BELTS, CIRCLES, ETC. 



127 



At the first planting, the proper recesses should be 

 left entirely vacant within the fence. Unless this is 

 done, one or other of two results is necessary, — either 

 an extremely irregular outline of fence, which from its 

 crooked continuity is offensive, or, if this is avoided, 

 the very great probability that the wood will never be 

 properly thinned and grouped out at an after period. 

 This remark holds specially true of clumps planted for 

 the subsequent formation of groups. Many things 

 which " the prophetic eye of taste " designs, are for- 

 gotten in the routine of the present, and the mind 

 grows familiar and satisfied with what was never in- 

 tended to be permanent. Perhaps, at length, in the 

 estimation of the forester, the well-kept fence becomes 

 of more importance than the clump itself, and all the 

 attention the latter receives is a little thinning at times. 

 For these reasons, we earnestly recommend that the 

 feathered outline of the plantation should be carefully 

 formed at once, even though considerable vacant 

 spaces should be left within the fence. Of course this 

 recommendation is not intended to apply to all cases ; 

 but there are many places in which its adoption is the 

 only method of securing a varied outline of trees, 

 with a pleasing outline of fence ; and there are other 

 places in which a considerable improvement may be 

 effected by its partial use. 



Belts, Circles, etc. — Belts should never be intro-" > 

 duced into the interior of the park ; in their straight 

 outlines and heavy uniformity there is a total want of 

 variety and intricacy of effect. On the extreme 

 boundary, something like a belt may be at times in- 

 dispensable. On those farm lands where shelter, not 

 beauty, is desired, the belt, provided it is of sufficient 



