EMBELLISHMENT WITH TEEES AND SHRUBS, 203 



The roads and buildings should be located with reference to 

 convenience, but where the conformation of the ground or a grove 

 or cluster of trees makes it best to have the roads and paths de- 

 viate from a straight line, picturesqueness is gained and no con- 

 venience sacrificed. It is often possible, by planting trees or other- 

 wise creating an artificial obstacle as a reason for so doing, to de- 

 tiect a road or path and thus gain a pleasing etfect, without any 

 unreasonable inconvenience resulting ; thereby increasing the 

 natural beaut}' of the grounds, and opening vistas which add to 

 the general landscape effect ; and forming scenes of varied grace 

 which no artist's brush can reproduce. 



I shall make no attempt to give any detailed plans for planting 

 individual places and developing what nature has provided in 

 ever varying character on the many estates, of all sizes, whicli 

 afford opportunities in this direction ; but will barely mention here 

 a few leading and obvious principles. 



Trees should be so planted as to afford protection to both biped 

 and quadruped ; and especially the north and north-west sides of 

 buildings should be screened from cold winds by belts of evergreens. 

 These, however, should be not nearer than thirty or forty feet ; 

 leaving the interval as a precaution against woodland fires. A 

 gravel walk or road around any building is an additional protection. 



The beneficial influences afforded by the direct rays of the sun 

 should be allowed to reach the dwelling apartments of all living 

 creatures, in house or in barn, in summer as well as in winter ; and 

 trees should not be so placed as to prevent this when they become 

 large. 



Considering trees as a shelter, the evergreens would seem to be 

 the best protection against cold and wind, while deciduous trees 

 will screen us from heat ; but, used in combination, both join in 

 producing the best ornamental effects. 



I would that we might further encourage individuals to find in 

 the study of such decoration a pleasant pastime ; and thus to 

 enjoy advantages that lie at their \evy door but which may 

 otherwise never be realized. 



The study and practice of decorative planting has a value 

 beyond its immediate results, since by cultivating thoughts about 

 trees it stimulates people to read of and studj' their habits, and 

 thus to acquire a knowledge of their effects upon climate and vege- 

 tation, on water sources, and in mitigating the action of dangerous 



