EVERGREENS AND OLD BOX 99 



blend them well with the other trees. The plant- 

 ing at Arlington was done before the era of Japan- 

 ese shrubs, and strange to say one does not miss 

 them in the least. 



It is difficult, almost impossible on a small 

 place, to use strange forms and colors of ever- 

 greens without making them seem incongruous, 

 and giving the grounds the appearance of a public 

 park where it is necessary to follow a systematic 

 arrangement. You should strive by every means 

 to keep such an effect from your place, and the 

 simplest way to do it is to use only a few varieties 

 of trees and shrubs of good character and colour. 

 In carrying out such an idea you will also be put 

 to much less expense, for fancy trees are costly 

 and very uncertain, having to be replaced fre- 

 quently, and although your neighbours may vie 

 with each other to plant as many different and 

 expensive kinds as they can procure, your house 

 will at least be set in an appropriate and dignified 

 frame. There is no necessity for crowding your 

 lawn with trees because they are rare or novel; 

 they will surely spoil the general effect and they 

 will not contribute much to your enjoyment or 



