Year: 1859

We reverence the sentiment expressed by the
old gentleman who, being asked why he planted
trees, the produce of which be could never expect
to enjoy, replied, Somebody planted trees be.
fore was born, and 1 wish to transmit to DOS
terity an evidence of my gratitude"


Enough has been said and written in reference
to planting trees and adorning the homestead.
yet too little attention is still paid in California
to beautifying homes. The hallucination which
seemed to possess our people, pointing constantly
to speedy removal, is not corrected by years of
experience. We know those who, years ago, pro-
posed to leave the country for some underlined To-
cation elsewhere, who are still here, and likely
TO remain. How blind have they been in persist
emily refusing to surround themselves with the
comforts and beauties of home-the shading tree
the iyied arbor, banks Of flowers and the grassy
lawn-not to mention the more expensive and
luxuriant features of a country home


There is something touchingly beautiful in a
dnely arranged garden or neat parterre, or the
more noble exhibition of tastily arranged trees
something that soothes the mind and elevates the
soul to sweet communion through Nature up to
Natures God. Apart from these considerations,
interest itself inctes us to action in this matter
The humble dwelling, erected on q scant piece
of ground, will be all the more agreeable to
its occupant will command better price, if
adorned by the drapery of Nature, than if left
bare and cheerless. Families, in particular
should ornament their dwellings. Home is
where the heart is" and the heart is influenced
through the medium of the senses softened by
the witching influence of natural scenes; soothed
by the sweet breath of flowers and the low mur-
murs of the bending bough, cheered by the twit-
tcring songsters, invited to the purlieus of our
dwelling, and gratifed by the generous response
of Nature for his toll and care. The husband
cannot fail to be more tender, the wife more
happy, the aged parent more contented, when
surrounded by these sweets which Nature furnish
es, aside from the influence exerted on the grow
ing buds of conjugal affection, whose Young
minds are most susceptible to the influences by
which they are surrounded. Even the stranger
toil-worn and weary, as he passes stops to peruse
the book OF Nature spread before his gaze by
some philanthropc hand, and unconsciousy
heaves sigh, or lets fall tear, as visions of the
past are called up in this distant land


Who does not desire to revisit the scenes OF
childhood if but to pick bud from the tree
their parents planted? Memory reverts to those
consecrated grounds where our youthful feet
pressed the grassy sod and hope points forward
10 The time that will refresh our vision with n
sight OF the old domain The growing genera.
tiun may never experience these happy thoughts
Eii home is not rendered cheerful as NAV be-
Many born and reared here will ever retain that
same affection OF hplace, which is the express
zsion of Nature itself, and as inseparable as life
Is the duty OF all, i'll view Of this fact to make
2home, Ill every respect, the garden spot Of the
leart Tor their own and children sake.