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into equal parts the larger and freer expanses of lawn, which I have studiously 

 left for effect's sake. 



I scarcely need mention, that the rarest and most interesting kinds of 

 trees and bushes ought to appear nearest to the road, walk, or mansion, as 

 they might otherwise be overlooked. A group must at one time be composed 

 of plants of one kind, and at another of various kinds, as I have pointed out 

 in the chapter descriptive of trees. 



In the arrangement of trees at the time of planting or thinning, two 

 principles require to be respected, namely — firstly, always to maintain a 

 balance in the composition ; and secondly, that there should be form and 

 variety in the groups themselves. On taking a cursory view of Park Scenery, 

 an unsightly group may not appear objectionable; but it becomes so when 

 the eye frequently falls or dwells upon it. 



What is meant by maintaining balance I may thus explain. In a group, 

 and especially in a small one, the centre should appear the highest. For 

 example: a group of three trees (jig. I) would be much more pleasing 

 than if the lowest were placed in the centre (Jig. 2). Again ; three trees of 

 different heights, so as to appear hke steps, one above another, forming a 

 line, or nearly so, either at equal distances or otherwise (Jig. 5), would be 

 much less beautiful than if arranged as in Jig. 4. So is the wiy group 

 (Jig. 7) highly improved in Jig. 8. Again; tire striking transition of character 

 between a spruce or a larch, and a round-headed tree (Jig. 10J, is improved 

 by keeping the spiral tree central (Jig. 11,). The same maybe said of the 

 union of a spiral with a flame-shaped tree, as the Lombardy poplar; Jig. 16 

 is out of keeping compared with fig. 17. Fig. 19 is far more in unison 

 with two spruce firs, as they there appear, than if they were planted on 

 the outside of the poplar, on account of their deep tone. Or a group of 

 spruce firs, or larch (Jig. 20), with a silver fir, or Cedar of Lebanon, is more 

 in character than if either of the latter took one side. Fig. 13 is injured by 

 the small spruce fir, and highly improved in Jig. 14. A group of five trees, or 

 more, with one or two tall ones placed near together and pretty central, 

 though some may have crooked stems, yet, if they rise pretty perpendicularly, 

 produce an agreeable and natural effect (fig. 3). 



An effective and balanced group may be made of seven or eight trees, or 

 more, if two of them be placed only a foot or two apart ; a third, three or 



