PARK TIMBER 265 



desired. When planted at close distances, and allowed to 

 grow up undisturbed, the avenue eventually becomes a hedge 

 on a large scale, and it is impossible to alter its appearance 

 or modify it in any way which will prove satisfactory. 

 When planted at wider distances, the trees develop in the 

 form of individuals to a greater extent, and the distance at 

 which they are planted becomes of more importance. When 

 planted too wide to form an avenue of the first-mentioned 

 type, and yet not wide enough to allow individual develop- 

 ment to proceed, the result is rarely satisfactory. The upper 

 parts of the crowns of the trees develop unchecked, but the 

 lower parts meet their neighbours on either side, and are 

 more or less cramped and spoilt. It is far better, in our 

 opinion, to plant either closely enough to destroy the in- 

 dividual character of the trees, or at distances varying at 

 from 10 to 20 feet; or to give sufficient space between them 

 so that they may develop as specimen trees, and thus combine 

 the attractions of the individual with those of the complete 

 avenue. 



The class of tree should decide the choice of these two 

 forms to a great extent. Where symmetry is the prevailing 

 character of the tree, as in the case of many conifers, the 

 wide-planting system should be adopted, as formality is a 

 great feature in this class of avenue. Where, on the other 

 hand, irregularly shaped trees are selected, such as beech 

 or other hardwoods, close planting usually gives the best 

 effect. 



The situation of the avenue must also be studied in this 

 connection. Where it is undesirable to shut out the view on 

 either side, as is, of course, the effect of close planting, the 

 trees should stand wide enough apart to allow glimpses of 

 the scenery behind them to be visible ; and this point must 

 be settled definitely at the time of planting, and the species 

 of tree and system of planting it chosen accordingly. 



The species of trees chosen for avenues have a great deal 

 to do with the ultimate effect of the latter. The height, 

 shape, and symmetry of different species vary considerably, 

 especially as maturity is approached. A desirable avenue 

 tree, therefore, must possess the faculty of attaining a fail- 

 height when comparatively isolated, must have a shapely 



