FOREST TREES AND FOREST SCENERY 



they gradually merge with the neigh- 

 boring trees in a way that was naturally 

 foreshadowed in the conformation of 

 the land and the composition of the soil. 

 A feature so natural and self-evi- 

 dent may hardly appear worthy of no- 

 tice ; but its value is appreciated as soon 

 as we compare the outlines referred 

 to with the rigid forms of some of the 

 artificial forests of Europe. Those 

 who have seen the checkered forests 

 of Germany, where the design of the 

 planted strip of trees, like a patch 

 upon the mountain, is unmistakable, 

 A\dll readily note the contrast between 

 the natural and the artificial type. 

 ^N^either is there any striving for effect 

 in the natural forest, an error not un- 

 common in the tree groupings of parks 

 or private estates. In these an effort 

 104 



