THE OUTLINE OF PLANTATIONS. 



This is a subject of more than ordinary interest, inasmuch as two evils now 

 prevail, against both of which it is necessary to guard. These are insipidity 

 and formality. The maintenance of round, ovated, lumpy forms in clumps, 

 and of tame zigzag curves in plantations generally, is attended by such 

 unpicturesque effects, that I cannot too strongly impress the importance of 

 right views on the subject. In all such outlines, whether the plantations be 

 in groups, masses, or forests, forcible irregularities are important requisites. 

 They are to be effected only by deep recesses, and very prominent projections 

 of bold and pointed forms, (as will be noticed by reference to Sketches 

 and Plans), generally avoiding mere indentations or little curves, which are 

 comparatively monotonous and feeble. Still it may occasionally be desirable 

 to break long-continued sweeping curves with those of less extent, or the 

 disadvantage of monotony is even here perceptible. The lumpy ovals, round 

 clumps, and graceful curves, so generally introduced in the days of Brown, 

 so strenuously recommended by Sir H. Stewart in his " Planter's Guide," 

 and so frequently to be met with, are greatly to be deprecated. They are far 

 too formal and unlike nature, and our best efforts to break such existing 

 clumps into natural or irregular forms, rarely succeed without a great sacrifice 

 of trees. 



