238 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



yards on the continent, and alluded to in he epitaphs, 

 under this light." * 



Abroad, the willow was in ancient days worn by 

 young girls, as a symbol of grief for one of their own sex 

 who died young : 



" Lay a garland on my hearse, 

 Of the dismal yew ; 

 Maidens, willow branches wear, 

 Say I died true." 



The poets often allude to the willow : 



" A willow garland thou did'st send 

 Perfumed last day to me ; 

 Which did but only this portend, 



I was forsook by thee. 

 Smce so it is, I'll tell thee what, 



To-morrow thou shalt see 

 Me wear the willow, after that 



To die upon the tree." Herrick. 



In landscapes, the Weeping willow is peculiarly express- 

 ive of grace and softness. Although a highly beautiful 

 tree, great care must be used in its introduction, to 

 preserve the harmony and propriety of the whole ; as 

 nothing could be more strikingly inappropriate than to 

 intermix it frequently with trees expressive of dignity or 

 majesty, as the oak, etc. ; where the violent contrast 

 exhibited in the near proximity of the two opposite forms, 

 could only produce discord. The favorite place, where 

 it is most true to nature and itself, is near water, 

 where 



" it dips 



Its pendent boughs, stooping as if to drink." Cowpeb. 



• Arb. Brit. 



