with regard to Landscape-Gardening. 371 



its growth. In such cases it is seen towering up to the height 

 of sixty or seventy feet, and stands unrivalled upon a lawn, or in 

 any situation favourable for allowing it to feather itself down to 

 the ground. The silver fir has a similar claim to the notice 

 of the planter, as has also the spruce ; and the latter may be 

 planted occasionally as skirtings on the lawn side of plant- 

 ations or shrubberies, with more freedom than the former, on 

 account of the diversified appearance of its fronds, which on 

 different trees is often remarkable, and produces a pleasing 

 effect. In speaking of the larch, I think it may be recom- 

 mended to be planted in groups among trees of various kinds, 

 but more particularly among large masses of the other kinds of 

 fir, where, by its enlivening green, particularly in the spring, it 

 will greatly relieve the sombre appearance natural to that tribe. 

 The Weymouth pine, much as it may, perhaps, be admired by 

 some, is generally of too short a duration to be recommended as 

 worthy of much consideration by landscape-gardeners ; and, 

 even where it lives long, it does not retain enough of beauty to 

 render it desirable. 



I might in this way proceed to give hasty notices of many 

 other kinds of trees, and also of the vast variety of shrubs, both 

 deciduous and evergreen, which are now cultivated for the sake 

 of ornament ; but I feel I am treading upon hallowed ground. 

 I am even doubtful if my lucubrations on the subject would be 

 possessed of a sufficient degree of merit to render them service- 

 able ; and it is well if I have not already committed myself. I 

 therefore decline pursuing the subject any farther, hoping that 

 others of acknowledged taste and judgment may feel inclined 

 to give it their attention ; and that, through the medium of 

 your Magazine, we may see the result of their considerations 

 upon it. 



The specific object which I have in view is, to give to the in- 

 experienced young gardener a kind of outline whereby he may 

 proceed upon safe ground in disposing of trees and shrubs ac- 

 cording to their relative value, so as to produce the best effects 

 that local circumstances may admit of, either for the park or 

 pleasure-ground. To elucidate the subject, skeleton plans 

 might be given, and numbered with references descriptive of the 

 tree or shrub to be planted, and if singly or in masses ; to which 

 might be added remarks upon the lights and shades that would 

 be produced by the different tints, projections, indentations, &c, 

 in a lengthened plantation, planted either in partial masses of 

 one sort of tree, or otherwise. Distances might also be taken 

 into the account, showing the effect that would be produced by 

 various kinds of trees and shrubs from different points of sight. 

 The ingenious designer might first sketch the outline, in his plan, 

 of the buildings and water which may be supposed to exist, 



