OR IN MIXED PLANTATIONS. 281 



groups of separately fenced trees should only be of select fine 

 growing kinds, and single trees still more particularly so; each group 

 of the former generally consisting of allied varieties, species, or 

 genera. And plants of hawthorn, briars, sloe thorn, furze, &c, 

 growing from at and near the base of some of these singly fenced 

 trees, have a good effect by dispelling that sameness that their bare 

 stems would otherwise present. 



7. Avenues can scarcely be left without a passing notice when 

 treating of group planting. They may either be straight or curved, 

 and are generally associated with a roadway or a grassy ride ; and 

 they may either be composed of two lines, all of one kind of tree ; 

 four lines of two kinds or tribes of trees, or what may be termed 

 the arboretum avenue, in either two or four rows, all of distinct sorts, 

 grouped or brought together in families. The first, when intended 

 to form a close gothic arch-like covering, should be planted near to 

 one another in line, and they may be as near to the roadway on each 

 side as half its width. The second or double avenue should generally 

 have the rows next to the roadway or drive of one kind, and the 

 other two rows of a different kind ; but full space should be allowed 

 for the after development of every tree, from the ground upwards, with- 

 out touching one another, encroaching upon the roadway, or conceal- 

 ing from it the trees in the back rows. A very usual and generally com- 

 mendable practice is to have two corresponding rows deciduous and the 

 other two evergreen trees. The third, or arboretum avenue, is better 

 in four than in two rows, whcro sufficient space can be devoted to them, 

 as they allow of the dwarf kinds being kept in front and the taller 

 ones behind. And in both the second and third kinds of avenues 

 the back lines may be associated with groups of underwood and 

 shrubbery where adjoined by plantations, and where concealment of, 

 or from the outside is intended. This arrangement is peculiarly 

 suitable for the arboretum avenue, as affording scope for a collection 

 of underwood or small trees and shrubs, as well as of the larger trees. 

 In selecting the kinds of trees for forming the first two described 

 avenues, it is most essential to avoid such as are capricious in 

 their adaptation to any diversity of soils or exposures that may 

 present themselves, so that the greatest possible uniformity of healthy 

 growth may be secured throughout the whole length. And they 

 should, by continuous yet almost imperceptible pinching and pruning, 

 be kept in pleasingly symmetrical forms, so as to prevent the growth 

 of double tops and disproportionately large side branches, that are 

 unsightly in themselves, and become liable to wind breakage as they 



