Landscape Oardening. 



duced approximate to water, particularly contiguous to rustic bridges, best 

 Buits tlieir digiiifietl picturosqueness. Most landscape gardeners are im- 

 pre^isod with the notion that evergreens possess the true principle of grace- 

 fulness in a tree. On the contrary very few evergreens approach this de- 

 ■arable quality, if we may except such as are of rather straggling and pen- 

 dulous habit. At the same time we aim at preserving an universal har- 

 mony and unity of composition in the plantation, great care must be ob- 

 «erved not to create a monotony of appearanco that palls on our apprecia- 

 tion and ceases to be a novelty after two or three visits. Therefore, oeca- 

 aional strong contrasts may be introduced, which, as they detract from the 

 beautiful, adds immensely to the picturesque. This cannot be performed 

 imdiserimimately, otherwise confusion will be the sequence. Different 

 species of trees should be permitted sufficient space to develop their pe- 

 cuHar individualities, which have a marked tendency to increase the gran- 

 deur, and dignity of the object. Of course this rule cannot be borne out 

 in thickets or groves, but as these are intended as screens, or for the pur- 

 pose of forming dark shadows, the importance of individuality ceases, in- 

 aflmuch as other effects are conjured, neccessary to the complete elaboration 

 <rf universal harmony and landcapesque beauty. An important feature in 

 landscape making, is the effective distribution of the lights and shadows ; 

 ifc adds boldness and decision, and accumulates a masterly tone, and pro- 

 fundity of expression similar to the best touches of an artist in throwing 

 Jn bright lights, and lengthened shadows in a picture that was previously 

 smooth and mechanical. By adhering to the above suggestions, a forest 

 can in a remarkably short time be made to resemble our illustration, enti- 

 tled Example of Improvement in Forest;Scencry. As our space is so lim- 

 ited, we have given but few specimens of trees, as we were anxious te pre- 

 serve their individuality as much as possible. Such plantations may be 

 put in grass at a very trivial outlay of labor and money. The subgrowth 

 should be grubbed out, after which the surface may be thoroughly broken 

 up with a long-toothed drag. The ground should be worked over at least 

 four times, and grass seed scattered previous to the last dragging. This 

 may appear to be a superficial method, but as we have witnessed several 

 instances of complete success, we do not hesitate to recommend it, chiefly 

 for its economy. In some soils, draining may be necessary to conduct off 

 standing water. This labor of draining may be turned to profitable ac- 

 count by diverting the water into a valley, as the recurrence of miniature 

 lakes, traversed by rude bridges, develops a pleasing effect. Instances of 

 these may be seen at " Greenwood Cemetery." Drives and walks should 

 aot be more numerous than actually demanded to get a view of every iui- 



