Art Out-of-Doors 
but the wound will be quickly healed by the 
increased beauty of the trees which remain. 
In like manner, when a single tree or a 
whole group is detrimental in a wider way, — 
when it hides a still more beautiful tree or 
group, or a fine middle distance, or a lovely 
stretch of horizon, when it hides anything 
which would be of distinctly more value than 
itself in the scene, or when it gives an un- 
comfortable look of crowding and of exclud- 
ing air and light, — then it should be sac- 
rificed. And a like result will be sure to 
follow : quick forgetfulness of the vanished 
charm will come with the revelation of still 
greater charms. 
It is impossible to take even the shortest 
country or suburban walk without seeing 
places which would be conspicuously im- 
proved if some of their trees were felled. 
Yet even when the benefits of their removal 
are foreseen by the owner, how difficult it is 
to persuade him to fell them ! The house 
may be damp and dark from overshading; 
finer trees may be concealed from sight ; a 
delightful prospect may be shut off ; injury 
may be worked in half a dozen ways, and 
294 
