PLANNING AND PLANTING THE HOME GKOUNDS. 321 



planning of roads and walks, securing natural effects at 

 group borders by under growth, hiding undesirable views, 

 and above all, giving his aid in selecting species that will 

 give needed size and effects in all leading positions and 

 prove absolutely hardy in the given climate. In this work 

 of deciding on exact adaptation, a study of the oldest 

 plantings in the near vicinity will often prove valuable, in 

 the selection of varieties and species. 



304. Improving Old Places. — It often happens that large 

 and small places have trees, shrubs, and hedges when 

 purchased, or when the decision is reached to attempt a 



Fig. 88.— An old tree headed back. (After Maynard.) 



change for the better. In planning for a change in the 

 landscape expression, it usually happens that many of the 

 old plantings can be utilized. With systematic cutting 

 back and shaping they can be changed into shapely trees 

 and shrubs (li7, 153). If the cutting back is done in the 



