OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 43 



them, are understood and attended to, there 

 will seldom be occasion for one or the other. 



VIII. ON THE SELECTION OF KINDS OF TREES. 



36. Firstly, we have to consider what the 

 tree is wanted for ; whether for shade, for 

 ornament, or both combined; for utility or 

 beauty ; whether a rapid growth be desired, 

 or the highest effects of the art without re- 

 ference to time; whether they are to be 

 planted singly, or together in masses ? 



37. A shade tree should have a widely 

 spreading head, abundant leaves, or dense 

 foliage. It should bud forth early in spring, 

 and retain its leaves late in autumn. It 

 should also be free from unpleasant odors, 

 and liability to attacks of disease or insects. 

 All fruit-trees are objectionable. Who would 

 choose a Lombardy poplar for a shade tree ? 

 The honey -locust has too fine a foliage. The 

 odor of the ailanthus is unpleasant. The 

 Kentucky coffee buds late, and the American 

 buttonwood is too unhealthy. Still, there is 

 great scope for variety. Fine selections can 

 be made from amongst the horse-chestnuts 



