of necessary improvement operations, and must weigh all thep factors before he 

 can form even visionary plans for a lot or can reach an opinion as to its possi- 

 bilities. 



The planning of irregular land may be still further complicated by the trees 

 which may happen to be growing upon it. To design a house cleverly in relation 

 to existing mature trees is to obtain at the start the effect of years. Trees near 

 the site chosen for the house should therefore be taken into consideration by the 

 designer of the' house, and should be included with it in the composition of the 

 picture. But as they cannot be greatly changed in form by trimming, and usu- 

 ally cannot be moved, nor have the conditions about their roots materially 

 altered, both patience and skill are necessary to adapt plans to them. If house 

 plans or plans for the grounds are drawn without regard for existing trees, a far 

 greater number than is actually necessary will have to be cut down and lost; 

 and, further, those which remain, having no studied relation to the house, the 

 gardens or the other features, will neither gain from, nor contribute beauty to, 

 the scheme. 



Old trees are distinctly an asset, and therefore one usually pays more for a lot 

 on which there are good trees. Not to use them is of course only to waste that 

 for which one has already paid. But to save a sufficient number of them to afford 

 satisfactory shade is really good only if one has so drawn his plans as to achieve 

 the effect of the trees having been planned for just those spots where they are 

 growing; and, only thus can existing tree growth be capitalized to its fullest ex- 

 tent. Of course one kind of a tree is suited for one position and another best 

 fitted for other effects, and also an incidental or picturesque arrangement of 

 trees is frequently better than a stiffly symmetrica] arrangement. Therefore 

 considerable artistic ability or appreciation is required to adapt a plan to old 

 trees or to selecl and to locate young trees in distinctive positions where they 

 will someday grow to produce the desired effects. 



Old shrubs, either native or cultivated, can be moved more easily and safely 

 than can trees. Still, a year or more will be necessary for shrubs so moved to 

 regain their original thrifty growth. Shrubs are not so easily injured by cutting 

 about their roots as are trees, but this information should not lead one to treat 

 them carelessly. All existing conditions should be capitalized. In fact, even 

 existing structures may at times be utilized with little repair or addition. The 

 cost nowadays of such accessory structures, as summerhouses, arbors, and the 

 like, is so excessive that their value seldom seems to justify them. Unquestion- 

 ably, however, they add greatly to the appearance and pleasurable use of the 

 yard. Rocky outcrops may be used very effectively for picturesque effects, and 

 of course lend themselves especially to naturalistic gardening. Occurring near 

 the house, they may likewise be combined very effectively with conventional 

 features. One should make a careful survey of all vegetation, topographic details, 

 old foundations or structures, and the like, with a vfew to their possible use or 

 adaptation. 



In planning for space on uneven ground, one should recognize fully the real 

 usefulness of both level and sloping ground, as well as the appearances resulting 

 from their proper and improper adaptation. Usually, tlie area assigned to a single 

 purpose looks larger and affords more available space for practical purposes if it 

 is comparatively level. For example, a lawn broken into several levels by ter- 



