98 



soil is particularly favorable. For the plantation on level 

 ground, trenching to a depth of three feet will alone secure 

 the best results. The time and money expended is well in- 

 vested, for a large outlay in tlie beginning is often the clieap- 

 est and quickest way to insure the best success. 



Two things are to be avoided. Planting trees too thick- 

 ly, and the improper mixing of species. The intermingling 

 of different species in a plantation may be tolerated, and, 

 under certain circumstances, is an advantage ; but, for 

 ornamental planting in streets or road-sides, the effect is 

 always best to adhere to one sort of tree. 



Many otherwise fine streets in our cities and towns are 

 ruined by the neglect of this rule, and even for lawns and 

 yards, it must be remembered that a few good specimens of 

 two or three sorts is more dignified and satisfactory than a 

 crowded array of different varieties. How many places are 

 marked in our memory to-day, by tlie recollection of one 

 fine Elm, Horse Chestnut, Maple or Oak. It is not possible 

 here to treat of many things whicli present themselves in 

 considering this subject. The separate questions of soil, 

 methods of planting, treatment of hill-sides, and of rocky 

 lands, each require a volume for themselves. The subject 

 of tree pruning, too, is one of as much importance as tree 

 selection or tree planting, and for success in either, a 

 knowledge of structural botany is of immense assistance. 

 But, after all, the most depends upon the intelligence of 

 the arboriculturist himself; a bright, thoughtful, studious 

 man will work out for himself far better results than rules 

 laid down in books can do for him. Let him, therefore, 

 ground himself thoroughly in the subject before lie com- 

 mences his work, perhaps, by spending a winter in the study 

 of plant life and structure, for when he works with a knowl- 

 edge of his subject, his work will be well done. 



An appendix has been prepared to this report, giving a 

 list of a dozen books, which may be read with profit by the 



