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LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 
almost sameness, in the different kinds of trees which 
may properly be called spiry-topped. 
From their sameness of form and surface this class 
of trees, when planted in large tracts or masses, gives 
much less pleasure than round-headed trees ; and the eye 
is soon wearied with the monotony of appearance 
presented by long rows, groups, or masses, of the same 
form, outline, and appearance ; to say nothing of the effect 
of the uniform dark color, unrelieved by the warmer tints 
of deciduous trees. Any one can bear testimony to this, 
who has travelled through a pine, hemlock, or fir forest, 
where he could not fail to be struck with its gloom, 
tediousness, and monotony, especially when contrasted 
with the variety and beauty in a natural wood of 
deciduous, round-headed trees. 
Although spiry-topped trees in large masses cannot be 
generally admired for ornamental plantations, yet they 
have a character of their own, which is very striking and 
peculiar, and we may add, in a high degree valuable to 
the Landscape Gardener. Their general expression when 
single or scattered is extremely spirited, wild, and 
picturesque ; and when judiciously introduced into 
artificial scenery, they produce the most charming and 
unique effects. “ The situations where they have most 
effect is among rocks and in very irregular surfaces, and 
especially on the steep sides of high mountains, where their 
forms and the direction of their growth seem to harmonize 
with the pointed rocky summits.” Fir and pine forests are 
extremely dull and monotonous in sandy plains and 
smooth surfaces (as in the pine barrens of the southern 
states) ; but among the broken rocks, craggy precipices, 
