Ornamental Planting. 119 



intervals, but here and there. The same may be said of the ever- 

 greens having a pyramidal growth, unless they are purposely in- 

 tended as a screen or wind-break. The eye will tolerate a symmetry 

 of arrangement where there is an obvious object, while symmetry 

 without a motive may fail to please. 



470. In planting poplars and willows, we should remember that 

 their roots have a great liking for drains and wells, and will some- 

 times fill them if too near. They may cause leaks in aqueducts 

 of masonry, and the roots of these and other trees may heave foun- 

 dations and displace stone walls, if planted close by them, in a deep 

 mellow soil. These qualities become of the greatest value in con- 

 solidating the soil of eroding streams, and upon embankments, the 

 borders of irrigating ditches, and upon sands, where moisture can 

 be reached by the roots. They should be used in ornamental plant- 

 ing, where they can be placed to best advantage, but should gener- 

 ally have a secondary place. 



471. In the immense range of opportunity which our country 

 presents, there is an infinite variety of conditions, and in the vast 

 number of our native species, and of exotic kinds that prove suit- 

 able for cultivation, no general rules could be followed in homestead 

 planting. If the general idea of studying the pleasing effects in 

 natural grouping be observed, and proper judgment is used in the 

 selection of kinds suited to the soil and exposure, the result will be 

 satisfactory. 



472. It may be added that such a homestead is worth more money 

 than one wholly unadorned. This is indeed a low motive, as com- 

 pared with the more refined and honorable aims of life ; but if we 

 can secure the enjoyment that these improvements afford, and at 

 the same time enhance the value of the estate, let us by no means 

 iniss the opportunity. 



(2.) Village-improvement, and the Planting of Way-sides. 



473. Nothing gives a more inviting appearance to a village street, 

 or a country road, than well kept avenues of trees. To secure the 

 best effect, attention should be paid to the following rules : 



(a.) In a village or city, the planting and care should be under 

 one direction, although the expense may be chargeable to the prop- 

 erty adjacent. This may be some officer designated by law, or a 



