee; then trees should be plant- 

 ed in not very dense masses, bat is scatteriug 

 groups, thrown into irregular lines, so as to 

 leave oecasional openings or vistas through to 

 the road. It is through these oppnings, also, 

 that the passiig traveler catches a view of the 

 place; hesce it is better to have them from an 

 oblique direction than exactly in front, as a 

 building always presents a richer appearance 

 from a corner view; and, also, from such posi- 

 tions the eye catches more extent of landscape. 

 The heaviest trees and thickest groups shomld 

 generally be at the extremity of the groands, 

 next to the road. Thick masses may be plant- 

 ed on steep banks. In rather sequestered 

 places, perhaps at the foot of steep banks, low 

 spreading trees may be planted, mingled with 

 wild grape vines. Bitter Sweet or other vines, 

 so that, while the surface may be kept clean, a 

 thick canopy will spread overhead. Eustic seat, 

 •placed beneath Cliaabing Vines, may add great, 

 lyto the rural scenery of a place. A low 

 broad topped tree, in a detached position, thick- 

 ly overspread with wild grape vines, dropping 

 around in pendant tufts, with rustic seats be- 

 neath, looks inviting in the ho^ summer day 

 and is something, too, with which frame work 

 arbors bear no comparison. The Bitter Sweet; 

 [Oelastrus Scandens — ed.J with its glossy foli- 

 age in summer, and bright orange colored ber- 

 ries in winter, looks beautiful spreading over 

 the top of a small tree. Evergreens add greatly 

 to the rich appearance of a place, and present a 

 feature of life aad grandeur even in the desolan 

 tion of winter. They are naost appropriate to 

 elevated and dirersifitd situations. They may 

 be planted on the sides of steep banks; or they 



may be mingled with other trees, at the wings 

 of the house, where it is desired to break the 

 view. If a steep bluff asceiids back of the hoose, 

 a few cedars, scattered orer the ragged ascent, 

 make a magnificeat appearance. Also, two or 

 three are always appropriate near the front or 

 the bouse, trimmed in symmetrical form. 



Let it be understood that these directisas are 

 for country homes, where it is supposed there is 

 room to give a fall expression. The means of 

 doing it all are within the reach of aay one that 

 is able to own a home. In the— 



CHOICE OF TRIES, , 



As4he first word of couasel, we would say, look 

 to the native forest. The White Oak would be 

 the first choice if it was not of such slow growth, 

 and difficult to transplant. It is adapted to 

 thick masses, or single positions, and is appro* 

 priate in almost any situation. 



The Burr Oak, also, makes a good shade tree, 

 and it presents a strikiog contrast among other 

 trees in the winter. 



The White Maple is appropriate in almost 

 any place; and if a laxuriant shade is desired, 

 in the shortest epac6 of time, and with the least 

 possible expense, this might enter most largely 

 into the composition. The cheapest way is, to 

 raise them from the seed. The seed ripens about 

 the 20th of May, and should be gathered aod 

 planted immediately. They will grow two or 

 three feet high the first year, and the second may 

 be transplanted. They grow very rapidly; and, 

 being inclined to ascend, if it is desired to give 

 them a spreading top, they may be headed back 

 when three or four y^ars old. 



The Box Elder may, also, be raised from the 

 seed; is ef qaiek growth; easily transplanted;* 

 leaves out remarkably early in the spring; a 

 spreading top; makes a dense shade, and has no 

 superior where trees of moderate size are desired. 

 The Sugar Maple should never be omitted. 

 It is easily transplanted, and, like the White 

 Oak, is appropriate in almost any situation; a 

 more beautiful tree than the White Maple, but 

 of slower growth. 



The Elm is easily transplanted, and should 

 never be ovprlooked. The graceful form of its 

 broad top should assign it a place rather by it- 

 self; and it better becomes a level spot of ground. 

 The Coffee Nut (Gymnocladus) presents • 

 striking contrast among other trees; is easily 

 transplanted, but of slow growth. 



The Buck Eye may be transplanted; it leaves 

 out very early, and ia of quick growth. Its 

 proper place is on level ground, and not too near 

 the house, as its odor is not pleasant. 



The Cbestnnt makes a large, splendid shade 

 tree, and when young, is not difficult to trans-- 

 plant. 



The Tulip Tree bears transplaating; beftati- 

 ful foliage; rapid, upright growth; like the 

 Chestnut and Elm, it needs room. 



The Linn, Blue Ash and Honey Locust are 

 also worthy of notice; and when smaller trees, 

 of low form, are desired, the Siberian Crab, 

 White Thorn, Persimmon, Judas Tree, Moun- 

 tain Ash and Wild Crab Apple may be noticed. 

 This treatise being intended mostly for the 

 benefit of those who love to do something them- 



