264 ENGLISH ESTATE FORESTRY 



fore, if they are to be ornamental features of a park, 

 turns a great deal upon the most suitable length to which 

 they are to be carried. If too long, they only become 

 monotonous, and are either dwarfed by the distance between 

 their lines, or dwindle to a vanishing point if too narrow. 

 When the length of an avenue exceeds half a mile, it is very 

 difficult to avoid these two errors, unless the ground be of an 

 undulating character. In the latter case, the usual effect is 

 split up into a series of sections, which vary in length with 

 each level, and no two of which are exactly alike. That 

 monotony which would be present on a level plain con- 

 sequently disappears, and length is a secondary consideration, 

 or may even be an advantage. But on flat ground it is 

 doubtful if half a mile should be exceeded under ordinary 

 circumstances, unless the dwarfing of the trees, which will 

 result when viewed from their own level, is not of importance 

 from the principal point of view. Such may be the case 

 when the latter is on higher ground than the avenue itself, 

 as is often the case. 



The width of an avenue should bear a certain relation to 

 its length, in so far that the same effect should be produced 

 as near as possible in all cases, namely, that of bringing the 

 view at the end to a focus by the converging lines of trees. 

 Where an avenue is very short and wide at the same time, 

 these lines do not extend far enough to lead the eye to any 

 definite point, and the usual effect is lost. The precise 

 relation width should bear to length is difficult to decide. 

 In a short avenue one to ten may be a good proportion, but 

 in longer ones, one to thirty may not be too great a difference. 

 In an avenue of 100 yards, for instance, 10 yards is a very 

 fair width for producing the desired perspective, and at that 

 width the trees will eventually close up and form an arching 

 canopy, which constitutes a desirable feature in a short 

 avenue. With a length of 400 to 800 yards, a width of 

 12 to 24 yards is a good proportion, although, as already 

 stated, the surroundings and levels of the ground must be 

 taken into consideration. 



The distance between the trees in the rows may vary 

 from 10 to 50 or more feet. Much will depend upon the 

 situation, the class of tree used, and the ultimate effect 



