ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 
79 
with reference to a spectator in a fixed point ; if he moves 
round them, they will first vary in form separately, and next 
unite in one or two groups, according to the position of 
the spectator. In like manner, three trees may be placed in 
four different positions ; four trees may be placed in eight 
different positiont ( b ) ; five trees may be grouped in ten 
different ways, as to ground plan ; six may be placed in 
twelve different ways (c), and so on.” (Encyclopaedia of 
Gard.) 
In the composition of larger masses, similar rules must be 
observed as in the smaller groups, in order to prevent them 
from growing up in heavy dumpish forms. The outline 
must be flowing, here projecting out into the grass, there rece- 
ding back into the plantation, in order to take off all appear- 
ance of stiffness and regularity. Trees of medium and 
smaller size should be so interspersed with those of larger 
growth, as to break up all formal sweeps in the line produced 
by the tops of their summits, and, occasionally, low trees 
should be planted on the outer edge of the mass, to connect 
it with the humble verdure of the surrounding sward. 
In many parts of the union, where new residences are being 
formed, or where old ones are to be improved, the grounds 
will often be found, partially, or to a considerable extent, 
clothed with belts or masses of wood, either previously plant- 
ed, or preserved from the woodman’s axe. How easily we 
may turn these to advantage in the natural style of Landscape 
Gardening ; and by judicious trimming when too thick, or 
additions when too much scattered, elicit often the happiest, 
effects, in a magical manner ! In the accompanying sketch, 
(fig. 16 ,) the reader will recognize a portrait of a hundred 
familiar examples, existing with us, of the places of persons 
of considerable means and intelligence, where the house is 
