STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 55 



Of course it is well understood that upon grounds of large extent, 

 or for avenue and roadside planting, trees are often set in rows, 

 groups or pairs. In such cases the}^ depend upon each other to 

 some extent for their best effect ; and yet just here great disap- 

 pointment may come in. It is almost impossible to make trees grow 

 alike as time goes on, how carefully soever they may have been se- 

 lected and planted. One grows more rapidly than another ; one 

 may meet with an accident which will disfigure it ; another, perhaps 

 out of an avenue upon the symmetry of which we have put great 

 hopes, may die. In large grounds, in public parks, along the public 

 highway, these disappointments and accidents may be remedied 

 even if at considerable cost. Upon grounds of limited size it is far 

 better to plant so that each tree will depend upon itself for the pleas- 

 ing effect which it gives, standing in harmony or in contrast with its 

 neighbor, without particular regard to their own size, habit or char- 

 acteristics. 



Grouping or massing trees upon the lawn or about the grounds 

 should be carefully studied. Upon the north and northeast sides of 

 the house, or situation of grounds, trees may be grouped for pur- 

 poses of protection or shelter from severe winds ; but at southeast 

 and southwest there should in general be no massing. If thought 

 best to employ it at these points, the grouping should never inter- 

 rupt a fine view in the landscape, or be placed near the dwelling. 

 There is no hygienic agency equal to that of the sun — the true 

 source of life. Without it, plants, and animals alike, have but a 

 sickly life or a slow death. No trees, therefore, or anything else, 

 ought to be allowed to keep its healthful beams from striking upon 

 our houses, and coming for a while at least, each day, into all our 

 rooms. Blinds, curtains, draperies, carpets ought to make way for 

 the sun and give it heartiest welcome. Health leaves the house 

 when the sunshine is kept out of it. If one wants the shade of 

 trees, let it be sought at some little distance from the dwelling. 



Over-planting is liable to be a very general fault with those who 

 set trees about the small home grounds. He who is making a new 

 place, especially, is anxious for rapid size and immediate effect, and 

 it is not infrequently the case that from four to ten times as many 

 trees are planted as the grounds can possibly give space to, and thus 

 beautiful effect and healthf ulness of trees are sacrificed. The pretty 

 little maple which you may carry easil}^ in your hand, the slim elm 

 from the corner of the pasture woods, or the small evergreen, may 



