ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 85 



purpose, and by their tall and formal growth, diminish the 

 apparent magnitude, as well as the elegance of the house. 

 Fig. 13 is a miniature sketch of a building completely over- 

 powered in this way by tall poplars. Fig. 14, shows a build- 

 ing around which they are more judiciously introduced. 



Drooping trees, though often classed with oblong-headed 

 trees, evidently differ from them in so many particulars, 

 that they deserve to be ranked under a separate head. To 

 this class belong the weeping willow, the weeping birch, 

 the drooping elm, etc. Their prominent characteristics are 

 gracefulness, and elegance ; and we consider them as un- 

 fit therefore, to be employed to any extent in scenes where 

 it is desirable to keep up the expression of a wild or highly 

 picturesque character. As single objects, or mingled spar- 

 ingly in beautiful or elegant scenes, they are in excellent 

 keeping, and contribute much to give value to the leading 

 expression. 



When drooping trees are mixed indiscriminately with other 

 round-headed trees, in the composition of groups or masses, 

 much of their individual character is lost, as it depends, not 

 so much on the top, (as in oblong and spiry trees,) as upon the 

 side branches, which are of course concealed by those of the 

 adjoining trees. Drooping trees, therefore, as elms, birches, 

 etc., are shown to the best advantage on the Sorc^ers of groups, 

 or the boundaries of plantations. It must not be forgotten, but 

 constantly kept in mind, that all strongly marked trees, like 

 bright colours in pictures, only admit of occasional employ- 

 ment; and that the very object aimed at in introducing them' 

 ' will be defeated if they are brought into the lawn and park 

 in masses, and distributed heedlessly on every side. An 

 English author very justly remarks, therefore, that the pop- 

 lar, the willow, and the drooping birch, are '' most dangerous 



