8o Grouping anfc flDassing of ZIrees ant) Sbrubs. 



turn grow up and form centres of new groups among the 

 trees, or on the outskirts of the wood. After a while, vari- 

 ous herbaceous plants take the place of the grass and cover 

 the ground with a carpet of flowers. Now we have a com- 

 posite group of trees, shrubs, and flowering plants, the put- 



hi- 



FIG. 44. NATURAL GROUP OF OAKS. 



lines of which are sinuous and undulating, here advancing, 

 there retreating, and formed after the manner shown in the 

 figure. 



All minor groups consist chiefly of one kind of variously 

 sized plants, which later on unite into larger masses. Groups 

 of various species are finally brought together, and the result 

 is a mixed wood of trees and shrubs differing greatly in 

 form and habit. But the distribution of the various kinds 

 is regulated in the nicest manner; for, as some species 

 thrive best in the bright sunshine, others in partial 

 shade, and some prefer the dry ground, while many seek 

 the moist and swampy land, the groups of trees and flowers 



