126 



PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS. 



be adjusted with reference both to the general group- 

 ing and to the surfaces on which they stand. Of 

 course, these outlines should assume a pleasing variety 

 of form. Large, curving sweeps seem to be favorite 

 lines, and they are occasionally fine; but they become 

 insipid when often reproduced. On the other hand, 

 the fretwork of numerous small recesses and projec- 

 tions are equally wearisome; besides, when seen in 

 front of their general lines, their zigzaggeries are 

 scarcely discernible ; and, indeed, the less the better. 

 Instead of these, let the projections be bold and the 

 recesses deep, rather abrupt than otherwise, yet with- 

 out the appearance either of too much angularity or 

 of roundness. The outlines of plantations and clumps 

 in parks have very frequently the expression of con- 

 strained formality, and that, we believe, from two dis- 

 tinct causes. The first is the inferior character of the 

 outlines themselves ; and the second is the practice of 

 planting the trees either close up to the fences or in a 

 line parallel with them. In some places, where it may 

 be difficult to have the fences so formed as to produce, 

 by the projections and recesses of the plantations, that 

 degree of light and shade which is desirable, a general 

 line of fence must be formed, as well as circumstances 

 will allow, with a forward and retiring bend where a 

 projection and a recess are wanted, the effect of the 

 latter being brought out by the planting. This is a 

 useful method to adopt with clumps. In these, a gen- 

 eral line of fence, curving round the promontories, if 

 we may so call them, and bending toward, but not 

 entering deeply into, the bays, will be free from those 

 angularities which it is impossible to avoid when the 

 fence follows servilely the feathery outline of the trees. 



