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Ought masses of trees to be planted wholly of one species, or with an admixture of many? The question has been answered differently both in theory and in practice. "A forest of all manner of trees," says Mr. Ruskin, "is poor, if not disagreeable, in effect; a mass of one species of tree is sublime." We are not sure that this aphorism is not put too unconditionally, even in regard to a forest; certainly we should be inclined to dispute its validity as applied to pleasure-grounds and parks. Let the reader imagine a pleasure-ground exclusively filled with hollies, or a park adorned with Scotch firs alone. We are assured that the first feeling of the spectator would as likely be that of wonder as of sublimity, that the second would be one of oppressive monotony, and the third absolute weariness. Of course, this remark does not apply to clumps and subordinate masses, which may occasionally be planted of one species of tree. We make this admission, however, with some reserve; for, while in the park and pleasure-ground our aim should be that unity which consists in a harmony of diversities, we must guard against that bald and unsuggestive unity which degenerates into uniformity. Homogeneous masses of trees, it is to be remembered, are destitute of that pleasing variety of colour of which there are traces even in spring and summer, and which, as we have seen, comes out with such manifold beauty in the autumnal tints. We hold that evergreens, even in winter, are lightened and set off by the contrast of the deciduous trees with which they are intermingled, and in summer the harmonizing effects of the mixture are even more striking. We are disposed to think that in the park and pleasure-ground the fir tribe should never be planted alone and in separate clumps. We would

hardly allow them to amount to more than a third of the whole trees in the plantation, thickening them in some places, and blending and shading them off with the deciduous species in others. This is also a good method of planting firs when the surfaces of large masses of wood are to be seen at a distance. We beg the reader, however, to remark that we have been speaking of the ornamental grounds, not of the outfield woods or mountain forests.

In regard to the question, Ought masses of trees to be planted with one species only, or with an admixture of many? it is important to determine whether the masses in question are to be considered as viewed from without or from within. If they are to be contemplated from without, we hold that there should be always some admixture of kinds, to obviate that dull uniformity to which we have above alluded. If they are to be viewed from within, it cannot be doubted that a grove of unmingled oaks, or beeches, or elms, especially if the trees have attained the dignity of age, has a much finer and more imposing effect than a promiscuous gathering of all manner of trees. Even the surface of the ground and its smoother sward acquire in such circumstances a more attractive, because a harmonizing aspect. Planters are too apt to confine their regards to the external appearance of their work: they ought to remember that the plantations they are forming will, in the course of years, become tall woods, and perhaps groves, resorted to for seclusion and shade. This should be specially kept in mind towards the central points of their masses; and with this view they may surround these central points chiefly with one kind of tree. In extensive grounds a dozen or more of these central groves might

be formed prospectively, embracing all the principal deciduous, and some of the finer evergreen trees; while the outer margins of the masses and clumps, and all the parts rendered by their position conspicuous to the eye, might be dressed out in that gay variety which is essential to the beauty of a country residence as a whole. Thus the predominance of one tree will give a decided character to a mass, and the intermingled subordinates which may be gradually reduced in number, if desired, will relieve it of monotony and insipidity.

In relation to the subject of this chapter generally, we have in conclusion to remark, that no part of landscape-gardening is more neglected and misunderstood than the skilful management of trees, in the way of bringing out their ornamental value in respect to form and colour. Some artists of great name have declined this affair altogether, and, with necessarily very general directions, or even without any instructions at all, have delegated the work of distributing the trees to the forester or day-labourer. And proprietors are too ready to ask the designer to stake out the groups and clumps, and then to leave the planting to persons who probably have not the slightest conception of the effect desired to be produced. After a few years, perhaps, the artist goes back to survey his work, and finds that his groundoutlines have been carefully preserved, but probably discovers also that the grey poplar, with its airy form and silvery foliage, has been substituted for the robust and grave-tinted oak; or that the spiry, light-green, deciduous larch has taken the place intended for the rounded cone and dark-green colour of the Scotch fir. And yet his art or his skill in the exercise of it has to bear the blame of these errors ! It would be almost as

reasonable to expect a fine landscape painting were we to commission an artist to trace the outlines of the picture, and then to leave the colouring, the management of the lights and shades, and the filling up generally, to a house-painter, who undoubtedly can handle a brush as well as a forester or a day-labourer can wield a spade.

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CHAPTER VI.

PLANTING.

Preparation of the Ground; Trenching; Draining.—Roads through Plantations. Planting of Forest Trees.-Pitting.-Pruning.Thinning.-Transplanting Forest Trees.-Planting and Transplanting of Evergreens.

WE have already adverted to the importance of planting in the formation and improvement of parks and pleasuregrounds. In these interesting appendages of a country residence, the woods present a main element of beauty; and the degree of that beauty is greatly dependent on the healthy and luxuriant growth of the trees. With these facts in view, we shall offer some brief remarks on the planting, fencing, and after-management of plantations, confining ourselves, at the same time, to those subjects which have a close relation to the park and dressed grounds.

Preparation of the Ground.-This is a matter which has been much discussed, and has led to the expression of a variety of opinions. Some have thought that a very careful preparation of the land is indispensable; others would content themselves with draining, and the removal of furze and other impediments to the growth of the trees. Both these opinions will hold

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