162 



ARCHITECTURE. 



BOOK r. 



1st, With respect to the natural growth of the more common 

 species of trees, we find that, whether single or in groups, they 

 deviate a little in general form, and in the delicacy of their 

 parts, according to the situation in which they are placed. 

 Thus, in exposed places they are generally broad and low, and 

 are more hardy, rough, and picturesque, than when covered 

 with young shoots, which are comparatively soft, fresh, and 

 beautiful. In rocky elevated situations, trees are much 

 broken, or divided into parts, and distant from one another, 

 but still appear firmly fixed to the spot ; these are hardier than 

 the others, and have much less softness and beauty. In low 

 fertile plains, trees are generally large and erect, extending 

 their branches on every side ; the foliage is fresh and luxuriant, 

 the general outline round, full, and flowing. If a tree be single 

 in this situation, the balance of the branches is better preserved 

 than in the former instance. In confined vallies between hills, 

 trees grow high and erect, seldom broad, or sending forth ex- 

 tensive horizontal branches : the growth is rapid ; the young 

 shoots and foliage are tender and delicate ; the trunk is com- 

 paratively slender, and the whole tree more elegant and more 

 capable of graceful motions than in any of the former situations. 



These different circumstances in the growth of trees readily 

 suggest styles of building somewhat analogous in the general 

 magnitude, height, and finishing. In exposed rocky situations^ 



