The Newtown bee., 1901-03-29

lne farmers lnSUlUuUe, unQef the auspices of the State Board of Agricul- ture, was held on Friday at the Town hall, and while the attendance was not large the sessions were interesting and profitable. The morning session did not begin till nearly noon, instead of at II, the hour advertised. Hon T. S. Gold, the venerable secretary of the board, presided over the question box and was always ready with an answer. Mir Gold is remarkable man, and won- derfully active for one who has passed his four score years.
 The first paper of the morning was by Mrs Phelps, but was read by her husband, Prof Phelps, as his estimable wife was unable to be present. Her subject was ",The Floral Treasures of Connecticut, and as might be expect ed, was treated in an able and instruct i've manner. Among the good points she brought out were the following:
 In considering the floral treasures of Connecticut we may discuss them under headings. First, those in which the student of botany delights, wheth- CT because of beauty, peculiarity of structure, or rarity. If our wild flowers were not so abundant and familiar; if the dandelion came from South Africa and could only be grown with the utmost care and attention, what treasures we would consider them! On the other hand, if the scar let peoples of our gardens infested our fields as consistently as they do the fields of Europe, what warfare would be waged against them and how great would be the hue and cry if woman dared to call them beautiful! It would equal the vail that went up when some one dared to see the beauty in the white daisy. AS an instance of place changing the view of plants, it is said that in England our common mullein is cultivated under the name of American velvet plant. Nearly every cultivated plant is regard ed as weed, or at least common, in it's native place. So, if the home yard is bare and unsightly, do not think you must get long list of plants and trees from the florist, but look about and see how much your native fields and woods can supply. Begin with the trees. They are slow growers to be sure, but we who plant trees, plant not for our selves, but for those who come after us. If tree is wanted for sturdy growth, the oak or maple may be planted. The nut trees for the sake of their harvest of nuts, may well be considered. In corner at the north side of the yard, hemlocks cheer by their greenness after the leaves of other trees are fallen. The white pine, whose long, light again. is another evergreen to be commended. Returning to the decid- uOuS trees, we may make mention of the 'cup-bearer" of trees, the tulip or white wood tree. Nor would we omit to speak of the graceful elm, whose dropping branches remind one of a huge spray of golden-rod A group of trees planted quite closely together for the sake of the coolness and shade they afford on hot summer day, is to be advised. Of the smaller trees the white birch is perhaps the most beauti full, but owing to it's tendency to spread, 1 cannot internationally recommend it.
 After the trees are planted, perhaps the yard owner would wish a few shrubs. The Towering dog-woOd and the shad-blCw will furnish white flow CTS in the early summer and showy berries later in the season. There is no flower mentioned in the florists pages more beautiful than our com mon pink azalia or swamp pink. This does best in moist ground, but will grow almost anywhere. The white "-alia blossoms later and is also beau tiful. In some regions will grow the pfntex flowers and the rhododendronS. A group of these in a corner would be worthy of any lawn. If bush is de- sired for bright winter fruit choose the American holly or black alder. The bright berries will form a color spot until some hungry birds find them and use them as the basis of Thanks giving feast. Some shrubs have very bright colored twigS, such as the willows and viburnums. These also are excel lent for yard planting. Celethia or l,; nll ell, h Ino o,.;v, of very fragrant white blossoms in August, will make, if well trimmed, a hedge almost equal to the California privet. Our mountain laurel is strongly recommended by some of the leading florists. And where can we find more beautiful shrub? In June it will bear great punches of fragant blossoms varying in tint from pure white to rose pink and in winter the brave green leaves will be constant prophecy of coming spring. Two com mon names for the laurel are the calico bush, from the speckled flowers. and spoon-wood, for it is said. the Indians used to make spoons of the wood. Wild roses form one of the most beautiful hedges have ever seen.
 Who in Connecticut does not know the cowslip, the golden cup that adorns the swamp almost before it is released from it's icy bondage; the wild crlumbine. the butterfly weed with it's orange Blossoms. the spring beauty, one<pt the tlnroughWorts, gentianS
 hcpat icas. cardinal flowers, meadow
 beauty, i"gwood, lady slippers: Fo1