Plantations. 625 



will greatly heighten the effect. The form of outline for such 

 plantations may be varied to an almost unlimited extent, but a 

 more or less irregular one is preferable, and a circular or any 

 formal shape should be rarely adopted. Single specimens next 

 engage our attention. For this purpose, good, healthy, well- 

 formed examples should be chosen, as perfect habit is the 

 principal end and aim of isolated trees. One important mat- 

 ter for consideration is the suitability of the species for the 

 position selected, and then sufficient space for its natural 

 development without infringing on the rights of its neighbours 

 by overgrowing or shading them. In a garden of the limited 

 area referred to above there will be comparatively little diver- 

 sity of conditions and aspect ; but whatever advantages it pos- 

 sesses should be made available for the use of more tender 

 subjects. The information given under each species will be a 

 sufficient guide as to what may be considered favourable con- 

 ditions for different classes of plants. 



The water capabilities of an estate should not be neglected. 

 Either still or running water is almost indispensable, in fact, a 

 landscape scene is hardly perfect without it. The rivulet or lake, 

 or whatever form the water scenery presents, will suggest the 

 nature of the adjacent plantations. It should be remembered that 

 the water ought not to be concealed by over-planting, neither 

 should the whole appear at one view. If practicable and large 

 enough, an island bearing a proper proportion to the other part 

 might be formed in the centre, and planted with suitable trees 

 and shrubs. A few weeping Willows and other moisture -loving 

 subjects, planted close to the water's edge, and overhanging it, 

 will give a pleasing variety to the vegetation. The water 

 itself, too, must support some of its natural productions, a list of 

 which, with other information, will be found at p. 615. The 

 same remark applies here as to the dry land. The whole sur- 

 face of the water should not be covered, but only certain por- 

 tions planted here and there, and the intervening spaces kept 

 clear. The introduction and preservation of fish and water- 

 birds is also a matter for consideration. And where of sufficient 

 extent there should be facilities for boating. In setting out 

 the roadways and footpaths, convenience as well as aesthetics 

 will have to be consulted, at least for those leading from the 

 house and other buildings to the more important points of 

 egress from the park or garden, as the case may be. Straight 

 roads and walks, and intersections at right angles, are too rigid 



s s 



