(CONCUSION).

IF we have succeeded in getting the ear of the landscape improver, by illustrating to the eye the effects of grouping, we have only now to add, that the study of the subject, to be effective, mast be combined with a certain amount of arboricaltural knowledge before the work is commenced. If we do not know the natural heights which each species attains, the first principle is wanting. Merely to group for the effect of the present year, by planting trees according to their respective heights in the nnrsery rows, would be attended with certain disappointment as the plants made progress; white the centre tree would scarcely grow in height, the outside ones might in two or three years overtop them, and throw them entirely out of sight Hence it is that the services of a landscape-gardener with this knowledge, is necessary to success, and hence it also is, that persons without this previous knowledge are always pretenders.

While groups may be made so very effective, even in small places, the greatest care, in a large scene, must be taken that irregularity of breadth be preserved in the glades or pastures, and that the dotting system be strictly avoided; by spotting groups equally all over a surface, repose is frittered away, and no breadth or varied expanses of lawn, which are so much to be desired, are shown.

The rarest and most interesting kinds of trees and shrubs ought to appear nearest to the road, walk, or mansion, or they might be otherwise overlooked. In a dressed border, efforts should be strenuously made to have shrubs and plants some of which will bloom at all seasons, and such should be selected that do not require much water, where the means of irrigation are not at hand.

As regards our final illustrations of grouping, Fig. 19 is far more in unison with two Spruce Firs, as they there appear, than if they were planted on the out* side of the whole of the Poplars, on account of their deeper tone; or a group of Spruce Firs or Larch (Fig; 20) with a Silver Fir or Cedar of Lebanon, is more in character than if either of the latter were placed on one side.

A large or massive group, composed of various trees, and of various heights and distances, with the most striking character blended inside, would produce an assemblage of varied outline and of natural loveliness (Fig. 21); but if a staple tree only, of striking character, were placed on one side of such a group - as, for instance, a Cedar of Lebanon, Scotch Fir, Austrian Fine, Spruce Fir, Larch, or Purplc Beech - the balance of beauty would be instantly destroyed.

This little essay on grouping and massing may perhaps convey some ideas to improvers, and give to those in possession of country places an impetus to a more extended study of the charming topic; possibly, too, it may induce others in possession of trees to give them artistic changes, affecting and beautifying their whole character for present and after time. The subject admits of much extension, but as brevity has to be studied in these pages, we give place at present to other topics.