29 



PLANTING ROADS AND AVENUES. 



In the planting of straight roads and avenues it is essential to pre- 

 serve regularity of line, as also uniformity in the color and shape of 

 the trees. The nearest approach to the sublime in landscape gardening 

 is in effects produced by extended uniform lines of trees. Continuity 

 of line and uniformity of object, when combined with great extension, 

 produce sublimity. Objects are sublime which possess quantity and 

 simplicity in conjunction. It is not on a small rivulet, however trans- 

 parent or beautifully winding it may be; it is not on a narrow valley, 

 though variegated with flowers of a thousand hues; it is not on small 

 elevations, though they are clothed with the most delightful verdure, 

 that we bestow the epithet sublime ; but it is upon Niagara, the Missis- 

 sippi, the Andes, the ocean, the wide expanse of the firmament, or the 

 immensity of space uniformly extended, without limit and without 

 apparent termination. To produce this effect it is therefore imperative 

 that only one variety of tree should be used. Anything that tends to 

 break up the uniform continuity will at once destroy it. A straight 

 avenue planted with a variety of trees of varied forms, some broad and 

 spreading, others tall, pointed, and spiry, is as much at variance with 

 good taste as would be a Grecian fagade furnished with columns embrac- 

 ing all the different orders of architecture. Among the best trees for 

 planting wide avenues are the tulip tree, the sugar and the silver 

 maple, lindens, sycamores, walnuts, oaks, and chestnuts. For narrower 

 roads, those from 16 to 20 feet in width, the Norway maple, the black 

 and white ash, the horse chestnut, and those of kindred habit will be 

 more suitable. 



On long and wide avenues, in positions where aside view of the lines 

 is prominent, the wall -like effect may be very much softened and toned 

 down by setting a double or even triple row of trees, and this will be 

 still further increased by planting each opposite row, respectively, with 

 a distinct kind. An avenue of tulip trees will in this arrangement be 

 well supported by an outside line of red maples, their forms will blend- 

 pleasingly, and the contrast of their spring verdure and autumn color 

 ings will be agreeable. In a similar disposition the sugar maple, sweet 

 gum, and ash-leaved maple may be used. Such combinations may be 

 indefinitely varied and adapted to the embellishment of avenues as their 

 extent and importance may demand or require. 



In planting curving roads, the disposition of the trees will obviously be 

 determined by the general character of the grounds through which the 

 road passes. 



In places of G to 10 acres in extent, and in form nearly of a square or 

 parallelogram, with the mansion placed 100 yards back of the front 

 line, the entrance gate may be judiciously set near one of the comers, 

 and the road gradually curve to the building. A single continuous 

 row of trees on one side of this road would have a monotonous effect, 



