LANDSCAPE FORESTRY 



243 



of trees by mixing the same species more or less with the 

 prevailing type for a short distance round about. A clump, 

 the boundaries of which can be followed in a square or circle 

 by keeping to the outside trees, is not a desirable type by 

 any means, especially if the species can be recognised at a 

 distance. Take, for instance, a clump of Thuia, gigantea or 

 redwood, standing amongst Scots fir or larch. The habit and 

 foliage of the two former are quite distinct from those of the 

 two latter, and a pure compact clump of either of them 

 appears as a round island in the midst of a lake. But by 

 thinning out the margins of the clump, or projecting its 

 trees into the surrounding wood, the compactness is taken off, 

 the boundary line obscured, and the clump has a more 

 natural appearance. 



Situations for ornamental clumps are also badly chosen 

 at times. The most prominent situations, such as the end or 

 corner of a ride, or high hillock, are not always the best for 

 placing the most distinct species. Soil and situation must of 

 course be studied from an arboricultural point of view, in the 

 first place, and the species planted where it is most likely 

 to thrive and develop properly. But, apart from this, the 

 clumps should be placed in such a way that they do not 

 bring themselves into notice in an unnatural manner, or do 

 not stand at set distances from the ride. Although it may 

 be a fault to plant too near the latter, it is equally a fault to 

 place all of them too far back, reminding one of auctioneers' 

 notice-boards on building plots. No harm is done by planting 

 an occasional clump on both sides of a ride, and so near that 

 the latter appears to run through it ; and in the same way a 

 small group planted so that the branches overhang, and the 

 stems stand on the margins of the ride, affords variety, and 

 does not interfere with its use. In short, it is of little im- 

 portance what style is adopted for the planting of ornamental 

 trees, so long as they can develop their true character, har- 

 monise with those round about them, and appear as natural 

 instead of artificial objects in the wood. 



The planting of rarer kinds of trees, which are too scarce 

 to be planted in groups, calls for few remarks. Their scarcity 

 prevents them from affecting the character of the wood in any 

 way, and the only important principle to be borne in mind is 



