124 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



arranging these group against group, with a slight scattering of 

 individual specimens here and there, but all done for making the 

 distinguishing and often strongly marked characteristics of one 

 kind relieve and offset those of others, without, however, too 

 great contrasts in color. 



Often a single native tree, with ample space for complete de- 

 velopment, will, by its form and color, accentuate and bring out 

 the contrasting features of other neighboring growths, as single 

 specimens of our native oaks, maples, ashes, and dogwoods em- 

 phasize and bring into bold relief the sometimes sombre tints of 

 our native woods, and brighten the Avhole landscape in autumn 

 by a bold dash of glowing color. It is, however, an intelligent 

 use of this material that betokens the skillful and successful 

 gardener. 



In the matter of general style and location of groups, it is ob- 

 vious that as a rule the masses must, in all small areas, be planted 

 along the oiitlying portions of the turf places, keeping the centres 

 open. Such arrangements correspond in principle Avith nature's 

 most effective groupings. 



The most delightful natural landscapes show open vistas, 

 skirted by margins of woody growth, either near or distant, 

 which limit and support the former. A special merit of this 

 system of planting is, that it tends to give an enlarged idea of 

 the size of the grounds so treated. Grounds with the boundary 

 shut off by masses of planting, and these masses arranged with 

 irregular outlines, will look larger than they Avould if the bound- 

 ary line were plainly in sight. 



The value of a park depends mainly on the disposition and 

 quality of its woods and planting, and on the relation of these 

 to other natural features within its limits. 



The older the Avood, and the less newness and rawness there 

 is to be seen in all the elements of a park, the better it serves its 

 purpose. All schemes of planting are based upon orderly, sea- 

 sonable adjustment, involving careful observation of the growth 

 and development of the varied material that composes the plan- 

 tations from year to year, the selection and retention of the 

 choicest and more vigorous plants, and the removal from time 

 to time of material jilanted for temporary purposes. 



For this reason a permanency of employment as regards the 

 superintendent or care-taker, if he is fully qualified to perform 



