Planting, 4*<^., of Ornmnenial Trees. 17 



objects for silent, secluded scenes of solitude and haunts of 

 meditation. 



There appears to me to be more elasticity and cheerfulness 

 in the weeping elm, and more stiff and uncompliable, though 

 gracefully curved, branches of the pendulous horsechestnut 

 and lime, which make them more fit objects for the smooth 

 lawn and neat parterre. There is a peculiar elegance top, in 

 the gracefully sweeping branches of the larch ; and when 

 clothed in its light, livid green foliage, is a remarkably pleas- 

 ing object, and has a peculiarly pleasing effect on the sensi- 

 tive mind. The oak, as all are aware, is suggestive of 

 strength and majesty ; the elm, of grandeur and sublimity : 

 and the others, in like manner, are suggestive of ideas and 

 emotions with which they have, in one way or another, be- 

 come associated. 



For planting on open situations, particularly if those situa- 

 tions are low and flat, we have no tree more capable of pro- 

 ducing grandeur and sublimity, than the American, elm, 

 which may be moved when of very large size, and thus be 

 made to form immediate features in the landscape. But if 

 the ground be extensive, the effect will depend more on the 

 outline and the extent of the plantation, than on the particu- 

 lar: kind or variety of trees planted. But in by far the larger 

 portion of villa residences of a few acres in extent, the effect 

 produced on the mind of the spectator is either heightened 

 or depressed by the kind and conformation of the individual 

 trees ; more especially is this the case with those who, having 

 viewed the place as a whole, thus view the parts and specie 

 mens individually, and discovering nothing but one or two 

 kinds of tree, the mind is disappointed. Very different is 

 the result of a critical examination of a small domain, 

 where the spectator views from the windows the general 

 outline of the different trees and shrubs at a distance, until 

 the mind becomes wearied Avith contemplating their various 

 forms. Then, when the weather is favorable for taking a 

 walk into the grounds, in the cool of the morning or evening, 

 the mind recurs to the individual parts of the scene and ex- 

 amines them in order to find a continuation of pleasure. The 



VOL. XIX. NO. I. 3 



