CHAPTER VII 
Trees and Their Purpose 
M OST permanent of vegetable forms, 
trees demand our first consideration 
when plans have progressed far 
enough to let us think about the actual plant- 
ing of the garden; for all its animate and 
growing features depend upon whether the de- 
cision is for or against trees — and upon the 
placing of them if it is the former. It seems 
contrary to almost sacred tradition to say a 
word which may be interpreted as actually 
against the use of trees; yet I feel that I must 
warn the suburban gardener in the very be- 
gining that there is a possibility of the negative 
decision being better In his particular case. 
A small place has its opportunities at best only 
through the most careful conservation of its 
restricted spaces; hence trees very easily may 
become an extravagance in that they use up 
more, proportionately, than they give. A very 
delicate balance between all the parts and 
features of such a garden must be established 
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