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may now and then please from variety; but in general they come so
forward to the eye, and at a good distance in winter so much
resemble yew, holly, and the like gloomy and barren looking
trees, that they do a real injury to the soft and pleasing tints,
which result from the native stems, and which, from use, best
accord with the idea of thriving woodlands.
For these reasons, Scotch firs look best when they are seen in
large horizontal plantations, on low (or at least not high)
ground; when the front only is exposed to sight (hence their
depth backward imagined very great) and when the blue vapours of
an extended horizon are seen over their tops: in this case they
have a very grand effect, and form a fine dark contrast to the
pale and distinct features of the overlooking hills.
Those circular groups of trees called clumps, are oftener seen
than worthy of praise. They appear to have the best effect (if
they must be used) for near views, or when they are found in the
middle of a level open vale of fine lawn or meadow; but on the
sides of distant hills or mountains (where they are seen all
round) their appearance is truly paltry. The more smooth and
large these eminences are, the more improper this species of
ornament becomes; and, in short, I apprehend that the features of
a lady's face would scarcely be more injured by the mark of her
thimble, than the features of several hills would be by these
unnatural circles. At the same time, however, that we censure
this mode of decorating mountains, it may be proper to observe,
that if they be wholly covered with wood, or lightly interspersed
with single trees, the effect will be natural and pleasing.
But the most absurd decoration of these eminences in vogue, is a
few trees planted on their top, so that the whole boles of the
foremost ranks may be seen, down to their very roots. Trees, we
know, are chiefly the produce of the lower parts of the earth's
surface; and to see the roots of some above the heads of others,
as it were, tier above tier, is not
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