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unequal distance in massing foliage and causing minor groupings of 

 branches and stems is very great. To produce a similarly pleasing 

 variety of stems and outlines it will be essential to imitate to some 

 extent the mode in which natural groves are formed, even to placing 

 several trees together so as to present the appearance of several stems 

 issuing from the same root. A degree of naturalness will thus be im- 

 posed upon groups, even should there not be any attempt at contrast- 

 ing or harmonizing forms ; but this latter will show more decidedly the 

 foresight and skill of the designer. 



6. To produce a pleasing sky outline to all heavy masses or distinct 

 groups. The sky outline composition of groups is a pleasing and 

 noticeable feature. The monotonous sameness in the aspect of a peach 

 or an apple orchard is a familiar result and example of what may be 

 intensified by closely planted masses of formal growing trees. But it 

 is a rare occurrence to find such monotony in natural forest scenery. 

 A great diversity of sky outline will prevail, especially on the margins 

 of groves, where the foliage is continued by suitable undergrowths 

 down to the surface of the ground. Such distinct and unique forms as 

 theLombardy poplar, deciduous cypress, larches, and similarly pointed 

 trees will give a spirited effect to the most commonplace groups. 



The edges of plantations composed of larger growing trees will be 

 softened by the introduction of drooping forms ; and one of the most 

 beautiful compositions, with reference to direction and curvature of 

 branches, as well as to sky outline, is that produced by surrounding 

 two or three Lombardy poplars with a circle of weeping willows. The 

 poplars should not be more than 12 feet apart, and should form one 

 central figure ; if spread out singly the distinctive feature of a spiry 

 column will not be secured. 



Similar effects may be secured with groups of evergreen trees. The 

 balsam fir is admirably effective as a center to a mass of lighter col- 

 ored evergreens, owing to its heavy, dark hue. The Scotch pine and 

 the Austrian are well adapted, both in color and form, to accompany 

 the balsam fir, and the beauty of finish can be added by introducing 

 the wavy branchlets of the hemlock spruce. 



7. Plant with regard to autumn coloring and the introduction of flower- 

 ing trees. The cheerful appearance of flowering trees should be made a 

 point of attraction in any arrangement of groups or masses. These can 

 be introduced under any system, as they are mainly trees of the third 

 class, such as dogwood, Judas tree, Virginia fringe, silver bell, etc. 

 Their appropriate position is on the margin of groups, and an occa- 

 sional dogwood planted where its white flowers will be displayed 

 against a darker color of evergreen will brighten the early summer 

 scenery. The dwarfer growths of spirceas ,/ 'or sythias, deutzias, cydonias, 

 and other species of flowering shrubbery may be so introduced, with 

 the finest effect. 



Iu arranging trees for the purpose of producing strong contrasts 



