50 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



Selection of Varieties. 



In the selection of varieties the inexperienced especially 

 must give the matter very careful consideration. Depend- 

 ence cannot be placed on the often exaggerated descriptions 

 found in the average nurseryman's catalogue. Especially 

 is this true of new varieties, for no one can tell just how 

 they will do under differing conditions and what insects or 

 diseases may be found to destroy them as they grow toward 

 maturity; and nothing should be planted, in the main 

 features of the place at least, which has not been fully tested 

 under many varying conditions. New and untried things 

 should, if planted at all, be put where they may be replaced, 

 should they fail, without injury to the main features of the 

 grounds. 



With the large numbers of parks, arboretums, and exten- 

 sive planting enlarge estates, and especially the experiment- 

 stations in all of our States, any one can learn what are 

 desirable trees and shrubs for any given locality, and there 

 is no need for taking any risk in planting ornamental 

 grounds with untried varieties. 



In selecting the varieties best adapted to one's own 

 locality a few visits to some of the above-mentioned places, 

 a careful inspection of such as may be found growing in 

 the vicinity, and a study of their adaptability to the various 

 kinds of soil will enable one to make a satisfactory selec- 

 tion. 



Size of Trees. 



The size to which different kinds of trees will grow must 

 be fully understood, although this will vary very much with 

 the condition of the soil in which they are planted. 



