OUR NATIVE TREES. 57 



The picture which he may make will very likely look admirable 

 on paper, but may be a disastrous failure in the attempt to make 

 it real. A good knowledge of trees and shrubs in all their habits 

 and a long and careful observation of the local exposures, cli- 

 matic influences, and all other environments, are what is needed. 



In grouping trees, if they are to be densel}' planted it is well 

 to mingle those of deep-rooting habits, like the oaks, with those 

 of an opposite tendency, such as the beech ; also to place some 

 of the evergreens with the deciduous trees. 



If a characteristic development of single trees of several dif- 

 ferent species is the design, give ample room to each ; or stunted, 

 ill-shaped specimens will be the result. 



In planting single trees, or groups, or rows, think how they are 

 going to appear from different points of view, and what effect they 

 are likely to produce upon the general picture. 



Remember that a straight line of trees is stiff and formal, 

 although sometimes it is necessary to place them so. For an 

 avenue or vista effect uniformity may be desirable ; but as a rule 

 variety is more pleasing. 



Planting trees thickly for present effect with a view of remov- 

 ing a part when they crowd each other, is not usually satisfactory', 

 for those left never make so handsome trees as they would have 

 done had they been allowed ample room from the start. 



Trees should not be planted so near a dwelling house as to in- 

 tercept the sunlight necessary for the health of the inmates, and 

 this applies especiall}' to the evergreens. 



But while we should exercise care and foresight as to what and 

 where we should plant, yet plant trees; encourage the work among 

 the people ; make a knowledge of and love for trees an object in 

 the education of the young ; and New England shall be what 

 nature has done so much to make it — one of the most picturesque 

 and attractive regions of this vast country. 



Discussion. 



• O. B. Hadwen, Chairman of the Co'umittee on Publication and 

 Discussion, said that owing to the lateness of the hour there 

 would be little time for discussion. He had learned much from 

 Mr. Russell's paper. He spoke of the old elm tree in Congdon 

 street, Providence, which he pla3'ed under while a boy at school in 



