In the fitting up of this planet as the home of mankind it would appear that the Creator regarded the coniferae, or evergreen family, as well worthy of attention; for almost from the first, according to geologists, this family records on the rocky tablets of the earth its appearance, large and varied development, and its adaptation to each change in climate and condition of the globe’s surface during the countless ages of preparation.  Surely, therefore, he who is evolving a home on one acre of the earth’s area cannot neglect a genus of trees that has been so signally honored.  Evergreens will speedily banish the sense of newness from his grounds; for by putting them about his door he has added the link which connects his acre with the earliest geological record of tree-planting.  Then, like Diedrich Knickerbocker, who felt that he must trace the province of New York back to the origin of the universe, he can look upon his coniferae and feel that his latest work is in accord with one of the earliest laws of creation.  I imagine, however, that my readers’ choice of evergreens will be determined chiefly by the fact that they are always beautiful, are easily managed, and that by means of them beautiful effects can be created within comparatively small space.  On Mr. Fuller’s grounds I saw what might be fittingly termed a small parterre of dwarf evergreens, some of which were twenty-five years old.

Numbers of this family might be described as evergreen and gold; for part of the perennial foliage shades off from the deepest green to bright golden hues.  Among the group of this variety, Japanese in origin, Mr. Fuller showed me a “sporting” specimen, which, from some obscure and remarkable impulse, appeared bent on producing a new and distinct type.  One of the branches was quite different from all the others on the tree.  It was pressed down and layered in the soil beneath; when lo! a new tree was produced, set out beside its parent, whom it soon surpassed in size, beauty, and general vigor.  Although still maintaining its green and golden hues, it was so distinct that no one would dream that it was but a “sport” from the adjacent dwarf and modest tree.  Indeed, it reminded one of Beatrix Esmond beside her gentle and retiring mother.  If it should not in the future emulate in caprice the fair subject of comparison, it may eventually become one of the best-known ornaments of our lawns.  At present it appears nowise inclined to hide its golden light under a bushel.

What I have said about forming the acquaintance of deciduous trees and shrubs before planting to any great extent, applies with even greater force to the evergreen, family.  There is a large and beautiful variety from which to choose, and I would suggest that the choice be made chiefly from the dwarf-growing kinds, since the space of one acre is too limited for much indulgence in.  Norway spruces, the firs, or pines.  An hour with a note-book spent in grounds like those