LANDSCAPE AND ECONOMIC PLANTING, 333 



should be taken that they are only introduced so as to produce 

 this, or it may be colour at given points. On the other hand, if 

 they are planted in small groups, or one or two introduced along 

 the margin of a thicket, or in the bottom of some dingle or 

 sheltered spot where their form will not impi-operly interfere, the 

 general effect will probably be enhanced. Again, on rocky or 

 uneven surfaces, and among hills, the spiral-shaped trees are in 

 their proper place ; indeed, it is their natural habitat. For 

 general ornamental planting, we think that round or irregular 

 headed ought to have the preponderance, with those of an oblong 

 or fastigiate form sparingly introduced among them, as they blend 

 better than the more formal spiral trees. 



Another very important point which must be kept in view is 

 the selection of trees likely to attain a certain size and height ; 

 and the commingling of those trees, so as to produce effect with- 

 oiit conveying the idea of crowding. No doubt in planting it is 

 necessary to plant at first pretty thickly, so as to encourage 

 growth, and thereby enable the trees to assume their natural 

 characteristics ; but in laying out mixed plantations for ornament, 

 care should be taken to plant such trees as are intended to form 

 the permanent crop, at such distances that they can be presex'ved 

 in the subsequent thinnings. Ligneous plants are divided into 

 two classes, viz., trees and shrubs; and each class varies materially 

 in individual magnitude. A proper study therefore of this char- 

 acteristic is of the first importance. 



The next point to be considered is the difierent kinds of trees 

 most suitable for ornamental planting. As already hinted, this 

 must greatly depend on circumstances — viz., soil, situation, and 

 the object desired. The list from which the planter can select is, 

 we may say, almost inexhaustible. 



Among trees which are indigenous to Britain we may enumerate 

 the following : oak, ash, beech, Wych or Scots elm, English elm, 

 sycamore, alder, birch, several species of willow and poplar, and 

 last, though not least, we have the only indigenous member of the 

 fir tribe in our Scottish pine. Among exotic kinds which have 

 been introduced to Britain, none have furnished more choice 

 species than the order of Coniferce; while many of the American 

 maples judiciously distributed form a beautiful contrast of colour 

 when blended with our more stern foliaged trees. In a paper 

 such as this, it is unnecessary to give a list of the many trees and 

 shrubs at the command of the planter, to enable him to produce 



VOL. XII., PART II. Y 



