The usual tendency is to plant much too closely.  Observe well-developed trees, and see how wide a space they require.  There is naturally an eager wish for shade as soon as possible, and a desire to banish from surroundings an aspect of bareness.  These purposes can, it is true, often be accomplished by setting out more trees at first than could mature, and by taking out one and another from time to time when they begin to interfere with each other’s growth.  One symmetrical, noble tree, however, is certainly worth more than a dozen distorted, misshapen specimens.  If given space, every kind of tree and shrub will develop its own individuality; and herein lies one of their greatest charms.  If the oak typifies manhood, the drooping elm is equally suggestive of feminine grace, while the sugar-maple, prodigal of its rich juices, tasselled bloom, and winged seeds, reminds us of wholesome, cheerful natures.  Even when dying, its foliage takes on the earliest and richest hues of autumn.

The trees about our door become in a sense our companions.  They appeal to the eye, fancy, and feelings of different people differently.  Therefore I shall leave the choice of arboreal associates to those who are to plant them—­a choice best guided by observation of trees.  Why should you not plant those you like the best, those which are the most congenial?

A few suggestions, however, may be useful.  I would advise the reader not to be in too great haste to fill up his grounds.  While there are trees to which his choice reverts almost instantly, there are probably many other beautiful varieties with which he is not acquainted.  If he has kept space for the planting of something new every spring and fall, he has done much to preserve his zest in his rural surroundings, and to give a pleasing direction to his summer observation.  He is ever on the alert to discover trees and shrubs that satisfy his taste.

During the preparation of this book I visited the grounds of Mr. A. S. Fuller, at Kidgewood, N. J., and for an hour or two I broke the tenth commandment in spite of myself.  I was surrounded by trees from almost every portion of the northern temperate zone, from Oregon to Japan; and in Mr. Fuller I had a guide whose sympathy with his arboreal pets was only equalled by his knowledge of their characteristics.  All who love trees should possess his book entitled “Practical Forestry.”  If it could only be put into the hands of law-makers, and they compelled to learn much of its contents by heart, they would cease to be more or less conscious traitors to their country in allowing the destruction of forests.  They might avert the verdict of the future, and prevent posterity from denouncing the irreparable wrong which is now permitted with impunity.  The Arnolds of to-day are those who have the power to save the trees, yet fail to do so.