118 PARKS AND PLEASCKE-GROUNDS. 



an extensive plantation or forest which is visible at 

 once, may be called a mass of wood. In the park, 

 however, the masses, generally speaking, are of more 

 limited dimensions ; yet they are so large, that while 

 the irregularities of outline in the vicinity of the spec- 

 tator can be perceived by him, the forms of the ex-' 

 tremities are distinguishable only when viewed from a 

 considerable distance. Masses and clumps may be 

 either inclosed or open ; they are generally inclosed. 

 It will be obvious from our definition of a composite 

 group, that the places of the component members may 

 be taken by other groups, and by clumps, and even 

 masses ; so that we might speak of a group of groups, 

 a group of clumps, and a group of masses. It will 

 tend to clearness, however, if we reserve the term 

 group, at least when accompanied with qualification, 

 to denote the smaller and simpler aggregations. In 

 the larger and more composite arrangements, we shall 

 prefer the expressions, a system, or combination of 

 clumps or masses. As the word grouping has been 

 extensively used to express the principles of combina- 

 tion or composition in rural scenery, we shall continue 

 to avail ourselves of it when necessary. It is hoped 

 that, the above explanations being kept in mind, the 

 following remarks will be sufficiently intelligible. In 

 carrying out the arrangement of the woods, the de- 

 signer should begin with forming certain leading sys- 

 tems of masses, to be filled up and completed by 

 secondary and minor combinations, together with the 

 necessary clumps or groups of scattered trees. For 

 the principal masses, a few leading 2-)Ositions should 

 be selected. The house and j)leasure-grounds should 

 be included in one ; a hill, or rising ground, or rounded 



