We have been for some time studying a scheme for the planting of your school property with the idea that a purpose of instruction might be combined with that of making the place pleasant. We are now so far {advanced} with this study that I can say that it appears feasible to have upon the property a complete collection of all species of trees that it is known can be successfully cultivated in Central New Jersey. The idea we had is that aside from any value such a collection would have with reference to direct scholastic instruction, as to which it would serve as a cabinet library and museum of Botany and Dendrology, if each tree shd be conspicuously labeled with common & scientific name, native country &c. &c. boys would gradually, during the stay with you, absorb, as from object lessons, a pool of information of a {kind} that is to be soon in rapidly growing demand.

To work out the project to its last details, find the trees and have them properly planted, catalogued, labeled &c. will be a good deal of trouble, and it will probably cost a little more than to plant the ground simply with reference to scenery. I cannot speak very definitely about it at the present stage but before entering upon another, I should like to know how the idea strikes you—to know if you would think it likely to be acceptable to the Trustees, and—in short worth the trouble.

Very Truly Yours

Planting at Lawrenceville School.

A clipped hedge to be planted along each terrace to give an effect similar to that of a parapet.

A clipped hedge to {run} from the street near the old dormitory along the new road in front of the masters’ houses, to associate them together in appearance and to give them a somewhat retired domestic effect. Rhododendrons and other handsome shrubs to be planted near the houses to give a richly {furnished} effect.

A few large growing native or foreign but not strange looking trees to diversify the lawn and compose with the houses.

A few groves for the same purpose and a general mixed border of trees to form the background for the buildings and local scenery.

The whole to form an arboretum collection but all the strange or peculiar and the less desirable trees to be kept in the background.

Thin pass to be preserved from each house to every other as far as practicable.

“Plan for Planting a Collection of Native and Foreign Hardy Trees on the Grounds of the Lawrenceville School.” April 8, 1886