The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1895-05-07
BEAUTIFUL.
Great Flals Is Becoming Famous For Its
Flowers and Pay Roll.


Great Falls, May 5.-This beautiful
city lies in that vast territory which
the Biographies. that were studied by
many residents of this city, taught was
the great American desert. and for
several years many citizens of Great
Falls who. having eyes, would see not,
believed that the soil within and sur
rounding this city was sterile. They
failed TO see that an investment In
trees and vines and flowers for the
beautifying of their lawns was an in
vestment that would enhance the val
ue OF their property more than any
other Investment OF a small amount
of money, but this apathy has devel-
oped into enthusiasm in arboriculture
and the city is fast becoming a city
of trees.
This is an artificial beautifying of
the city. But the people OF Great Falls
have discovered within the last few
years that their town is an extensive
belt of floral beauty. An important
factor in leading the people to realize
this great natural advantage has been
the study OF botany I'm the schools.
Three classes have completed the course
in botany and a fourth Is now engaged
in the pleasant pursuit. They have
only the spring months in which to
gather their flowers. but the beauties
they have discovered are a surprise TO
all. and confound the croakers who
have protested that Great Falls Is not
a pleasant residence locality. With lit
tie observation they have discovered In
the streets OF the city blossoms con-
fined I'm their habitat exclusively to
this section of the country and of rare
beauty. In their researches they have
ranged over the hills and coulees with
in a radius OF not over 20 miles OF the
city, and they have learned that IL is
possible to collect, during the warm
months, hundreds OF flowers. They
have discovered during their explora-
tions shady grounds within walking
distance of the city, In places whittier
those who are content to believe every
thing in disparagement OF the city have
thought that not even sage brush could
grow.
The exhibitions which have been
made of their collections. elegantly
mounted, have awakened general Iintl
terest In the fora OF Cascade county.
A number of young ladies have ar
ranged flower books and placed them
on sale. They are eagerly purchased
by people OF the city anu Dy edSteFu-
ers. and In this way have the attrac-
tions OF the city as home been adver-
tised. Members of theatrical troupes
stopping in the city for a few days
have roamed over the hills which over
look the city and have formed hai2<f
some booklets. During the sumrifr
travelling men have made botanical
collections a means OF recreation and
have taken to their eastern homes
handsome books
The flowers began to bloom here a
month ago, but the more beautiful va
rieties are just appearing. and within
a week the prairies near the city will
be a great multi-colored carpet OF the
earth The flowers are OF all varieties.
from the frail little anemone. or wind
flower TO the many varieties OF the
hardy cactus and the pretty clematis.
The people are availing themselves OF
the profusion OF wild flowers and are
using them In the adornment OF their
lawns Beds OF the evening primrose,
the blue and yellow violets. the lark
spur. the lilies. the pink cacti. cranes
bill and other species are to be seen in
lawns throughout the city. Hedges are
formed from wild rose bushes. and the
many varieties OF Towering currants.