Dear Mr. Fischer;

My notion about the planting of the rocky slope north of Ellicott Arch is that we should avoid obscuring the rocks, using only vines and low-growing shrubs in front of them; and, back of them, and in the broad openings between them, nothing that would much interrupt a view from the drive near the Arch under the wood to the Northward. I would not object to the use of Cotoneaster and of Juniper in small numbers in close connection with some of the rocks but I don’t think it desirable that either should be very conspicuous. I would have most of the planting appear as a natural thicket spreading out from the edge of the wood. A few foreign plants, not of large, distinctive or very conspicuous foliage, might be introduced among these with possible advantage, but not in such manner that they would, because of their flowers or otherwise, attract special attention or materially affect the native character of the main body of foliage.

From end to end a moderate use of thorny and prickly plants will be desirable as a means of checking the movement of visitors from the top of the hill toward the bridle road.

[733]

I should be glad to have whortel-berries moved in considerable numbers from the wood in the rear, if you thought it could be done successfully.

Any or all of the following would be suitable for the low planting, over which the rocks would be seen:—

Rosa lucida and other low wild roses

Rubus canadensis

Myrica cerifera

Vaccinium corymbosum (This is offered by Meehan and other nurserymen, nursery-grown.)

Clethra alnifolia

Spirea tormentosa and Salicifolia

Potentilla fruticosa

Symphoricarpus vulgaris

Rhus aromatica

Diervilla trifida

Ceanothus Americanus

Amelanchier Canad. alnifolia (dwarf. offered, nursery-grown, cheap by the hundred.)

Genista tinctoria

Lonicera sempervirens, caerulea and ciliata

Vitis indivisa

Any or all of the following to stand on the higher ground and back of, or between, the rocks:—

Privet

Barberry

Sweet briar

Rhus copal.

Rubus Canadensis

Cornus alternifolia and others

Viburnum acerifolia and cassinoides

Quercus prinoides.

Prunus pumila

Laurus Bensoin

Azalea nudiflora

Smilax rotundifolia

(Asters, golden rods etc., to mingle in.)

Any of the above that you want I can obtain from American nurseries if ordered soon.

Yours Truly