,58 Approach Road to a small VlUa, 



as to form groups ; which will at once convey the ideas of extent 

 and freedom by the glimpses of open space, and glades of turf 

 which will be seen through them, and which, by the varied po- 

 sitions in which the spectator will see them as he moves along, 

 will produce continued variety. From the open airy appearance 

 of trees and shrubs so disposed, the idea of there being some- 

 thing behind them to conceal never occurs to the mind of the 

 spectator. Secondly, the trees and shrubs already existing 

 being for the most part old and full grown, a new plantation of 

 trees and shrubs planted in dug ground, would not harmonise 

 with them, either with reference to picturesque effect, or to the 

 individual beauty of the plants. Clumps of young trees and 

 shrubs, if placed so near the old trees as to be affected by their 

 shade, by the drip from their branches, or by the extent of their 

 roots, cannot thrive ; and, if placed at such a distance from the 

 old trees as not to be affected by them in any way, they do not 

 group or combine with them so as to form a whole. The only 

 mode, therefore, of introducing young trees among old trees is, 

 to introduce them singly, or in small groups of two, three, or four, 

 together, as indicated in the plan. 



The plants ought to be procured, if possible, not less than 

 10 ft. or 12 ft. high ; and they ought to be planted in a circle of 

 prepared soil, at least 1 2 ft. in diameter, and 6 ft. deep, the sur- 

 face of which should be covered with turf close up to the stems of 

 the plants, so that they may not appear to have been recently 

 planted : they will, in this case, grow rapidly ; and plants of the 

 sorts recommended to be planted in ■ Park, will make 



shoots of from 1 8 in. to 2 ft. every year after the first year. 



As the soil should be prepared to the depth of 6 ft., due al- 

 lowance must be made for its sinking, which it will continue to 

 do for five or six years after the trees are planted. The soil, 

 therefore, for every single tree or group must be formed into a 

 small hill, which will by no means have a bad effect on the land- 

 scape ; provided the sides of the hill are not convex, but con- 

 cave, so as to be gradually united with the general surface. The 

 hill should be of such a height as that the tree, when the soil is 

 finally settled, may still appear to rise from a prominence, rather 

 than from a level ; since nothing can be more contrary either to 

 what is found in natural scenery, or to what is advantageous for 

 the growth of trees, than to see them rising abruptly out of a flat 

 surface. Another advantage of planting single trees or groups 

 on raised hills is, that their effect, immediately after they are 

 planted, is rendered much greater by the height of the hill. 

 Where the ground is prepared to the depth of 6 ft., the summit 

 of the hill from which the tree proceeds ought to be at least 3 ft. 

 above the level of the general surface ; which height, added to 

 that of the hollies, cedars, ilexes, Luccombe oaks, and such other 



