Four Trees 



lines at all, and no vertical natural lines, 

 and where, in consequence, it can absolutely 

 dominate the landscape. I know that many 

 travellers object to its constant recurrence 

 along the rural highways in the flat parts of 

 France and Belgium ; but can they name a 

 tree which might profitably take its place ? 

 More shade than it gives would doubtless 

 be welcome to those who travel these high- 

 ways a - foot ; but as an element in the 

 beauty of the general prospect it is emi- 

 nently right. Lower, rounder trees would 

 have much less dignity if miles of them were 

 seen at once, and they would not so finely 

 accentuate the qualities in which the charm 

 of flat landscapes resides. The tall, stiff 

 rows of poplars draw the eye forcibly to the 

 horizon, and thus explain its inimitable dis- 

 tance and the broad, quiet, generous spa- 

 ciousness of the land which it encloses. If 

 these highways were winding instead of 

 straight, then poplars would be much less 

 effective ; and in abrupt, rocky regions they 

 lose their personal importance while adding 

 little to the general charm of a scene. 



In our own parks, pleasure-grounds, and 



275 



