80 



PARKS AND PLEASURE -GROUNDS. 



remark holds sjoecially true of clumps planted for the sub- 

 sequent formation of groups. Many things which " the 

 prophetic eye of taste" designs are forgotten in the routine 

 of the present, and the mind grows familiar and satisfied 

 with what was never intended 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 thin- 

 ning at times. For these reasons we earnestly recom- 

 mend that the feathered outline of the plantation should 

 be carefiilly 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 introduced 

 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 indispensable. 

 On those farm lands where shelter, not beauty, is 

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

 is one of the most useful forms of plantation. Circles 

 and ovals should be entirely confined to the flower-beds 

 of the dressed grounds, among which, when small, their 

 effect is good enough. In the park they are distinguished 

 by their invariable tufty character, betraying clearly their 

 formal and monotonous outhne. Of all forms of plan- 

 tation they are among the most intractable with which 

 the improver has to deal. If the wood could be spared, 



