160 



four feet further off; and the rest at various distances, say from five to thirty 

 feet, the taller ones appearing midway, similar to the two larches represented 

 at fig. 9 ; hut if one or two tall trees appeared on one side, this balance 

 would be no longer maintained. 



A large or massive group composed of various trees, and of various 

 heights and distances, with the most striking character blended inside, 

 would produce an assemblage of varied outline and of natural loveliness 

 (fig. 21); but if a single tree only, of striking character, were placed on 

 one side of such a group, (as, for instance, a Cedar of Lebanon, Scotch fir, 

 spruce fir, larch, or purple beech,) the balance of beauty would be instantly 

 destroyed. 



A group of Scotch firs, or other pines, spruce, or evergreens of any kind, 

 having a larch, elm, birch, or some other deciduous tree on one side, would 

 be objectionable ; but place these judiciously inside, and the effect will be 

 good. Where two trees only are planted together, they should invariably be 

 of one kind, or so nearly aUied to each other as not to appear very different, 

 either in form or colour. Nothing, in tlie association of trees, can be more 

 defective, or offensive to the sight, than two of decidedly opposite characters. 

 The ramified arms of the sycamore could never be made to blend happily 

 with the delicate birch (fig. 12), or the ash with the Scotch fir, the horse 

 chesnut with the larch or narrow poplar (fig. 1&), or the round-headed lime 

 with the spruce fir (fig. 10^). Both the planting and thinning, therefore, of 

 ornamental trees, require the attention of a. skilful hand. The form and 

 varieties of a group, or groups, must be of different degrees. When 

 two only are planted, they should be placed at least so close together as 

 to intermingle their branches (fig. 1 5 J ; but the best effect is produced 

 when two are placed as near to each other as, to all appearance, to form 

 but one tree, as represented in the Wych elm (fig. ft) and the beech 

 (fig. 18^). I have frequently seen the alder, with two or three stems starting 

 from one base, produce a most beautiful and striking appearance. A group 

 of several trees always produces the best effect when two or three of them 

 stand close together, or nearly so, at their base, pretty central in the group, 

 and two or three more within a few feet of them. In this way we produce 

 force of expression alike in the stems and heads, and give a principal to the 

 group. Extent and variety of form are also secured by spreading out the 



