of all thefe kinds are what chiefly give nature's 

 planting a fuperiority over art. 



The form of the foliage is another fource of 

 contraft. In one part, where the branches 

 intermingle, the foliage will be interwoven and 

 clofe; in another, where the boughs of each 

 tree hang feparately, the appearance will be 

 light and eafy. 



But whatever beauty thefe contrafts exhibit, 

 the effect is totally loft, unlefs the group be 

 well balanced. This is as necefTary in a com- 

 bination of trees, as in a Jingle tree*. The 

 group is confidered as one object : and the 

 fupport of the whole muft depend on the 

 feveral trunks, and leading branches, of which 

 it is compofed. We do not expect the minu- 

 tiae of fcale and weight; if no fide prepon- 

 derate, fo as to hurt the eye, it is enough. 

 Unlefs however the group have fuffered fome 

 external injury, it is feldom deficient in point 

 of balance. Nature always conducts the ftems 

 and branches in fuch eafy forms, wherever 

 there is an opening ; and fills up all with fo 

 much nice contrivance, and at the fame time 

 with fo much picturefque irregularity j that 



* See page <5. 



we 



