332 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



implicit attention being paid to the following — viz., " Utility, 

 proportion, and unity, or the general harmonising of all the parts 

 and cii'cumstances to the whole." 



3. Hints on the proper Distribution of Trees, with a view to 

 Effect in the Landscape. 



We have hitherto been dealing entirely with those branches of 

 the subject which may be classed under the following heads : — 

 Taste, form, and the proper distribution of plantations in the land- 

 scape under two different conditions — viz., in a home park with 

 a view to oi'nament alone, and over a large area of country, where 

 ornament and utility are each combined. 



We now desire to draw attention to the material by which these 

 several objects may be best accomplished. 



In the case of the grounds surrounding a residence, be it small 

 or large, the treatment must necessai'ily depend in some measm'e 

 on the desire and peculiar taste of the proprietor, and that must 

 be further qualified by the situation, soil, and other local circum- 

 stances. In order to make a beautiful or pleasing arrangement of 

 trees and shrubs, the fii'st consideration is, to use such plants as 

 are likely to suit the locality and display their natural character- 

 istics. Again, form must be closely studied so that trees which 

 naturally assume certain distinct forms or shapes are introduced 

 where such forms will be in keeping with the position occupied 

 by them. We may class trees under three heads — Spiral-shaped, 

 such as the spruce ; oblong-headed, such as the Lombardy poplar, 

 and some of the cypress tribe; and round-headed, such as the oak, 

 beech, and many other trees. As most plantations, whether they 

 be large masses, groups, or clumps, are seen in profile, it must be 

 obvious that the introduction of spiral-shaped trees as forming 

 the mai'gin of any gi'oup, is not good taste, because they are 

 too formal and stifi". Round-headed trees are, therefore, much 

 more in keeping, because there is greater variety in the form of 

 head and distribution of the branches, while as regards height 

 they are more likely to form an uneven surface to the eye, and by 

 that means give light and shade to the general picture. We 

 therefoi'e recommend that in producing a pleasing effect by plant- 

 ing groups or clumps, the pi'eponderance ought to be given to 

 round-headed trees. At the same time the introduction of a 

 spiral tree here and there may form a pleasing contrast ; but care 



