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190 Esthetic Forestry 



its distinctive charm and grandeur. On the other hand, the 

 hardwood forest with its variety of mixture demands 

 variety of development in its component members and 

 shrubbery in varied form. Between these two extremes 

 all kinds of gradations are, of course, conceivable: the com- 

 position and age of the particular growth will justify more 

 or less close approach to the one or the other t}-pe which 

 the park manager should maintain. 



There are at least three directions in which his judgment 

 must be exercised; first, as to the location of the woodland 

 park portions; if there be any choice, secondly, as to the 

 outlines of these portions; and thirdly, as to the composition 

 and interior form. 



Usually, perhaps, when natural woodlands are included 

 within park areas there is but little choice as to their loca- 

 tion; it is preordained, and only when new plantings are 

 to be made is such choice possible, except that the existing 

 woodland can be altered in its aspects and extent. 



Where the entire park is a natural woodland, it should be 

 the aim to bring into it as much variety as the character 

 of the forest type permits. \'ariety pleases, not uniformity. 

 Dense thickets here suggest the depth and distance of the 

 wild woods, and even in a small area make the size appear 

 greater and extend its limits in imagination. A dense stand 

 of clean boles without underbrush suggests the mystery of 

 sylvan solitude; while a more open stand with a grassy floor 

 invites one to a ramble among the trees leading to small 

 openings of grassy glades, or, if possible, to a formal park 

 with lawns and shapely single trees in groups. The treat- 

 ment, of course, is somewhat dependent on the size of the 

 whole, each separate type requiring certain proportions in 

 order to be effective. Too much variety on a small area 

 may become undesirable because unnatural. 



