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 illimitable 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 
