no 
LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 
are very effective for purposes of contrast , in conjunction 
with horizontal lines of buildings, such as we see in Grecian 
or Italian architecture. Near such edifices, sparingly in- 
troduced j and mingled , in small proportion , with round- 
headed trees , they contrast advantageously with the long 
cornices, flat roofs, and horizontal lines, that predominate in 
their exteriors. Lombardy poplars are, often, thus introduced 
in pictures of Italian scenery, where they sometimes break 
the formality of a long line of wall, in the happiest manner. 
Nevertheless, if they should be indiscriminately employed, 
or even used in any considerable proportion, in the decora- 
tion of the ground immediately adjoining a building of any 
pretensions, they would inevitably defeat this purpose, and 
by their tall and formal growth, diminish the apparent 
magnitude, as well as the elegance of the house. 
Drooping trees , though often classed with oblong-headed 
trees, differ from them in so many particulars, that they 
deserve to be ranked under a separate head. To this class 
belong the weeping willow, the weeping birch, the drooping 
elm, etc. Their prominent characteristics are gracefulness, 
and elegance ; and We consider them as unfit, therefore, to 
be employed, to any extent , in scenes where it is desirable 
to keep up the expression of a wild or highly picturesque 
character. As single objects, or tastefully grouped in 
graceful landscape, they are in excellent keeping, and 
contribute much to give value to the leading expres- 
sion. 
When drooping trees are mixed indiscriminately with other 
round-headed trees, in the composition of groups or masses, 
much of their individual character is lost, as it depends, not 
so much on the top, (as in oblong and spiry trees,) as upon the 
side branches, which are, of course, concealed by those of the 
