DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 



143 



though pleasing singly, are monotonous to the last degree 

 when planted in quantities. Not so, however, with the 

 oak, as there is no tree, when forming a wood entirely by 

 itself, which affords so great a variety of form and dispo- 

 sition, light and shade, symmetry and irregularity, as this 

 king of the forests. 



To arrive at its highest perfection, ample space on every 

 side must be allowed the oak. A free exposure to the sun 

 and air, and a deep mellow soil, are highly necessary to its 

 fullest amplitude. For this reason, the oaks of our forests, 



[Fig. 35. The Charter Oak, flartfoyd.] 



being thickly crowded, are seldom of extraordinary size ; 

 and there are more truly majestic oaks in the parks of 

 England than are to be found in the whole cultivated por- 

 tion of the United States. Here and there, however, 

 throughout our country may be seen a solitary oak of great 



