Concerning a wonderful little study of a pollard willow which I sent him the other day, the professional painter writes this: "I don't recommend perfectly round trees. For composition's sake, break off at least one bough."
A hatchet, then, is an essential part of a landscape painter's equipment; but as I do not find it included in my catalogue, which is certainly very complete, it may be that there is some explanation of this hint which has escaped me. And Farmer Lavender would object. I know he would. Until I can communicate with my master I will leave perfectly round trees alone.
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After search I find that there are no perfectly round trees in this valley. I am therefore relieved of the necessity of injuring Mr. Lavender's pollards. I rejoice. But this shows how careful my master is. He knows the danger of the
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