A Word for the Axe 



times does an owner recognize the fact when 

 his pleasure-grounds need to be reUeved of a 

 tree ; and when he does recognize it, not 

 once in twenty times is he courageous enough 

 to sharpen and swing his axe. 



When a tree stands in ornamental grounds, 

 the question whether or no it is a fine spec- 

 imen is less important than the question 

 whether it helps or hurts the general effect 

 of the grounds, whether it enhances or de- 

 tracts from the beauty of neighboring things 

 — whether, in short, it stands where it ought 

 to stand or where something else, or nothing 

 at all, should exist. 



If a conspicuous group of trees is inharmo- 

 nious in form or color, and could be made 

 harmonious by the removal of one or more 

 individuals, there should be no question as 

 to their removal, no matter what intrinsic 

 claims they may have to admiration. It may 

 often be a difficult task to decide which ones 

 to sacrifice ; but it is a task that should be 

 entered upon without sentimental, supersti- 

 tious compunctions. A bleeding stump may 

 almost make a heart bleed for the moment, 



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