35 



To connect evergreen and deciduous groups those trees that partake 

 of intermediate characteristics should be employed in blending the two 

 classes, where the plantation "is continuous; and where a more distinct 

 but not abrupt line of separation is required between the two, it may be 

 judiciously accomplished and the margin of each group be toned down 

 by introducing a few of the most graceful trees of both classes, such as 

 the Norway and English maple, negundo, and yellow wood among 

 deciduous, and the hemlock spruce, Lawson's cypress, arbor vitses, and 

 retinosporas among evergreen species. The rather novel difference 

 between the arboreal aspect and the botanical classification of the Salis- 

 buria adiantifolia renders it peculiarly appropriate for an intermediate 

 position between evergreen and deciduous trees. 



4. To place certain trees in conspicuous positions. Trees that are pre- 

 eminently notable, on account of their rarity, beauty, or botanical his- 

 torical associations, may be placed as isolated specimens in prominent 

 positions on the lawn. This interpolation, however, should be carefully 

 studied ; a single tree, if wrongly placed, may destroy a fine picture. 

 Indeed, it is everywhere evident that the greatest prevailing error in 

 arranging ornamental plantations is the oft-repeated singletree, dotting 

 every spare surface with a plant, producing a spottiness quite opposed 

 either to beauty or design. 



Single trees may be made still more conspicuous by planting them on 

 slightly elevated mounds; this will add to their general effect, and 

 allow perfect freedom for assuming their normal habit of growth. 

 Trees worthy of so distinguished sites, for their beauty of growth, are 

 very numerous ; but for extensive grounds, where the largest class may 

 be introduced, the Magnolia acuminata, the sugar and Korway maple, 

 Cladastris tinctoria, Osage orange, negundo, willow-leaved oak, and 

 English maple may be noted as a few of the deciduous ; while among 

 evergreens, the hemlock and Norway spruce, Himalaya pine, Nordinan 

 fir, Nootka cypress, and Siberian arbor vitse, may be specially mentioned. 



Of rare and interesting trees the list is extensive, and will vary ac- 

 cording to individual tastes and studies; the extent of ground and 

 general disposition of other plants will also influence the selection and 

 number of single specimens. 



5. Plant with reference to individual beauty, as also with regard to that 

 resulting from a combination of forms. Isolating the trees, as alluded 

 to in the preceding paragraph, will produce the highest degree of indi- 

 vidual beauty and development. But to realize all the variety that 

 may be obtained from contrast of forms, foliage, and flowers requires 

 more careful study and preparation. Irregularity of distance between 

 plants will in itself affect variety in composition. Very little either 

 of beauty or interest can attach to lawns where every tree is equi- 

 distant, or apparently so, from its neignbor, like so many cabbages or 

 currant bushes. If we observe the disposition of trees in any natural 

 group that attracts our attention, we shall learn that the influence of 



