[Newspaper]
Publication: The Muncie Morning Star
Muncie, IN, United States
A WISE MEDIUM COURSE.
This is the season of the year when the care of lawns is receiving special attention from all householders and those interested in the general effort to beautify the aspect of the city. With this in view it would be of use and benefit to all concerned to peruse with thoughtfulness the communication of Mr. Lyons, which was published in the Sunday Star, upon the proper mode to be pursued. The remarks in the communication must have been inspired by noticing the over anxiety of many persons in keeping lawns in shape and preserving them, to have them mowed too often and too closely. To keep them in best form, as Mr. Lyons suggests. It is injurious to trim so closely and an often as is often done. There is a happy medium which should be observed to secure the best effects.
These be apparently minor topics for the attention of staid editorials in a newspaper devoted to topics of human interest and the general news of the world. But it is submitted that anything that tends to the elevation of the race is proper for the largest discussion. And nobody will deny that we are all vitally interested in any and all of those causes which delight the senses and make the joy of living more of a tangible thing than the utilitarian recognizes. In a recent street car ride, an observer of small things that many would despise because of inability to understand the ameliorating influences of beauty, noticed the pint of ground surrounding the office building of the Hemingray glass factory — a plant of greatest practical nature. The plot was of a livid green and a restful little beauty spot showing the proprietor to be a man of taste and refinement, notwithstanding the hard features of the business therein conducted. All the approaches to the building. and the immediate environment, were a constant plea for softening influences upon the workmen and all engaged therein in making a living. The environments of Whiteley Malleable works. across the river, have always been carefully kept clean and inviting; the effect cannot but be wholesome and softening upon the minds of the employes. Who, were the plant in which they worked unclean, untidy and unsightly, would be naturally careless in their own persons and habits and premises. Examples are often unconsciously followed whether good or bad.
In the matter of lawns around the home premises the effect is the same upon the members of the household and passersby. If everything is sweet and clean and restful the effect is good. To keep a lawn in good form for the vision of all is a duty; and the proper care of it is manifestly of great advantage. To discuss such questions is better than a disquisition upon some distant transaction, the tedious comment naturally suggested by the atrocities of war, or exploring the ramifications of trusts. Suggestion is made that Mr. Lyons's article be read with more than passing interest.