OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 49 



absorbed by the rusticity of the latter, and 

 both lose by comparison. 



46. This harmony of color, shade, and 

 contrast, is of more importance in the gene- 

 ral arrangement of trees in a garden, than in 

 such an avenue as I have described. They 

 are to be looked at in greater masses, seen 

 from more distant points of view, or from 

 more varied positions. 



47. The colors, tints, and hues of the fo- 

 liage at different seasons of the year, will 

 then have to be more particularly studied. 

 Much may be lost or gained in the effect of 

 a single tree. The golden hue of a sugar 

 maple in the fall, appears to great advantage 

 followed by a sassafras with its rosy yellow 

 tints ; and this, again, followed by a red or 

 swamp maple or tupelo, forms a beautiful 

 combination. If we were to take away the 

 sassafras and replace it with a British oak, 

 the effect would be anything but pleasing. 



48. Not only in color should there be har- 

 mony, but also in height, habit, and appear- 

 ance. All violent contrasts are opposed to 

 natural beauty. In the oft-quoted language 

 of Eay, " nature never takes leaps," but pro- 



5 



