278 Landscape Gardening 



between the plants is to be found in natural groups, neither 

 should any of these things exist in irregular garden masses. 

 It is observable in nature, indeed, that several stems some- 

 times spring out from nearly the same spot, and by the growth 

 of the branches get forced away from each other in various 

 oblique directions, thus making a very picturesque and pleas- 

 ing group. Something of the same kind might often be 

 attempted with advantage in gardens or large plantations 

 with both shrubs and trees, and would get rid of the monot- 

 ony of a succession of upright and shapely specimens stand- 

 ing free from every species of encumbrance. For ordinary 

 plants, a distance of from three to six feet, according to the 

 size of the plants, will be most proper. Very small shrubs 

 may even be placed as near as two feet, but three or four 

 feet will more generally be right. 



9. Securing Stock. — In the estabhshment of large estates, 

 particularly when the grounds are to be under the constant 

 care of an experienced arboriculturist, it is usually wise to 

 have a nursery on the place. While it will not supply all 

 the materials needed, and while it will not usually prove to 

 be any great economy, it will nevertheless be a great con- 

 venience. Trees and shrubs may be had of the varieties 

 desired, and, what is more important, they v/ill be on hand 

 when wanted and will not have to undergo the risk and 

 exposure of long shipments. For most private places, how- 

 ever, it will be best to secure plants through the regular com- 

 mercial nurseries. Where trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants 

 are to be used in considerable quantities they can always be 

 had at reasonable prices. 



The main point to be considered in securing nursery stock 

 from dealers is to get young, thrifty, clean, well-grown stock 

 free from disease. Old trees which have been kept for years 

 in the nursery rows are almost certain to be the culls left 



