28 



THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



how openings can be made, letting light into the boundaries 

 of the landscape. A park cannot be created under more 

 advantageous conditions than when situated in a wood ; here 

 the most fascinating results can be obtained at once. As 

 already said, the indigenous species of trees suffice to create 

 varied effects. The masses which will form the background of 

 the picture, and are seen only from a distance, impart to 

 the landscape its dominating character, and it is less the 

 beauty of the individual subjects than that of the whole that 

 must be taken into account. From a distance, trees of middling 

 appearance produce good effects ; but close to the walks the 

 particular ornamental qualities of each tree have to be taken 

 into consideration. 



Fig. 24. — Positions of Trees in Isolated. Groups. 



In making openings, the outlines must present varied forms, 

 but lines, or a succession of sweeps and serpentines that are 

 sinuous to excess, must be avoided. Prominences marked by 

 detached trees and more or less deep recesses, sometimes 

 penetrating into the masses, then breaking sometimes only 

 slightly, will create an infinite variety in lights and shadows. 

 Walks through woods must be treated as openings, and their 

 sides must present the same varied aspects. 



Deplorable effects are produced by crowded clumps of 

 circular appearance, often of one species only, and yet such are 

 often met with. It is advisable to leave sufficient soace between 

 each specimen, especially when Conifers are concerned, that they 

 may develop under normal conditions, and that their lower 

 branches may be allowed to cover the ground. Isolated groups 



