EVERGREENS IN THE LANDSCAPE 21 



In the relation of the tree shape to the topography, rather 

 definite suggestions may be secured from nature. Most spiry- 

 topped trees grow naturally in hilly and uneven lands. Spruce, 

 fir, and juniper seem to reach upward and emphasize the 

 irregularities of the ground surface. Much more use could be 

 made of this relation of shape of tree and soil surface in planting, 

 each to bring out the special character of the other. One 

 cannot think of New England's rocky fields without juniper 

 or balsam, and the slopes of the Rockies without fir or spruce. 

 Conversely, the planting of stately firs or pyramidal cypresses 

 in open flat land, unless, as in Norway spruce, there is great 

 lateral spread of lower limbs, seems particularly unhappy and 

 inappropriate. In narrow spaces, shut in and separated from 

 the flat expanse by buildings, walls, hedges, and other high 

 planting, the spiry evergreens seem in fairly permanent 

 quarters, but only as special contrast to site and surroundings. 

 The spiry kinds are related to structures of all sorts — house, 

 barn, or bridge — only by intense contrast. 



Pines, nearly all sorts, offer the other extreme. Their lines 

 in maturity are mostly horizontal, and the species frequent 

 flat lands and the plains. They are more picturesque in age; 

 the pine is one of the few conifers that grows old gracefully. 

 To this group of horizontal type, with grace in age, can be 

 added yew, cedar of Lebanon, some junipers, hemlocks, and 

 probably Douglas spruce. These species are, thus, the most 

 generallj^ useful of large conifers. They fit all shapes of soil- 

 surface, give level and regular lines against the sky, against 

 structures and other solid masses, and mingle well in mass with 

 one another, or with deciduous tree forms and foliage. More 

 pines and cedars of Lebanon are needed in created landscapes, 

 and not too many of the compact vegetable spires and cones, 

 of which nature has created many in spruce and fir and juniper. 



