IOC MAINE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION". 



able harmony will produce a much more forcible and pleasing 

 impression than is possible when the various shades and colors 

 are thrown together indiscriminately. The bringing together 

 of masses of colors in this way gives a breadth of effect, which 

 is entirely lost by the other mode. 



As to the location of the "flower garden'* but little need be 

 said. In general it should be at one side and a little to the rear 

 of the house rather than directly in front, and although ""fashion" 

 may sanction the practice, do not torture your neighbors by 

 arranging a display of pots and kettles, wash-tubs and churns 

 painted a glaring red, in solemn array before the house — as if 

 to remind passers by of the blood of the martyrs. 



WHAT TO PLAXT. 



The selection of trees and shrubs for planting is always per- 

 plexing. A few general principles may aid in solving the 

 problem: 



i. Do not attempt too much. Grounds that are crowded, 

 even though the plants of themselves may be choice, have the 

 appearance of an overdressed person. 



2. Do not discard native plants because they are ""common." 

 The oaks, maples, hickories and elms; the viburnums, dog- 

 woods, roses and sumacs are unsurpassed in their respective 

 classes. We might name further the hawthorns, the wild crab, 

 the wild cherry and plum, the shadbush and tamarack, the white 

 ash and many others of special value and easy to be obtained. 



3. Do not invest freely in untried things. If you have 

 enterprising and experienced neighbors, consult with them 

 before ordering nursery stock. Otherwise correspond with 

 some reliable nursery firm or with some person in whose judg- 

 ment you have confidence for advice in specific cases. It is 

 usually safer to place an order directly with some reliable firm 

 rather than with an agent. As a rule you will pay an agent 

 50 to 100 per cent more than the same goods would cost if pur- 

 chased direct, and are less likely to receive them in good con- 

 dition. It is often practicable for several neighbors to unite 

 in sending an order and thus get wholesale rates. 



4. In making a selection of flowering trees and shrubs, aim 

 to secure a succession of bloom, in order that the grounds mav 



