A Word for the Axe 
times does an owner recognize the fact when 
his pleasure-grounds need to be relieved 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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