450 



APPENDIX 



boys range in age from ten to fifteen years, and each one is more than interested, — he is 

 wildly enthusiastic. The delicate green on every desk is an effective decoration in 

 the class-room. No time for this work has been taken from the school program. In 

 spite of OTir overcrowded room, with its more or less unhealthy atmosphere, we have 

 risen triumphant over adverse circumstances, and are in delighted possesion of our 

 'Childrens' Gardens*. 



" At the close of school in June, the effect of those forty thriving boxes of green 

 was beautiful ! Every visitor admired them. The plants made the room look artistic 

 and refreshingly cool on even the warmest day. These were the first impressions 

 made upon the visitor, but the simple little nature stories that those plants trfld 

 their rough and neglected owners will last, 1 am sure, as long as the memory of 

 school days." . 



Other teachers grew plants in smaller boxes, in pots, and even 

 in egg-shells upon the ledges of the desks. 



The out-door garden, however, will always be the chief delight 

 of young and old. If there is any land whatever about the building, 



Fig. 441. 

 The elements of a picture 



many plants can be grown, and with great effect. There are two ob- 

 jects to be attained in the planting of a school -ground,— the making 

 of a picture, and the raising of plants for study. Happily, the two 

 purposes are not contradictory, although the idea of the picture 

 should come first and is more important. If the school-ground is to 

 be a picture, it must appeal to the observer as a unit. Scattered and 

 isolated trees, bushes and flower-beds divide and distract the attention, 

 and fix it upon the details, rather than upon the yard as a whole. 

 The picture is to be attained by accenting the importance of one 

 central and dominating object. This central and supreme object is 

 the school-house. Keep the center of the place open, carpet it 

 with a verdurous lawn, and flank it with irregular groups of trees 



