124 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



of the peculiar expression of trees individually and in com 

 position. The effect of a certain tree singly is often ex- 

 ceedingly different from that of a group of the same trees. 

 To be fully aware of the effect of groups and masses 

 requires considerable study, and the progress in this study 

 may be greatly facilitated by a recurrence from groups in 

 nature to groups in pictures. 



As a further aid to this most desirable species of infor- 

 mation we shall offer a few remarks on the principal vari- 

 eties of character afforded by trees in composition. 



Almost all trees, with relation to forms, may be divided 

 into three kinds, viz. round-headed trees, oblong or py7^a- 

 midal trees, and spiry-topped trees ; and so far as the 

 expressions of the different species comprised in these dis- 

 tinct classes are concerned, they are, especially when 

 viewed at a distance (as much of the wood seen in a 

 prospect of any extent necessarily must be), productive of 

 nearly the same general effects. 



Round-headed trees compose by far the largest of these 

 divisions. The term includes all those trees which have 

 £^^^^ an irregular surface in their boughs, more or 

 ^^^^^ less varied in outline, but exhibiting in the 

 'beaded Trees!^' wholc a top or head Comparatively round ; 

 as the oak, ash, beech, and walnut. They are generally 

 beautiful when young, from their smoothness, and the ele- 

 gance of their forms ; but often grow picturesque when 

 age and time have had an opportunity to produce their 

 wonted effects upon them. In general, however, the dif- 

 ferent round-headed trees may be considered as the most 

 appropriate for introduction in highly-cultivated scenery, 

 or landscapes where the character is that of graceful oi 

 polished beauty ; as they harmonize with almost all scenes, 



