PLANTING. 41 



may be suitably disposed, as well in contrasts of form as of colour, 

 so that they may appear to advantage, when viewed individuallj' or 

 collectively. This important department of the art is frequently 

 undertaken by persons who may well understand the removal of a 

 tree, but can be effected only by those who, from study and observa- 

 tion, are acquainted with the growth and form, the character and 

 colour, the opposition and harmony, of the various trees and shrubs 

 which nature has so abundantly provided for the delight of man. 



A good and sufficient back-ground to a building is of great im- 

 portance, and should in all cases be obtained, if practicable; as no 

 house can have an impressive and interesting appearance without 

 it. A plantation thus situated, not only affords protection to the 

 house and grounds, but assists considerably in relieving and sup- 

 porting the effect of the scene. 



It must be evident, that a promiscuous group of foliage is not 

 the most suitable decoration for any particular spot, because a plan- 

 tation would there be well placed : the infinite variety of outline 

 that may be produced, implies various degrees of perfection ; for 

 instance, if trees approximating in character and in tint of foliage 

 be adopted, what is denominated a clump will be the inevitable 

 result ; and such a leading outline it will be vain to attempt cor- 

 recting by contrasts in the shrubbery, or by laying the axe par- 

 tially to the roots of the tasteless mass. In forming plantations near 

 a house, the best skill may be displayed by rendering such as are 



G 



