"Get out the stumps, that is the first step towards improvement!" Yes, get them out of the ground, but not off the grounds if you have a cultured mind and eye, for both will be gratified by a right use of them. Let me suggest a few modes of disposing of these cumberers of the ground. If you have much space, gather the stumps together in cones or pyramids, rising in successive steps from two to three feet each and a couple of feet in width. Care should be taken to pack the stumps well, placing one with roots up, the next down, and so on. The roots can be left as they came out of the earth or trimmed down to some degree of uniformity; the finest effects are sometimes obtained by the roughest work. Upon each step lay a good foundation of turf and loam, and plant ferns and fill in with brilliant annuals and perennials. The rough dark foundation will throw out the delicacy and colors of the flowers to perfection. If some regularity is desirable, each step can be planted with flowers of one tone only. Other stumps can be left in statu quo and covered with ivy $ this will make a most effective background for delicate vines, such as the feather, coral, and segar vines or dwarf morning glory ; they will add grace to the otherwise rather heavy effects of the ivy.

A clematis growing over a stump is beautiful. Or if the stumps be simply hollowed out and planted with wild violets and ground ivy, a very charming effect will be obtained. Most comfortable seats can be made from large stumps if well dug out with back, arms and foot-rest. The bark should be entirely removed or insects will destroy it as well as the peace of the occupant of the chair. - J.