INTERMINGLING OF FORMS AND COLORS. 163 



their work ; they ought to remember that the planta- 

 tions tliey arc forming will, in the conrse of years, 

 become tall woods, and perhaps groves, resorted to for 

 seclusion and shade. This should be especially kept 

 in mind toward the central points of their masses; 

 and with this view they may surround these central 

 points chiefly with one kind of tree. In extensive 

 grounds, a dozen or more of these central groves might 

 be formed prospective!}^, embracing all the principal 

 deciduous, and some of the finer evergreen trees; 

 while the outer margins of the masses and clumps, 

 and all the parts rendered by their position conspicu- 

 ous to the eye, might be dressed out in that gay variety 

 which is essential to the beauty of a country residence 

 as a whole. Thus the predominance of one tree will 

 give a decided character to a mass, and the intermin- 

 gled subordinates which may be gradually reduced in 

 number, if desired, will relieve it of monotony and 

 insipidity. 



In relation to the subject of this chapter generally, 

 we have in conclusion to remark, that no part of land- 

 scape-gardening is more neglected and misunderstood 

 than the skillful management of trees, in the way of 

 bringing out their ornamental value in respect to form 

 and color. Some artists of great name have declined 

 this afi'air altogether, and, with necessarih' ver}^ gen- 

 eral directions, or even without any instructions at all, 

 have delegated the work of distributing the trees to 

 the forester or day-laborer. And proprietors are too 

 ready to ask the designer to stake out the groups and 

 clumps, and then to leave the planting to persons who 

 l^robably have not the slightest conception of the effect 

 desired to be produced. After a few years, jjerhaps, 



