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- 
sesxes 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- 
tace 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 xsthetics 
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 
88 
