INTR OD UCTION. xix 



Where a junction of two paths or roads is made, this 

 method of arrangement looks well, for a considerable plan- 

 tation should be here so contrived as to cover all points of 

 connection and give the impression of an unseen way 

 through a large grove or group. The question of shade 

 and shade trees is one that must never be ignored. No 

 landscape art can afford to slight the practical necessity for 

 shade. All along, and about twenty feet from the drives 

 and walks, and not less than fifty feet from the house, shade 

 trees, elms, maples, etc., should stand at distances of from 

 fifty to seventy-five feet from each other. But beware of, 

 in this way, encroaching on the open centre lawns. Noth- 

 ing can be a worse practice in landscape gardening. 



I shall have occasion to speak of pruning hereafter 

 specifically, but I desire to say in a general way here that 

 self-restraint in pruning is a good habit to acquire. To cut 

 and chop trees and shrubs every year may be a more perni- 

 cious practice than to leave them entirely alone. It is safe 

 to say that what we want in a tree or shrub is to see its 

 special and most characteristic beauty. If it naturally 

 weeps or spreads, or is pyramidal, we want to see that 

 special peculiarity naturally developed and not pruned into 

 some monotonous semi-artificial shape. Rather if it be 

 symmetrically inclined, lop off a branch here and there to 

 emphasize its symmetrical habit ; if it be weeping, increase 

 its weeping habit by cutting away shoots that may show 

 an upright tendency. If it be an early-blooming shrub, do 

 not cut off the already formed flower buds in winter simply 

 because that season happens to be the natural season for 

 pruning wood, whether bud-bearing or not. Let the spent 



