214 Trees for Shade and Ornament 



and high towering, variously-shaped crown in later life; and 

 in the picturesque and rugged beauty of the old and time- 

 worn trees. Although they lack the interesting seasonal 

 changes of the deciduous trees, the persistence of their foliage 

 makes them especially effective for enlivening winter scenery, 

 and for shelter. Special care is, however, necessary in the 

 proper use and location of this family. 



On account of their shape, mode of growth, and relative 

 inabihty to repair damage, they are not fit for street trees; 

 but broad avenues with wide parking may be made attrac- 

 tive by widely spaced spruces or firs (not in rows!). Their 

 best use is in single specimens, or in small groups, to accen- 

 tuate an elevation, or a boundary; or in masses for distant 

 backgrounds, where they enliven the sky-line; or, in mixture 

 with deciduous trees, in the woodland portion of the parks, 

 when small groups fading out into a few scattered ones 

 should be used; also in single specimens on a lawn, but not 

 too frequently; finally, for the botanical interest in a "pine- 

 tum." As a rule, they fit better into country places than 

 into city parks, especially small ones, where they should be 

 used sparingly and with great circumspection, since they are 

 apt to suffer and become unsightly, especially during the 

 transition period from A-outh to old age. ISIost of them 

 being somber, they should not be placed near houses, but 

 rather at a distance against a hvelier background, using 

 those with the most vivid shades of green grouped with the 

 deciduous dark shades behind, or the dark shades massed, 

 with bright-berried and bright-foliaged trees and shrubs 

 in front. 



Generally speaking, conifers prefer light sandy well- 

 drained soils and, with a few exceptions, they are unsuit- 

 able for limestone soil. Their form especially depends on 

 depth of soil. Pines belong preferably in well-drained sandy 



