SIXTEEN] NOOKS AND CORNERS 
rod. Around the pond are scattered native shrubs 
and other beautiful wildings. The whole thing is 
characteristic of the man — odd and not exactly 
to be imitated, but very suggestive to those who 
are conventionalized. A country home is a place 
where each one may work out himself — that is, 
his best self, the best things that he can think 
and feel. 
One of the most sterling men that I have ever 
known was Oren Root, a close friend of Asa Gray, 
and like him a keen sympathizer with nature. 
“Root’s Garden” was at one time the most de- 
lightful and well-known spot in Central New York. 
It was a glen full of nooks and corners. He 
owned one of those gorgeous cuts, made ages ago 
by glaciers, with all the windings and long slopes, 
and high precipitous banks down to the beautiful 
brook; and these were given a chance to say some- 
thing fine to you. The glen was not spoiled by 
sheared evergreens, by shaved lawns, by iron dogs; 
only there was freedom, and rest, and harmony, 
and unity introduced. You could sit on an old 
mossy log, or you could find a rustic stone seat 
hid under overhanging hemlocks. There are thou- 
sands of opportunities in New England and New 
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