The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1862-05-07
For the "News."
ORNAMENTING STREETS.

it of enterprise manifested in our cities and
country towns in the work of ornamenting
their streets with beautiful and healthful
trees, for the cooling shade in summer,
as well as protection from the winds of
winter. 1t is certainly a manifestation Of
good taste, and we'll cultivated minds in
those who engage in it. 1t is inexpressi-
bly, delightsome to pass along the streets
of handsomely laid out city, and inhale
the fragrance from thousand flowers,
tastefully arranged in the front yards,
and feel the grateful influence of the soft
shade of thrifty trees, along the side
walks. II is no wonder the "country
cubs" are attracted to the city, when its
citizens have done so much to render their
homes so pleasant and attractive.
The inhabitants of Grand Rapids are
taking handsome lead in this desirable
business, and are setting an example wor-
thy to be initiated by all the cities and
villages in the State. They have organ
lied society for that purpose, requiring
fee of 81 for a membership, the avails
of witch are to be expended for trees to
plant by the sides of the streets, and 9th
er places where they will best subserve the
purposes of the society, and add to the
pleasantness of the place.
Other places, too, are doing much to
render their streets and yards attractive;
and, in few years, our State can boast
Of the most picturesque cities and villages
of any in the Union. Already it is an
object of remark by the traveller and yeo-
man that the towns arc most delightsome,
and the streets and yards are shaded with
the most beautiful trees, and graced with
the rarest of flowers.
When young people go out for ride,
they go to the city, because il is so beau
tiful; and when old folks 90 to the city
they return with great many things to
say about the pleasant trees, shrubs, and
flowers, they have seen there-which gives
all the little ones an Unsuitable desire to
see the city. But how is it on the other
hand? When citizens visit the country
do they manifest any superior delight with
what they discover in the yards of farm
ers, and along the roadside? No! unless
it may be some of the more slovenly
farmers have left their old "log fences"
to rot down, and the ground to become
covered with briars-thus giving them a
chance to pick berries without dismount-
ing from their horses, or leaving their
seats in their carriages. And this ought
not so to be.
There is no good reason why cities and
villages should be ornamented with trees
and shrubs more than farms and gardens.
And this writer thinks it just as necessa-
ry for the country to be ornamented as
the city. And there is no good reason
why it should not; but many reasons why
it should. And every one can ornament
his own premises in a short time, without
any considerable outlay, and that in such
a manner as to outvie the cities and vii
lagos in benefits, if not in attractions.
The object of this article is more to call
the attention Of farmers TO the subject
than to extol citizens simply for planting
few shade trees. 1t is 10 suggest an at
tempt to excel citizens in ornamentine
their streets and homes. And where is
the farmer of good taste who would not
like to see his establishment admired by
the wealthy merchant, as he comes dash.
ing along from the city, in his easy car
rage? Does the farmer ask how it car
be done? 1t is just as easy as "falling
off log" and not half so dangerous.
Procure good supply of ornamental
shrubbery and flowers for your front yard
and let that be spacious, plant them ou
lastly, and then set out rows Of fruit
trees, in variety, all along the roadside, il
the fence corners, so far as your premises
extend. Place the trees alternately, as fol
follows:
Apple, pear plum, cherry, peach, DC, il
as great variety as you can obtain, and SEE
to it that they are not choked with weeds
and grass, and in few years the current
Of attractions will set from the city int
the country. For while they have the
shades we shall have both shades anc
fruits.
Rrotbor forn,are oan yo,, in,aoina VIVA