MIL

DATE DUE

UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTSjjS*

LIBRARY

SD
391
S8
1832

I

THE

PLANTER'S GUIDE;

/ OB.

A PRACTICAL ESSAY

ON THE BEST METHOD OP

GIVING IMMEDIATE EFFECT TO WOOD,

BY THE REMOVAL OP

LARGE TREES AND UNDERWOOD;

BEING AN ATTEMPT

TO PLACE THE ART, AND THAT OF GENERAL ARBORICULTURE, ON FIXED
AND PHYTOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES;

INTERSPERSED WITH

OBSERVATIONS ON GENERAL PLANTING,

AND THE

IMPROVEMENT OF REAL LANDSCAPE.
ORIGINALLY INTENDED FOR THE CLIMATE OF SCOTLAND.

By Sir HENRY STEUART, Bart.

LL. D. F. K.'S. E. ETC.

Imitetur ars Natnram, et quod ea desiderat inveniat, quod ostend it sequatur.

CiC. AD HERENN. III.

FIRST AMERICAN,
FROM THE SECOND LONDON AND EDINBURGH EDITION.

NEW-YORK:

PUBLISHED BY G. THORBURN AND SONS,

AND SOLD

BY WILLIARI THORBURN, NORTH MARKET-STREET, ALBANY, AND

J. B. RUSSELL, NORTH MARKET-STREET, BOSTON.

1832.

GEORGE p. SCOTT AND CO.
PRINTKKS, COKNEB OF ANN AND NASSAU STREETS.

TO

THE KING;<

THK MUNIFICENT AND LIBERAL PATRON OF ALL THE ARTS,

AND OF THE ART OF

CREATING REAL LANDSCAPE

IN PARTICDLAK,
IN WHICH ms MAJESTY HAS GIVEN

SO SPLENDID AN EXAMPLE IN HIS OWN PRACTICE,
STfjis ^Treatise,

BEING AN ATTEMPT TO APPLY

THE PRINCIPLES OF PHYSIOLOGY

TO

GENERAL AND PRACTICAL ARBORICULTURE,

IS APPnOPRIATELY AND RESPECTFULI.Y DEDICATED,

BY HIS MAJESTY'S

MOST FAITHFtTL SUBJECT AND SERVANT,

THE AUTHOR.

ADVERTISEMENT

TO THE AMERICAN EDITION.

In presenting this valuable work to the American public, the
publishers are actuated by an ardent desire to see the useful
principles so ably demonstrated by the intelligent author,
brought into successful operation in this country. On his
own property in Scotland, Sir Henry Steuart has aqcomphshed
the most wonderful changes, which appear more like the effects
of magical influence, than the ordinary application of means
which many possessed. His park contains about one hundred
and twenty acres, of great diversity of surface, and of various
soils, and in 1820, the entire number of trees of ancient stand-
ing, did not exceed between sixty and seventy : in that and the
following year, by means of the Transplanting Machine, he
added to his domain near seven hundred, which were scattered
singly, or arranged in clumps and masses of different kinds,
giving to the whole a rich and woody appearance. To produce
these astonishing effects, which at once convert the most tame
and uninteresting situations into a picturesque and glowing land-
scape, thereby anticipating forty years of a man's existence,
the expense can be but a very minor consideration : about
thirty pounds sterling per acre, or two hundred dollars may
be assumed here as a fair estimation.

IV

Iq Great Britain, this art may be presumed to be indispensa-
ble and invaluable ; but in a great portion of the United States,
the denuding propensities of the early settler has so constantly
maintained an exterminating war against those boundless and
magnificent forests which clothed the land from the rising to
the setting sun, and his relentless axe has so nearly swept away,
in the neighbourhood of towns and dweUings, those beautiful
creations of nature, which in other countries are objects of
affectionate interest, and cherished with feelings bordering on
veneration — indeed, to such a radical extent has this oblitera-
ting crime been carried, that it might be a question, whether
this art, for purposes of ornament, is not as necessary here as
in England.

To the wealthy and the man of taste this work may be safely
recommended as containing the best information on the subject
on which it treats.

G. THORBURN & SONS.

New-York, Sept. 1832.
67 Liberty-street.

PREFACE

TO THE FIRST EDITION.

It might at first eight appear a needless task to
undertake a formal treatise on an art, which al-
most all men practise, and profess to understand,
were it not for the fact, that so few practise it with
success.

The Removal of Large Trees, for pleasure or
use, is an art of great antiquity. As a branch of
arboriculture, it is well known to most modern
nations: but it has remained still longer than
agriculture, without any principles to regulate it,
as chemistry and physiology, till of late years,
have been confined to the recluse philosopher,
and are little studied or understood by the active
and the practical. I trust, however, that the time
is not far distant, when arboriculture like hus-

via

bandry, will engage the attention of some able
physiologist, and be thoroughly illustrated in all
its parts.

Meanwhile, it is the purpose of the present
essay to treat chiefly of "Giving Immediate Eflect
to Wood, by the Removal of Large Trees," and
to lay down the principles and explain the practice
by which that desirable object may be accom-
plished. In doing this, it is obvious, that the art
of General Planting must at the same time be
taught, as both, being governed by the same ge-
neral laws, should of course be practised on the
same known principles. In removing wood for
the purpose of creating real landscape, plants of a
large size are necessarily employed ; and, as such
materials are far more unwieldy, and more difficult
to manage, than those of ordinary planting, they
require far greater dexterity, as well as greater
science. If, then, it hold true in arboriculture, as it
does in logic, that " the greater necessarily com-
prises the less," it is probable that the rules of
general planting will in this way be more forcibly
impressed on the reader's mind, than if they were
studied in any other manner.

In order to render the Art of Giving Immediate
Effect to Wood as intelligible as possible, I have,

IX

in the following pages, considered it under three
general heads.

First : I have given a history of the art of re-
moving wood, from the earliest times down to the
present; from which it appears, that it has always
been vague and fortuitous, at variance with what
we know of the laws of nature, and the anatomy
of plants, and, for the most part, both unsuccessful
and expensive.

Secondly : I have attempted to discover some
plain and rational theory, founded in nature and
experience, for the guidance of the planter, and
which may tend to raise it to the rank of a useful
art.

Thirdly : I have endeavoured to deduce from
this theory such a practice as shall ensure success,
by in some sort precluding contingency ; and also,
to diminish the expense, by one half at least of the
present amount.

In attempting these objects, I trust, that I have
treated with due respect the opinions of preceding
writers. Where I have, from deliberate conviction,
been forced to differ from them, I have done it with
regret; being aware of the uncertainty, in which all
knowledge, on so obscure a subject as vegetable

2

physiology, must ever be held, and in which, al-
though much has already been brought to light, by
the patient industry of the philosopher, much, I am
persuaded, still remains to be investigated.

For the deficiencies of the present work I should
wish next to say something, by way of apology, as
I am conscious to myself how very greatly it stands
in need of it. The fact is, it was undertaken at
the desire of numerous friends, who approved of
my system, which I have ventured to call the
PRESERVATIVE, lu ordcr to serve as a manual for
their own practice. Accordingly, about eighteen
months since, the first section was written and
printed, in order to convince myself, as well as
others, that I was in earnest in undertaking the
task ; but it was soon after interrupted, and in the
end thrown aside, for other avocations. Within
these few months, the work was more seriously
resumed. Each section was thrown oflf as soon
as it was composed; and the consequence was,
that some omissions, which appeared prominent,
were to be supplied in the Notes, while others
were found too extensive to be in any way sup-
plied. As notes are not the most popular medium
through which information can be communicated,

XI

perhaps it will appear but a small countervail to
this statement to add, that most of the information
applicable to general planting is contained in them,
as well as that which relates to both horticulture
and agriculture.

In this condition of the treatise, I submit it,
imperfect as it is, to the candour of the reader ;
who, if he be a phytologist of research, or, still
more, a planter of experience, will appreciate the
difficulties which attend a new subject, and make
some allowance for the execution under such cir-
cumstances.

In respect to the practical part, I must own,
that, in treating it, I should have been disposed
to enter much less minutely into detail, had I
merely consulted my own judgment. But as those
friends most anxious for the book, cried out most
loudly for detail^ and insisted that it was impossible
to make it too copious^ I have, for the purpose of
gratifying them, introduced under this head so mi-
nute a statement of my own practice, that it may
probably be considered as more suitable to private
communication, or perhaps to oral discussion.

Presumptuous enough as I must appear to tlie
EngUsh planters, in venturing to believe, that I

Xll

could say any thing that is ncio^ on a subject so
famihar to them, or in reprobating some parts of
their system, which, in an evil hour, I have termed
the MUTILATING, I am not wilhng to add to my sins
in this way, by seeming also to supersede their
practice, and recommend something of my own,
which they may think much worse, in its stead.
The truth is, that for facility of execution^ and dis-
patch in tJie field, my method may be sufficiently
well calculated, in the limited scale of work which
I have found it expedient to adopt, and I may
therefore view it with a partial eye. But candour
obliges me to admit, that in some respects it is
inferior to the English system (for example, in
wholly rejecting the upright position of the tree);
and it would be unsuitable to the large and ex-
pensive style of work, which is often executed by
that ingenious and opulent people, and in some
instances with extraordinary success.

In these circumstances, then, it is proper to
declare, that the whole of the practical part of the
present work, and especially that which relates to
the taking up, transporting, and planting of trees
(that is, Sections VIII. and IX., and a part of
Section VII. also), has been composed solely for

XIU

the information of my own countrymen, and is
intended to suit the narrower designs, and more
limited means of the Scottish planters. Should
the great planters of England, therefore, honour
these pages with their notice, they will have the
goodness altogether to pass over these Sections,
as inapplicable to them, and to the greatly larger,
and more important style of their works.

In conclusion, I must be permitted to observe,
that the limited system, here advocated, stands
perhaps on as high ground, in respect of evidence
for its success, as any new theory ever brought
before the public. When the reader refers to the
able " Report of the Highland Society of Scot-
land," on the Woods at Allanton House (which
appears in the Appendix), and there finds the
mention of " feet and inches," as referring to the
height, or the girth of the trees, he will, of course,
reflect, that all size in the growth of plants is merely
relative, and is to be judged by their relative advan-
tages of soil and climate : Hence a shoot of two
or three feet long, which removed trees are found
to exhibit, in some of the openest exposures of
Lanarkshire, must correspond to six or eight feet
at least, in Hampshire or Devonshire, and so in
proportion, in other English chmates.

XIV

This being premised, I will beg leave, with beco-
minof deference, under the shelter of a well-known
name, and on a far higher topic, to put in my claim
to offer some practical proof in favour of my sys-
tem. When the late ingenious Dr. Kitchiner pub-
lished his scientific and excellent work, " The
Cook's Oracle," he broadly stated, that " It was
" the only English cookery book, written from the
" real experiments of a housekeeper^ for the heiieft
" of housekeepers. * * That he had not given
" one receipt that had not been proved in his
" own kitchen ; which had not been approved by
" several of the most accomplished cooks in the
" kingdom ; and had not, moreover, been eaten
" with unanimous applause, by a Committee of
" Taste, composed of some of the most illustrious
" Gastrophilists in the metropolis."

Now, although I sensibly feel how immeasur-
ably less interesting Arboriculture must be held
than Eating, or than what the Doctor learnedly
calls " the Science of Gastrology," yet I presume
to state, in imitation of so great an example, that
ihe present is one of the few English books on
Wood, which has been " written from the real
experiments of a planter, for the benefit of plant-
ers :" That I have laid down no rule, and recom-

XV

mended no practice, that has not been " proved in
my own park j" and of which the successful effects
have not been " witnessed and approved, by a
committee of both skill and taste, composed of
some of the most distinguished planters, in this
our ancient kingdom."

Allanton House,
29th November, 1827.

PREFACE

TO THE SECOND EDITION.

It is a singular circumstance, that the present
attempt, how imperfect soever it may be, appears
to have been the first made in our language, to
apply the principles of physiology to practical
arboriculture. Of writers who have treated vege-
table physiology as a science there is no want.
Of others, who have treated the art of planting
practically, there are still greater numbers; and
it shows in a striking point of view the neglected
state of planting as an important art, that none of
our distinguished chemists have as yet been in-
duced to furnish us with some popular manual of
arboricultural chemistry.*

* Like " The Elements of Agricultural Chemistry," by Sir H. Davy;
but it would require some acquaintance with wood, as well as knowledge
of science.

XV 111

Amidst this dearth of information for the use of
the young planter, and the extraordinary favour
with which the Essay has been received by the
pubUc, I have spared no pains to render the pre-
sent edition less imperfect, and more generally
useful than its predecessor. I have embodied in
the text as much of the matter of the notes and
illustrations, as could well be done, without in-
curring the imputation of prolixity; and I have
added as much to the latter, on the subject of
general pla?itmg, as could properly be introduced,
without seeming to deviate unreasonably into col-
lateral discussion. On the important topics of
different modes of planting ; on pruning ; trenching
and draining soils; preparing composts; raising
timber for the royal navy (including an examina-
tion of Mr. Withers's late plan for that purpose);
improving park scenery by new arrangements, &c.
short but separate disquisitions will be found, which
I trust will add to the value of the volume. How-
ever, the first edition will by no means be lost, as
it will usefully go to the gardeners and foresters of
former purchasers.

JNevertheless, I am well aware, that Notes and
Illustrations are not the fashion of the day, and
that nine persons in ten, who perused, perhaps

XIX

with interest the first edition of this essay, stopped
short at once, as soon as the diminished type of
the notes met their eye. In a word, characteristic
dullness and interminable prosing are supposed to
be inseparable from this species of composition.
These things I sensibly regret, because I believe
that the notes and illustrations form the hcst part
of the book, and will be found most useful to the
general reader. In fact, there was no other way,
unless by short separate disquisitions, that infor-
mation, on the various useful topics just now men-
tioned, could be conveyed.

Having said enough on the improvement of the
matter in this edition, I should wish to make a
few remarks on the probable progress of the art
under discussion. It is with great pleasure that I
observe the very general, and I may say universal,
assent which has been given, and especially in
England, where I least expected it, to the principles
laid down in the present treatise. From this two
things appear to be demonstrated ; first, the truth
and simplicity of those principles themselves ; and
secondly, the triumph which science, plainly de-
duced from the laws of nature, is sure to obtain,
over prejudice or ignorance, however rooted or
universal. Of the numerous persons of distinction,

XX

especially from the southern counties of England,
whom curiosity or incredulity has lately attracted
to this place, I believe there is not one, who has
not been both pleased and surprised with the
effects produced by the removal of wood of every
sort, and all seem desirous to rival them in their
own practice. But, as it appears to me, that there
are several circumstances which might retard the
progress of the art, and render the efforts of its
most zealous pupils abortive, I shall beg leave
shortly to state them, for the information of those
who may feel interested in its success.

In the first place, it is to be regretted, that
owing to the low condition of the art of planting
in general, whether of great trees or small, the
principles of phytology had not earlier been applied
to it. Like digging or ploughing, it is still apt to
be considered as a mechanical art^ and no scientific
investigation is thought necessary to illustrate or
to refTulate it. In Sections III. IV. V. VI. VII.,
I have done what I could to supply these defects ;
but no general effect appears to have been pro-
duced by it. Even the periodical reviewers, who
have bestowed on the work so much flattering
encomium, have not treated planting as an art
of science*

XXI

The second circumstance wliicli I shall mention,
is the want of knowledge in the selection of sub-
jects, as also in the preparation of the soil. What-
ever progress planters may have made in other
things, the important business of selecting sub-
jects is nearly as little known and appreciated by
them, as it was before the publication of this trea-
tise. x4.mong more than a hundred gentlemen,
and their gardeners or overseers, with whom since
that period I have conversed, all professing to
have studied, and many to have practised the art
with accuracy, not one appears to me to possess
the remotest idea of the principles of selection.

Of the preparation of the soil they seem to know
equally little ; and two only of the whole number
consider either the one or the other as attended
with any difficulty : Yet it is such preparative pro-
cesses that are the foundation and corner-stone
of the edifice to be raised, and the indispensable
conditions of the results contemplated. I find,
however, that the management of the roots has
much more seized the general attention, and that
particularly, the use of cutting round them, so as
to enlarge their fibrous developement, has been
greatly overrated. The common impression seems
to be, that when this operation (which is compara-

XXll

lively unimportant, and not always necessary) is
once performed with diligence, the planter is re-
leased from the task of studying any one of the
more useful branches of the preservative system.

The third and last circumstance, which I shall
notice, is the obtaining a proper stock of subjects;*
and that, I fear, is not deemed more difficult, or
more important than the proper selection of them.
Without a stock of trees of all sorts, commensu-
rate to the planter's wants, no one can reasonably
expect to create at pleasure a succession of real
landscapes ; because, for that purpose, trees in
every variety of form, such as exist at this place,
the high and the low, the massive and the light,
the spreading and the spiral, should be at the
absolute command of the designer. Gentlemen
peruse my book, where they find a certain theory
held forth. They perhaps visit the place, where
they are surprised to see their idea of the theory

* I know no one in this neighbourhood who has so large a stock of
beautiful subjects as Lord Morton, in the park at Dalmahoy. They are
all finely prepared hy nature, in consequence of the thinning system
adopted by his lordship's predecessor. The late lord used twice a week
to hunt a pack of small beagles over his plantations, from the time
they were six feet high ; and his rule for thinning, as he told me, was,
" to give himself full room always to ride through them." This was at
least a very sporting, if it was not a scientific, way of preparing his
materials.

XXIll

even surpassed by the practice. They then go
away with the impression, that there is nothing
so easy as an art, of which they do not think it
worth while to study the principles, or even to
provide themselves with materials for the practice.

Taking these plain facts and circumstances into
view, and that of the general notice which the
new art has attracted, it seems extremely probable
that the repute it has so suddenly acquired, may
eventually prove the cause of its own failure. Se-
duced by an account, however correct, of an
effective and rapid field practice, of which the
simplicity seems to equal the success of the exe-
cution, ignorant or superficial persons might be
brought to beheve that the latter is to be attained
without any trouble to themselves. Uneducated
foresters, or self-sufficient gardeners, might there-
fore, be set to work by them, to practise, or,
more probably, to improve upon the preservative
method; and thus what was begun in indolence
or ignorance, would, in all likelihood, end in vexa-
tion and disappointment. But it is to the imperfec-
tion of the system^ and not to their own unskilful-
ness, that such operators would be sure to ascribe
an unfavourable issue.

XXIV

In order to remedy, as far as may be, these evils,
whether present or prospective, I have, at the
desire of several English friends, endeavom'cd to
get the art taken up in a jjrofessional way, by
persons of good education, properly instructed.
Those persons, it is proposed, shall assume the
general name of ornamental planters, and be
competent to teach the art of " Giving Immediate
Effect to Wood," whether in principle or practice.
Each shall be attended by two skilful workmen or
operatives who have been trained at this place ;
and by visiting different parts of the island, as
their services may be required, both gentlemen
themselves and their gardeners will soon become
masters of a system, which, how carefully soever
it may be delineated in description, can never be
so thoroughly apprehended as by real practice.

Of such planters it is imagined, that two in
number might suffice, in the beginning. One
would, in all probability, find employment in this
kingdom, and in the northern counties of Eng-
land, in the parallel of Yorkshire; and 07ie more
in the districts south of the Trent, from which
my principal visitors have lately come. Care shall
be taken that the planters be instructed in the

XXV

anatomy of plants and vegetable physiology ; and
1 should be ambitious, that an acquaintance with
the execution as well as the principles of land-
scape, were added to those necessary acquire-
ments. This, it is conceived, would give to the
new profession somewhat of that interest and
elegance, which belong to all effects produced
chiefly by wood. It would throw a character in
some sort doubly creative over the whole under-
taking, as it would enable the artist to sketch
beforehand with his pencil such pictures, as he
could afterwards realize, with nature's materials,
according to the fancy of his employer. If no
adverse accident occur to obstruct this design,
I trust, that by the first week in January next, the
planters may be ready to proceed on their arbori-
cultural adventure, of which due notice will of
course be given in a public manner.

Meanwhile, his Majesty has been graciously
pleased to grant permission that this edition of
the work shall be dedicated to him. It is true,
that it was originally intended for " the climate of
Scotland;" but as the laws of nature, and such
systems as are deduced from them, are the same
in all countries, and in all climates, it is probable
that it may now be considered as an English book,

4

XXVI

To every reader, therefore, such a dedication will
appear peculiarly appropriate, as his Majesty is
the only prince in Europe who, to a correct taste
in the other fine arts, adds a perfect knowledge of
one that is truly indigenous and English. In a
former day, Lewis XIV., by the mere efforts of
physical force, drew about great trees in the vi-
cinity of Paris. In a happier age of arts as well
as institutions,* we may now hope to see a British
monarch, in the vicinity of Windsor, Give immediate
Effect to Wood on scientific principles, and thus
rival the great masters of design, in his creations
of real landscape.

* Rara temporum felicitate. — Tacit.

Allanton House,
10th October, 1828.

CONTENTS.

SECTION I.

UTILITY AND IMPORTANCE OF ARBORICULTURE. ART OF GIVING IMMEDIATE
EFFECT TO WOOD.

Planting extensively practised, but not scientifically studied in Scot-
land, page 41. — Importance of a Society, exclusively for the Im-
provement of Arboriculture, p. 44. — Origin of Landscape Gardening in
England. Kent — Brown — Price. Power of obtaining the Immediate
Command of Wood a desideratum in that art, p. 45. — Partiality to
Wood strong and Universal. Vast power of the Transplanting Ma-
chine. Eifects produced by it, at Allanton House, p, 47. — Great
utility of applying Physiological Principles to General Planting, p. 49.
— Inspection by the Highland Society, p. 50. — Real Landscape created
in the Park at Allanton, between 1816 and 1821. View in the Park
there, (Frontispiece), p. 52. — The art established on Fixed Princi-
ples, p. 53.

SECTION II.

HISTORY OF THE ART, FROM THE EARLIEST, DOWN TO THE PRESENT TIME.

Wood attentively cultivated by the Ancients. Theophrastus — Cato
— Varro — Columella, p. 55. — Landscape Painting unknown till the age
of Augustus. The Removal of Large Trees generally practised at
Rome. Pliny, the Younger Seneca, p. 55. — Comparison between the
Greek and Roman methods, p. 57. — Revival of the Art in Europe, in
the 17th century. Surprising achievements of Count Maurice of Nas-
sau. His splendid gardens in Brazil, p. 60. — Eiforts of the Germans
and French. Gigantic operations of Lewis XIV., p. 62. — The Art

XXVlll CONTENTS.

cultivated in England. Evelyn, Wise. Important Improvement by-
Lord Fitzharding. Idea of the practice of that period, p. (56. — Brown
invents the Transplanting Machine. Cursory Account of his Method,
p. 70. — Landscape Gardening first introduced into Scotland. Its pro-
gress in that country, and in Ireland. White, Robertson, Hayes, p. 72.
— Ingenious system of Boutcher of Edinburgh, p. 74. — Marshall the
best English Planter of that day. His superior method of Removing
Trees, p. 76. — Strictures of Miller, on the Lightening and Lopping
practice, p. 79. — Low state of the Art of Removing Trees in England.
Mason, Pontey, Forsyth. No Improvement down to the present pe-
riod, p. 80. — Splendid Horticultural Achievement of Dr. Graham of
Edinburgh, p. 81. — Progress of Landscape Gardening on the Conti-
nent of Europe, in France, Germany, Poland, Russia. Striking con-
trast between French and English tastes, p. 86. — Superior intelligence
of the Polish nobility. Frrderick II., Stanislaus, Czar Peter, p. 88.
— The Art in all countries vague and uncertain, and without a founda-
tion in Fixed Principles, p. 90.

SECTION III.

ATTEMPT TO SUGGEST A NEW THEORY, OR PRINCIPLE OF THE ART.

Superior merit of Miller as a Phytologist. His disapprobation of
the practice of transplanting trees, young or old, p. 92. — Objections to
the Removal of Large Trees stated and answered, p. 94. — Attempt to
discover a New Theory of the Art. Deduced from the laws that regu-
late Organic Creation, p. 97. — Striking analogy between the Animal
and Vegetable Kingdoms, p. 101. — Enunciation of the Proposition,
p. 102. — Characteristic distinctions between Sheltered and Exposed
Trees. Young Trees and Old impossible to be removed on similar
Principles, p. 103. — Surprising effects of Shelter and Exposure. The
Law of Nature on this subject. The Protecting and Non-Protecting
Properties, p. 104. — General Conclusions respecting the new Theory,
p. 107. — 111 success of General Planting, owing to a want of the know-
ledge of Scientific Principles, p. 110.

CONTENTS. XXIX

SECTION IV.

DEVELOPMENT A.ND ILLUSTRATION OF THE NEW THEORY, OR PRIN-
CIPLE.

Universal influence of Exposure and Shelter. History and progress
of Experiments to demonstrate this, p. 112. — Importance of the study
of Vegetable Physiology. Rank and precedency of the Four Protect-
ing Properties, p. 116. — I. Thickness and Induration of Bark. Idea
of the Double course of the Sap in Trees. Doctrine of its circulation.
Grew, Malpighi, De la Baisse, Du Hamel, Knight, Ellis, Keith. Strik-
ing effects of Heat and Cold, p. 118. — II. Girth and Stoutness of Stem,
p. 123. — III. Numerousness of Roots and Fibres, p. 125. — New Theory
of Tap-roots. Their j\nalogy to, and Coexistence with leading branch-
es, p. 127. — IV. Extent, Balance, and Closeness of Branches. Roots
and Branches relative and correlative. Curious Protection furnished
to the Colder sides of Trees, p. 129. — Largest-headed Trees resist the
wind the best, p. 133. — New Principle of reversing the Position of the
Branches on Removal. Great effect produced by it. Unfounded na-
ture of Prejudices against the practice, p. 135. — Idea of the Preserva-
tive, in contradistinction to the Mutilating method. Specimen of a
tree removed at Allanton House. Comparative view of the two Sys-
tems, as applied to Practice, p. 136.

SECTION V.

FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW THEORY. SELECTION OF
SUBJECTS FOR REMOVAL.

Selection of Subjects, the most difficult part of the Art. Good sub-
jects more numerous than is generally believed, p. 142. — Errors usually
committed by Planters. I. Want of a proper adaptation of Trees to
Soils. Illustrated by Cropping in Husbandry, p. 144. — The handsom-
est Trees alioays those that thrive the best, p. 145. — II. Taking Sub-
jects from Close Woods and Plantations, p. 145. — Effects of Climate
on Animals. Consequence of counteracting the LaAvs of Nature, p. 146.
— HI. Setting out too early into the open field. Fallacious Expectations
entertained respecting that practice, p. 147. — Striking Illustration by a
real Example. Theory of ill success. Close analogy between Ve-
getable and Animal life, p. 148. — Idea of a proper selection of Sub-

XXX CONTENTS.

jects. Difficulty of following Nature, in adapting the Protecting Pro-
perties. Importance of husbanding them, so as to produce the greatest
effect, p. 150. — Art of modifying the Effect of Heat and Cold on
Woods. Curious points of resemblance between Air and Water. —
Places the best laid out always the best sheltered, p. 151. — Fated con-
sequences of excluding Cold from full-grown Woods, p. 154. — Selec-
tion of Subjects for Underwood. New method of Bush-Planting in the
open Park. Protecting the plants not impossible. Pontey, p. 156. —
Best sizes of Trees for successful Removal, p. 157.

SECTION VI.

PRErARATION OK THE SOIL, FOR OPEN DISPOSITIONS OF TREES, AND
CLOSE PLANTATIONS.

Constituent parts of Soils, Sir H. Davy, Kirwan, Griesenthwaite.
Properties of the best possible Soil, p. 159. — Deep Soils particularly
favourable to Trees. Vast superiority of Park-wood in England, p. 160.
— Theory of the Melioration of Soils. Suq^rising changes worked by
Deepening and Pulverizing : by Comminution of the parts, p. 161. —
Water and Heat indispensable agents. Theory of Manures. Aeration
of Soils. Darwin, Davy, Thomson, p. 163. Superior merit and in-
genuity of Tull. Causes of the failure of his system, p. 166. Best
methods of Improving soils ; mainly by Intermixture, and following the
Chemistry of Nature. Great value of Lime and Peat-Moss. Disco-
very of Lord Meadowbank, p. 167. — Ingenuity and Science of the
Earl of Dundonald. Dung and Lime Composts seldom prepared with
accuracy. Sulphuric Acid an unfortunate Intermixture, p. 169. — Pre-
paration of Soils. I. For Single Trees and Open Dispositions of Wood.
Proper Composts for different Soils and Subsoils, for Immediate or Fu-
ture use, p. 171. — Preparation for Groups and larger Masses. Great
value of Trenching, or Double-digging, for promoting Growth, and
saving Expense, p. 175. — Its extraordinary Effects on Wood, in the
Park and elsewhere; on the Value of Land; in eradicating Rushes. —
Vast benefit of a twelvemonth's previous preparation, p. 177. — II. Pre-
paration for Close Woods and Plantations. Striking Economy of pre-
Tious Trenching. Subsoils far more important than Soils, in all Plant-
ing, p. 17SJ. — General view of British Subsoils, as favourable or unfa-
vourable to Wood, p. 180.

CONTENTS. XXXI

SECTION VII.

PREPARATION OF Tim TRKKS POR REMOVAL.

Preparation, the providing of the Protecting Properties. Great error
in supposing, that it relates solely to Roots. Importance of Exposure,
and letting Nature do her men work. Possession of the Protecting
Properties the most perfect state of Trees, p. 185. — 1st, Preparation
of Single Trees. Improvements on Lord Fitzharding's method. —
Methods suited to various objects, and various circumstances of Plants
and Soils, p. 188. — 2d, Preparation of Trees in Large Masses. Great
utility of Transplanting Nurseries, p. 192. — Belts and Clumps in the
style of Brown, furnish admirable materials. Mr. Thomas White.
Superior talents and ingenuity of that Artist. Mode of treating these
Materials, p. 194. — Style of forming the Nurseries. Successful exam-
ple from the practice at Allanton House, p. 195. — Cultivation of Trans-
planting Nurseries an Improvement, and in no view a Deterioration of
Woods, p. 198.

SECTION VIII.

TAKING-OP AND TRANSPORTATION OF THE TREES.

Superior management of Roots, according to the Preservative sys-
tem. Misapprehension of Marshall and others, p. 201. — Peculiar Im-
plements necessary to take up minute and fibrous Roots. The Tree
Picker, p. 202. — Instructions for the process of Taking-up. Injudicious
to hurry that nice operation. Immense importance of preserving the
Capillary Rootlets. Danger in leaving Roots long uncovered. Re-
markable difference in the habits of Trees, p. 202. — Raising the Tree
from the Pit, and great Improvement in the process, p. 206. — Idea of
the Transplanting Machines knovni in Europe. Superiority of Brown's
Machine, for Dispatch and Park-practice, p. 208. — Machining the Tree.
The Machiner's, a duty of nicety and difficulty. Details of the opera-
tion, p. 209. — Machiner acts as Steersman. Tree drawn out of the
pit, and Balance-men sent to the Top, p. 212. — Delineation of the Ma-
chine in Motion, on the Balancing principle. Third Wheel unneces-
sary, unless for very hea\-y work, p. 213. — Transportation sometimes
exposed to dangerous accidents. Account of an extraordinary one,
p. 214. — Light Improved Machines recommended for Park-practice;

XXXn CONTENTS.

also an experienced Maker near AUanton House. Two Machines most
desirable, p. 215. — Description of Three Sizes. Diagram. Specifi-
cation of the Large-sized Machine used at Allanton, p. 218. — Of the
Small-sized, p. 222. — Of the Intermediate-sized, p. 224. — Transporta-
tion of Underwood. Little difficulty attending it, p. 226. — Machines
sufficiently large for the use of Scotland, p. 227.

SECTION IX.

PLANTING OF THE TREES IN THEIR NEW SITUATIONS.

Great importance of moving slowly along the ground. Shallow plant-
ing earnestly recommended, p. 229. — Director of the Work. Judgment
to be shown by him, in reversing and bringing the proper side of the
tree to windward. Only way, in which Art can greatly improve the
beauty of Woody plants, p. 230. — Easy method of attaining accuracy
in placing Trees, p. 231. — Further details of the Planting, p. 232. —
Bolstering up of the Roots. Method of Forming the Retaining-Bank.
Use of Props and Supports entirely superseded, p. 236. — Nicety and
difficulty of the process of Distribution. Handlers and Coverers.
Particular detail of this process, p. 238. — Importance of bringing
about a Gradual Subsidence of the mould not generally understood.
Decalcation of the Mould unadvisable, until the Covering be finished,
p. 241. — Great difficulty in getting these operations performed leisurely
enough. Not easily apprehended by verbal description, p. 243. — Suc-
cess of the Preservative System mainly dependent on the Retaining-
Bank, and preserving the Fibres undisturbed. Superiority of the Sys-
tem. No Tree ever blown down at Allanton House ; Deaths one in
Forty, and Five-and-forty ,p .244. — New method of Composing Under-
wood, for Close or Ornamental Plantations, p. 245.

SECTION X.

TREATMENT OF THE TREES SUBSEQUENTLY TO REMOVAL.

Singular utility and importance of Afterwork. I. For Open Dispo-
sitions of Wood. "Shows," the best Covering for Trees. Levelling
and dressing the Surface. Graceful Shape of the Ground in prominent
situations to be studied, p. 248. — Management of the Shows round
Trees. Keeping the ground with the Hoe not necessary : better prac-
tice recommended for Park-wood, p. 251. — Sheep the most beautiful

CONTENTS. XXXlll

and useful .Stock for a i*ark. Defences against ihein usually liidcous,
as well as expensive. Efncient and economical Plan of a Guard lor
Trees, p. 253. — Watering during the first season an indispensable part
of Afterwork. Water-Oart, p. 257. — Backwardness in the (irowth of
Trees, an obscure subject, little understood by I'lanters, p. 259. — New
mode of remedying that evil. Panacean Compost. Juices from the
Dunghill, p. 260. — Causes of Backwardness, a subject of great interest
to the General Planter. Five causes that may probaidy contribute to
it. Remarkable, that nearly all of them bear reference to the First
year after Removal, p. 263. — Method of Setting Straight Trees in the
second and third season. Propping or Supporlmg them quite unknown
in the Preservative System, p. 269. — II. Afterwork for Close Woods
and Plantations. Immense advantage of Creating a Superior Climate,
p. 271. — Other details of Management. Transferred Woods after two
years equal to ordinary Plantations of Five-and-Forty. In the Park
at Allanton, the Removed Woods decidedly the most healthy and vi-
gorous, p. 272.

SECTION XI.

EXPENSE ATTENDING THE FOREGOING OPERATIONS.

Expense of the Preservative method unfairly exaggerated. One of
its chief objects to lessen the expense, p. 275. — I. Examples drawn
from my own practice. Expense of Preparation in various ways,
p. 276. — Of Taking-up, Transporting, and Planting. Example of the
cost of transferring a Tree from 15 to 18 feet high. Of another from
25 to 30 feet, p. 279. — Example of work executed at Allanton House,
between 1816 and 1821, delineated in the Frontispiece, p. 281. Ano-
ther example, in wooding an Entrance-Gate. Description of the ground.
New plan of External Planting recommended, so as to produce Pictu-
resque Effect in Park-Entrances, p. 283. — Example of wooding Two
Acres, as seen by the Highland Society, p. 286. — Comparative view of
the cost of wooding a Promontory, by means of the Machine, and by
the Common method of Planting, p. 287. — II. Examples drawn from
the practice of others. Expense of Removals, made by James Smith,
Esq. of Jordanhill, p. 289.— By John M'Call, Esq. of Ibroxhill, p. 292.
— By Robert Watson, Esq. Banker in Glasgow, p. 293. — By Mr. James
Hamilton, Overseer to Sir Charles Lockhart, Bart. p. 294. — By Wil-
liam Elliot Lockhart, Esq. of Cleghorn, M.P., p. 296.— By Sir Walter
Scott, Bart, of Abbotsford, p. 298. — Ascertained Expense of transfer-

5

XXXIV CONTENTS OF NOTES.

ring Trees and Underwood, on the Preservative principle, at Allanton
House, p. 301, — Planting, together with the other Arts, undeniably de-
rived from the South, p. 302. — Art of Removal in both countries still
a matter of Physical Force, and needless labour, p. 302. — Cursory de-
lineation of the English Method. Expense reduced, in any case, lo
the one-half, and often less, by the Preservative System, p. 303.

CONTENTS

OF THE PRINCIPAL

NOTES AND ILLUSTRATIONS.

POSTSCRIPT.

Apology by the Author, for not adding to the work a " Review of
British Forest Trees," p. 307. Landscape Gardening important to the
art of giving Immediate Effect to Wood. Employment of professional
men most advisable. Low state of this elegant art in Scotland, p. 308.
— Examination of the question, "Whether Country Gentlemen be the
best Landscape Gardeners for their own places 1" W alpole, Sir Uve-
dale Price, and Sir Walter Scott advocates for the affirmative. Strong
reason* why the opinion is fallacious, p. 309. — Common error of even
superior men to mistake Taste for Skill. The possession of Skill in
every case indispensable. Example of Sir Uvedale Price, and Mr.
Payne Knight, p. 310. — Merits of the Question shortly stated, p. 311.

SECTION I.

Note I. Limited extent of Arboricultural Knowledge in Scotland.
Two Anecdotes respecting it, p. 315. — Note. II. Importance of es-
tablishing a Scottish Arboricultural Society. Miserable condition of
the Nursery business. No Science in Nurserymen. Want of it in the
Landholders the efficient cause, p. 317. — Note. — III. Origin of Land-
scape Gardening in England. Fine idea of it given by Milton. Bacon,
Kent. First places laid out by him, p. 319. — Note. IV. High merit of
Sir Uvedale Price, in improving the present taste. Loudon's " Improve-

CONTENTS OF NOTES. XXXV

ment of Country Residences." Pontcy's " Rural Improver." General
Reformation in Landscape Gardeners, p. 320. — Note. V. Utility of the
Art, in wooding the open Grounds of a Great City. Example of Edin-
burgh. Oj)portunity from Lord Moray's late Park lost, never to be
recalled. Possibility of at once wooding the Scottish Acropolis, p. 321.

SECTION II.

Note. IIL The Art of Landscape Painting unknown to the Ancients.
Not a Picturesque description in all Homer or Virgil. Ludius in the
time of Augustus, the first Landscape Painter. The elder Pliny's
Account of the Art, p. 323. — Note X. The younger Pliny's two gar-
dens. His descriptions of them might serve for those in the time of
King William HI. Cherries raised in Britain, before the time of Julius
Caesar, p. 325. — Note XI. Excellent imitation, by Caspar Barlaeus,
of the style of Tacitus, p. 326. — Note XII. Idea of Le Notre, the
favourite Garden-Architect of Lewis XIV. Causes of the paramount
ascendency of his genius in France. Taste in Gardening all over Eu-
rope still swayed by it. Great Britain excepted, p. 327. — Note XIII.
High Literary Character and Controversial powers of Sir Uvedale
Price. His severity towards Brown and Kent probably carried too far,
p. 328. — Note XIV. Anecdote of the late Earl of Abercorn, p. 328. —
Note XVI. Horticultural Achievement of Dr. Graham of Edinburgh.
Trees and Bushes removed by him, 330. — His success greater with
Exotics, than with Park Wood. Radical difference between Horticul-
tural Transplanting, and Transplanting in the Open Park. Idea of his
having anticipated the Preservative System unfounded, p. 332. — Note
XVII. English Gardening carried to Poland. Princess Czartoryski's
meritorious Treatise on the Art. — Loudon's curious picture of Polish
manners, and of a Royal Park, during the reign of Stanislaus, p. 333.

SECTION III.

Note I. Examination of the question, " Whether Plantations should
be raised from the Seed, or by means of Removed Plants ?" Marshall's
specious method of settling it, p. 335. Miller, Evel3m, Emmerick,
Speedily, Nicol, Sang, Pontey, variously advocate the question, p. 336.
— Dr. Yule's opinion in favour of Sowing. Sentiments of the author
of the Encyclopedia of Agriculture. Decisive Experiments by For-
syth, Summing up of the argument, in favour of Planting, p 337. —
Note II. The Mutilating System strongly reprobated by Miller. In-

XXXVl CONTENTS OF NOTES.

controvcrtilile argiimpiits an^aiiisl it, from both Theory and Practice,
p. 338. — Note TV. Spt'culaliou on Heat in Trees. Experiments of
distinffiiished Chemists — Ruohert, Senebicr, Woodward, Sclioppctt,
Ingenhoutz. Thermometers kept in Trees by Jolm Hunter, p. 340. —
Note V. Illustrations of the Analogy between Animal and Vegetable
life, in the effects of Heat and Cold. Coach or Race-horse within
doors and without ; INIusk Ox of Melville Island ; Kamtschatka Mam-
moth ; Elephant ; African Negro. Trees under the Torrid Zone,
p. 341. — Note VII. Examination of the opinion of English Planters,
that "Old Trees and Young possess similar properties; therefore, they
should be removed on similar principles." Marshall, Author of the En-
cyclopedia of Agriculture. His general practical rule irreconcilable
with good science, p. 342. — Conclusive Experiments by Miller, p. 345.
— Note VIII. Curious examples of Trees laying aside, and requiring
the Protecting and Non-Protecting Properties. The former always
more slowly acquired than the latter, p. 345.

SECTION IV.

Note I. Malpighi, a native of Bologna ; flourished in the middle of
the 17th century. Grew, an eminent physician, his contemporary, and
father of English Phytology, p. 347. — Note II. History of the Circu-
lation of the Sap. Curious adaptation of it to the Circulation of the
Blood in Animals. Hedwig, Costi, Wildenow, Keith. Mr. Knight's
ingenious hypothesis. Scepticism of Mr. Keith unconquerable, p. 347.
— Note III. Introsusception of Food not confined to Plants. Men,
in certain cases, receive their sustenance by that means, as well as
Vegetables, p. 349. — Note IV. Erroneous to suppose that Trees are
without the power of Renewuig their Taproots. Yule, Sang. For-
syth's judicious Experiments to prove the fact, p. 350. — Theory by Mr.
Knight, of the effects of Gravitation on both Branches and Roots.
Probably unfounded. Du Hamel, Knight. Ingenious Paper by Mr.
Keith, to disprove the Theory, p. 350. — Note V. Disquisition on
Pruning. Sang, Pontey, Loudon. Errors of Pontey's System. —
Rash and dangerous, unless controlled by Science. — Ingenious inquiry
by Loudon, into the safe, as well as injurious uses of Pruning, p. 354.
— Idea of the best Principles of the Art. Superior Excellence of
Terminal Pruning, p. 356. — Note VII. Good idea of regulating Arbo-
ricultiiral processes by Fashion, p. 359. — Severe effect of the Western
Gales on Park-wood. New remedy, by balancing Trees, and Revers-
ing the position of their Windward and Leeward sides, p. 360. — Note

CONTENTS OF NOTES. XXXv'u

VIII. Antiquity of tlie prejudice of preserving the same position of
Trees on Removal. Thcophrastus, Cato, Columella, Palladius, Virgil,
Wise, Cook. Good sense of Pliny reprobated by Evelyn, and con-
firmod by Miller. Prejudice continued down to the present period,
p.3Gl.

SECTION V.

Note I. Vast importance of a judicious selection of subjects.
Success or Miscarriage always regulated accordingly. If injudiciously
selected, all advancement is retarded, until the Deficient Properties be
supplied. Various illustrations of this uniform principle, p. 364.

SECTION VI.

Note I. Chemical Opinions respecting Soils. Fourcroy, Hassen-
fratz. Young. Bergman's idea of the best possible soil. — Analysis by
Sir H. Davy, of the Soil at Sheffield Place, p. 366. — Note III. Lord
Meadowbank, one of the greatest benefactors to the British Farmer, as
well as Arboriculturist. Improvement on his Method of preparing Ma-
nure from Peat. Details of the new Process, p. 367. — Moss-Compost
prepared with Lime, according to Lord Dundonald's method. Pecu-
liarly valuable, in procuring Cheap Manure, without encroaching on the
Farmyard, p. 368. — Note IV. Great Improvement made in the com-
mon mode of Trenching or Double-digging. Three spits deep recom-
mended, instead of Two, and no Shovellings. Particulars of this
Method, as practised at Allanton House. Greater Depth, and greater
Comminution of the parts obtained by it, p. 37L

Mr. Withers's Two Pamphlets.

First Pamphlet ; Great power of Trenching and Manuring, to acce-
lerate the Growth of Wood, and the return to the Planter.* System
not new ; well known to the ancients, and to every modem nation ; fa-
miliar to myself forty years ago, p. 372. — Important for particular pur-
poses, but not adapted to General Planting, p. 373. — Unfounded and
erroneous in Mr. Withers, to call the Pitting method of Planting "the

* The Title of the Pamphlet is ; "A Memoir addressed to the .'Society for the encou-
ragement of Arts, &c. on the Planting and Rearing of Forest Trees, demonstrating the
necessity of Trenching Ground, &c., and the powerful and proiitable Eflects of Ma-
nure."—Second Edit. London, 1826.

XXXVIU CONTENTS OF NOTES.

Scotch Si/slem.''' Long known to, and practised by every other nation
in Europe, down to the present time, p. 374.

Second Pamphlet; Improvement of the Royal Forests, and raising
Superior Timber for the Navy ; — in a Letter to Sir Walter Scott, on
certain " Fundamental Errors," committed by that distinguished writer,
in his able Essay "on the Planting of Waste Land," p. 37G. — Eggre-
gious blunders of Mr. William Billington, Surveyor General of 11,000
acres of the Forest of Dean; also in following "the sujjposcd Scotch
method," p. 377. — Condemnation of Mr. Withers's plan, by all planters
of experience, for general purposes. Fitted to give a speedy return of
Marketable Timber, but nothing more, under certain circumstances, 378.

Main question examined ; namely, the Effects of the Trenching and
Manuring system, on the Quality of Timber for ships of war. Shown
from the well-known laivs affecting growth in Woody Plants, that in-
stead of improving, it would sensibly deteriorate all Timber, and espe-
cially the Oak. Various illustrations of this doctrine. Argument re-
solved into six Practical Conclusions, founded on Phytological Princi-
ples, and supported by Facts, p. 379. — Clearly demonstrated, that Sir
Walter Scott has committed no "Fundamental Errors," but that such
Errors have been committed by Mr. Withers himself, p. 383. — Low and
unsettled state of the Art of Planting on Scientific Principles. Billing-
ton, Loudon, p. 384. — Messrs. Pontey and Withers, being too much
occupied with the Bulk of Timber produce, altogether overlook its So-
lidity and Durability, p. 385.

Note V. Successful method of eradicating Rushes. If proceeding
from Underground Water, to be effected by regular Draining ; if from
Tenacity of Soil or Subsoil (the worst cause), by Deep Trenching,
p. 385. — Details and Cost of the process, under various circumstances,
p. 386. — Curious fact, that Deep Trenching will render wet land dry,
and dry land moist, for any useful purpose, p. 387.

SECTION VIL

Note L Mr. Thomas White, the celebrated Landscape Gardener.
His Manners and Character, p. 390. — He purchases Land, on an Arbo-
ricultural speculation. Price of the Estate in 1770, L. 750. He plants
almost the whole of it. Yearly Return from the Wood in 1810, L. 600 ;
in 1815, from Larch-bark alone, L.400; and from the Entire Woods,
L. 1000! Vahie of the whole Wood on the Estate in 1826, had it been
to be cut down, L. 30,000!!! Circumstances stated on the best au-
thority, p. 391.

CONTENTS OF NOTES. XXXIX

SECTION VIII.

Note I. Apolojjy to the critical Reader, for New Words introduced
into the details of a New Art, p. 393. — Note II. Machine of Brown
borrowed from the " Janker" of the Wood-merchant. Idea of a New
Machine, for Trees of great magnitude, with Four Wheels ; two six
feet, and two eight feet high, p. 394.

SECTION X.

Note I. "Shows," or the Refuse of Flax, at the Flaxmill, an admi-
rable Thatch for Cottages. Method of preparing and applying it. —
This covering advisable, where roofs are exposed externally to risk
. from Fire, p. 395. — Note II. New method of Manuring Orchards and
Fruit-borders, on the principle of the Panacean Compound, prepared
with either Dung or Lime. Directions for the Execution, p. 396. —
Note III. Useful Mode of preserving and applying the Juices of the
Dunghill as a Manure. Pit with metal pump ; Water-Cart for Trees
in the Park. Peat-moss in tliis way decomposed effectually, p. 398.

SECTION XI.

Note I. Disquisition on Park-entrances. Usually dull and uninterest-
ing things. Plan for their Improvement by Open Wooding, and giving
them Foreground, Consequence, and Picturesque Effect, p. 400. — De-
tails of the Plan ; peculiarly adapted to English Places. Deserving of
being brought into Fashion, as it surmounts all obstacles, and conceals
all deformities at the least possible expense. View of the Entrance
Gate to the Park at Allanton House, from the West, p. 401. — Note
II. Advantages of wooding, by means of the Transplanting Machine,
considerably underrated. No other method of obtaining a profusion of
Park-wood, unless by planting the Entire Surface, p. 402. — Note III.
Further evidence of the great utility of Watering, in 1826. Success of
the First year always the most important to Transplanted Wood, p.
403. — Conclusion, p. 404.

APPENDIX.

Report of the Committee of the Highland Society of Scotland, ap-
pointed to inspect the Woods at Allanton House, p. 409, et seqq.

PLANTER'S GUIDE.

SECTION I.

IMPORTANCE OF ARBORICULTURE, AND OF ESTABLISHING
IT ON SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES. ART OF GIVING IMME-
DIATE EFFECT TO WOOD.

There is perhaps no epithet, by which the inhabitants of
the Northern Division of this Island, in the present day, can
be more appropriately distinguished, than that of a "Plant-
ing Nation," or, to speak with more correctness, a '•' Nation of
Planters." All men now plant, who are possessed of land-
property, from the wealthy citizen with his villa of an acre,
to the powerful baron with his park of a thousand acres ;
each according to the extent of his surface, and the measure
of his ability.

The vast sums which are annually laid out on this useful
and ornamental object, would exceed belief, if fairly estimated,
considering the limited wealth of the country, compared with
that of England. Yet of trees the Scottish land-owner for
the most part knows little, although he may possibly know
as much as his English neighbours : but, like them, he lays
out his money freely on the work, however executed, conceiv-
ing, and with justice, that he has done a great thing, if not
for himself, at least for his posterity. Unacquainted with
the history, properties, and culture of trees, he naturally

6

42

enough sees with tlie eyes, and hears with the ears of his
gardener ; and, as the gardener, ninety-nine times in a hun-
dred, knows nothing himself, it is " the bUnd leading the
blind," in this important branch of rural economy. Some-
times the forester is the operating person, which is still more
unfortunate ; for this is generally a mere lopper and cutter
of wood. In ordinary cases, he is much worse educated
than the gardener, with equal pretensions as to arboriculture,
and equal ignorance.

On the gardeners of Scotland it is not here intended to
throw the sUghtest reflection, unless for wandering out of
the line of their own profession. They are a class of men,
possessed of superior intelligence, as well as su})erior respect-
ability. They have done great honour to their native coun-
try, both at home and abroad. But this very intelligence
should prevent them from engaging in a department, for
which they know they cannot have leisure, if they duly cul-
tivate their own, but w hich is often put upon them by the in-
dolence, and still more by the ignorance of their employers.

The fact is, that of all land-produce Wood is the least
studied and understood by the land-owners themselves, and,
by consequence, the worst managed. To all estates this
subject must be of some value ; to many it is of vast and
vital importance, involving the interests of more than one
generation ; while to others it is the principal and paramount
source of their revenue. In an age, therefore, when every
thing useful and ornamental l^ecomes the subject of scientific
investigation, and general study, it seems singular, that arbo-
riculture should be at once so universally practised, and the
physiological principles, which regulate it, so generally un-
known.

The lords of the soil in this kingdom have, from time im-
memorial, been good sportsmen. Of late, they have become
knowing agriculturists and cattle-breeders ; and, as the tide
of fashion ha^ not long since set in from the south, in favour

43

of the occupation List mentioned, and flowed even to fnlness,
so we may hope, that the knowledge of wood will ere long
have its turn. Who, the most speculative, forty years since,
could have anticij)ated, that the pedigree, form, and fat of
sheep and bullocks shouki, in the present day, have become
an interesting study with the gay and the fashionable?
By a revolution in things as unexpected, we may conceive
it possible, that a little botany and vegetable physiology,
together with a thorough acquaintance with planting and
arboriculture, may at length engage the attention of those,
who are most interested in their success. Probably it will be
found that no nobleman or gentleman will make a w'orse
sportsman, a less scientific farmer, or a less successful cattle-
dealer, for having some conversancy with wood, or being able
to detect the ignorance of his own gardener or forester ; and,
should a knowledge of painting, or the principles of land-
scape be added, their elegant and attractive character will
surely not derogate from these more popular acquirements.

Trees are, without doubt, the most beautiful objects that
adorn the surface of the earth. They are nearly the most
important production of the vegetable kingdom to civilized
man. Without trees, the mountains and the plains, the
lakes and the rivers would want their brightest ornament ;
and without them also, the most useful and the most elegant
arts would be destitute of materials. Nature, in the begin-
ning, bountifully supplied the earth with trees and forests ;
but a large proportion was necessarily cleared away, to admit
of the cultivation of the earth. In process of time, as the
wants of men multiplied, forests were cut down, and industry
became indispensable, in order to furnish a supply. Hence,
the planting and rearing of wood and timber-trees for that
purpose, is one of the most important arts which can excite
the attention and exercise the skill of a polished nation, and
one especially, whose existence may be said to depend on the
paramount superiority of its naval force.

44

It if^ a subject of regret that the art of planting in Britain
has not hitherto been cultivated on principles of science. It
seems surprising that the nation, to which the world is prin-
cipally indebted for the application of physiology and chemis-
try to agriculture, should never have thought of applying
those sciences to wood, and the Britisli planters should still
be as completely unacciuainted with the nature and anatomy
of plants, as they were in the days of Evelyn and Cooke. In
fact, their ignorance would seem portentous and incredible,
were it not proved by daily experience.* Thus planting is
still regarded by many as a secondary branch of horticulture,
unworthy of being separately treated, or attentively studied.
By the institution of societies, where experiments are care-
fully recorded, and general conclusions deduced from well-
authenticated facts, agriculture, within the last thirty years,
has assumed a more regular form and character ; and horti-
culture, by the same laudable means, promises ere long to
rise to the rank of this her elder sister. We may, therefore,
reasonably expect, that the time is not far distant, when
arboriculture, being of the same family, will at length share
the same distinction ; that it will be taken out of ignorant
hands, and engage the attention of the ingenious, and the
scientific. It is to our southern neighbours that we have
been indebted for our knowledge of most of the useful and
elegant arts. Let us, in this instance, take the lead ourselves ;
and, by instituting a society for the improvement of
ARBORICULTURE EXCLUSIVELY, endcavour, in that depart-
ment, to repay them some portion of those weighty obligations.

It must be acknowledged by every one, who has attended
to the subject, that arboriculture is the art the most truly neg-
lected in our whole rural management, and that it can never
flourish, unless it be studied as a separate profession.
Standing, as it certainly does in this country, next in rank

*NoTE I.

45

and consequence to agiiciilture, it will not do as an append
age to any society whatever, not even to the Highland, or
Great National Society for the Encouragement of Arts and
Manufactures in Scotland. But, were it fortunately placed
under a separate and intelligent patronage, the fruits of so
judicious an arrangement would ere long become apparent.
Well-informed land-holders, useful foresters, and scientific
nurserymen would speedily rise up, under the fostering influ-
ence of such a society. Facts as well as principles, which
are now known only to the studious phytologist, would be-
come familiar to all, whether owners of woods, or those
engaged in their superintendence ; and, while the properties
of individuals were gradually rendered more productive, a
great accession would be made to the general wealth and in-
telligence of the country.*

Gardening in its highest sense, or the art of creating or
embellishing rural scenery, has, within the last century, been
carried to considerable perfection in Britain, and has added
one more to the number of the fine arts. It was first struck
out by the genius of Kent, in the beginning of the last cen-
tury, after having been long before imagined by Bacon, and
finely delineated by Milton.t Subsequently, the art was
assiduously cultivated by Brown, Repton, and others of that
school, although not altogether on principles such as should
have regulated it; and it is now nearly perfected, by the
more correct judgment of Price, Knight, and Loudon.
Whatever there was of unnatural or formal, whether bor-
rowed from antiquity, or contrived by modern designers, is
now banished from the English garden. The professors
themselves of his own school have all followed Repton, in
tacitly acknowledging the improvements of the age, and in
advancing the public taste. 1

According to these enlightened principles, places and

* Note II. f Note III. t Note IV.

46

parks, whctlicr okl or new, are now laid out. Where woods
have stood for centuries, taste and skill have done much to
display, and even improve their effects ; and incredible labour
and expense have been dedicated to the planting of new re-
sidences, where another age only can see the ideas of the
owners realized. Nothing seems wanting to this charming
art, but some successful method of giving a Speedy Effect to
Wood^ and of bringing the enjoyment of it, in some sort,
within the lifetime of the planter., that is, giving it at once
a magnitude sufficient for picturesque purposes.

Wood must ever be the grand and effective material of
real landscape. Over the other materials of picturesque
improvement the artist has comparatively little control. —
With earth he cannot do much : rocks are by far too ponde-
rous for his management ; and water can be commanded,
only in certain situations and circumstances. But trees or
bushes can be raised any where ; and there is no situation
so utterly hopeless, as not to be capable of considerable beauty,
from wood planted abundantly and judiciously. In a coun-
try, then, like Britain, where every luxury is purchased at
so high a price, it may appear surprising, that some certain
method of obtaining the Immediate Command of Wood,
should still be a desideratum in its ornamental Gardening.

Few men begin to plant in earl}^ life, and what is long
deferred, many, for that reason, omit to do altogether. He,
who inherits or acquires a land-estate, is usually desirous to
shelter and embellish it. The soldier or the merchant, the
statesman or the lawyer, after a life spent in honourable
exertionj generally retires to rural scenes, as capable of
furnishing the most unmixed enjoyment to the decline of
life. To view nature in the rich garb, with which taste and
ingenuity now invest her, is always pleasing : but, as it is
far more delightful to create than to contemplate, so it often
happens that finished places, where scarcely any thing more
is to be done, are not always sought after, by the active and

47

the wealthy. New sites, tlieiefoic, are fieciucntly piefened
to improved residences, at wliicli the mansion is yet to be
built, the farm to be improved, and the park laid out and
planted. All feel the pleasure of contriving their own ac-
commodations, and imagining and composing their own
landscapes ; and they look forward with delight to the timC)
when they may witness the full accomplishment of the latter,
by the wood arriving at maturity. By the planter himself,
however, a gratification so exquisite can hardly be expected ;
and that discouraging idea cannot fail in some degree to cool
his ardour, and damp his enjoyments.

To such persons especially, and to all men possessed of
land-property, the Immediate Effect of Wood must appear a
considerable object, if any method can be devised to obtain
it with success and certainty. What, then, would such
persons say, were they informed, that so obscure a practice
as that of transplanting could do this ; that an entire
park could be thus wooded at once, and forty years of hfe
anticipated ? The fact is, that the possibility of the improve-
ment, and much more have been verified, by pretty extensive
experience. Groups and single trees have been scattered
every where in such a park at pleasure, in all sorts of soils
and exposures, and applied to the composition or the im-
provement of real landscape. Instead of lopping and
nmtilating the trees, and sometimes altogether decapitating
them (as has been the general practice,) the grand point has
been gained of pj'eserving- their tops entire ; so that, Avith
subjects of whatever magnitude, no loss of either spray or
branches is suffered ; and, what is still more important, no
loss of health and vigour in the trees, excepting for a short
period, after having undergone the process of removal.

But, besides the various combinations and details of the
landscape,* it has been found also quite practicable to apply

* Note V.

48

the art to the most geyieral jiuiposes of utiUty and shelter,
whether in large towns, or in the country, by the trans-
planting of copse or underwood of any size or species. This
is either formed alone into large masses, or it is intermixed
with grove or standard trees, as circumstances in either
situation may require. By these means some of the most
interesting objects, both agricultural and ornamental, have
been accomplished, at a very moderate expense, and brought
within the reach, not only of tlvc great and opulent, but of
any person of limited fortune. — Such is the art, which is
attempted to be taught in the following pages.

But the principles, on which it is established, imply a far
wider range, and admit of a far more important application.
The art of givmg Immediate Effect to Wood is not merely an
art of practice. It is founded on vegetable physiology, and
the anatomy of plants, and constitutes one branch only of
GENERAL PLANTING, which it is Still morc important to
teach, on some principles of science. To carry the former
into effect, it is obvious that, as materials of considerable
magnitude are necessary, so difficulties are found, which do
not occur in ordinary planting, and by doing greater violence
to nature, it requires far greater dexterity, as well as greater
science. To teach the art, therefore, of removing large
trees, is to teach, in the most effective manner, that of gene-
ral planting on physiological principles, which, as they are
drawn from nature herself, cannot err, and accordingly, they
furnish the only certain means of accounting for its failure,
or teaching it with success. He, who can raise a tree from
the seed to the state of valuable timber, whether for ornament
or use, must possess a certain acquaintance with the habits
of woody plants : but the man, who can remove trees of
considerable age and magnitude at pleasure, must necessarily
|K)ssess the same species of skill, and a knowledge of the laws
of nature, to a much superior extent.

On a subject like this, which is wholly new, but not the

49

less inteiesting to the British plautei", 1 would earnestly
entreat the attention and indulgence of the reader. It is not
more than three score years since chemistry and natural
history have been successfully cultivated among us, and
applied to the improvement of the arts. The ingenious
writings, and interesting discoveries of Mr. Knight, the
President of the Horticultural Society of London, have done
much to turn the public attention to vegetable physiology,
as important to the advancement of horticulture. The late
very able work of Mr. Keith, on physiological botany, has
completely systematized the science ; it has tended to correct
the errors, and supply the omissions of former writers, and
to bring forward, in one luminous view, both his own discov-
eries, and those of foreign nations.

Let us, therefore, hope, that the present attempt to bring
vegetable physiology into notice, by applying it to the practice
of Arboriculture, may not be less successful, than that of
the applying chemistry to husbandry, which, to the aston-
ishment of Europe, has rendered the cultivation of the soil
a new art in modern hands. The culture of wood, as has
been already observed, in point of rank and importance,
certainly stands next to the culture of the soil, and, in point
of attraction, it stands a great deal higher, from the delight-
ful effects it every where produces ; whether they are seen
in the deep seclusion of the grove, the open richness of the
park, or the endless charms of woodland scenery. Since
the ladies of late have become students of chemistry, it is
not too much to expect, that they will be ambitious of
attaining proficiency in a science, so much more akin to
their own pursuits ; and that country-gentlemen, emulous
to profit by so illustrious an example, will not suffer vegeta-
ble physiology to be any longer a desideratum, either in
their own acquirements, or in those of their gardeners, their
foresters, or their land-stewards. Thus, a new era will be
brought about in British arboriculture, of which the most

7

50

lemaikable circumstance is, thai it lias not been bioughi
about before, amidst the advancement of the other arts : and
thus England, which, a century and a half ago, was the
birth-place, and the cradle of vegetable physiology, will soon
give lessons in planting as well as agriculture, to the rest of
Europe.

Although, I trust, I am not too sanguine in these pleasing
anticipations, yet I own, that I did not at first contemplate
so important and extensive an application of the principles
about to be laid down in this Essay. Neither was it in the
contemplation of the committee of the Highland Society, or
General Society for the Encoiuagement of the Arts in this
Kingdom, which, some years since, examined my woods,
because their attention was turned merely to the facts before
them. The able report, at that time drawn up (and which
will be found in the Appendix) relates solely to my jJractice ;
and they knew that it was deduced from experience, and
from observations made on woods, for more than forty years.
Yet it is with both pride and pleasure that I appeal to this
report, for tlie correctness of the statement above given, of
the powerful effects which the art in question is capable of
producing ; a statement that otherwise might appear un-
founded in its facts, as well as extravagant in its pretensions.
In the committee will be seen names of the fii-st class, in the
rank, literature, and general intelligence of the country ; and
the report itself is drawn up by the individual, the most
highly gifted and distinguished of those persons, who is
himself well acquainted with the subject of Wood.*

At the place from which these pages are dated, they found
a Park of limited extent, and possessing no particular claim
to beauty, but visited from curiosity by many persons, within
the last ten years. It consists of about a hundred and
twenty English acres, abundantly clothed with trees and

* Note VI.

51

underwood of every common sipecies, by means of the
transplanting machine ; and exhibiting within itself a prac-
tical illustration of every principle laid down, and every
theory held forth in this Essay. The single trees and bushes,
in groups and open dispositions, amount to about seven
hundred in number, exclusively of close plantations and
copse-wood. Their size, when removed, was not great, the
largest not exceeding from thirty to forty feet in height, and
from three, or three-and-a-half, to five feet in girth, at a foot
from the ground ; but many of them were of much smaller
dimensions. The height of the bushes or underwood re-
moved was from four to ten feet, and consisting of every sort
usually found on the banks and lakes of rivers. But size,
in an art founded on scientific principles, is a mere matter of
choice and expenditure ; for trees of the greatest size are as
susceptible of removal, as those of the least. It was desira-
ble, however, as almost every thing was to be done here, in
the way of Park-wood, to limit the operations to the smallest
possible expenditure, consistently with producing some effect
on the foreground, and middle distance of the landscape, and
with careful execution.

Whoever will take the trouble to visit the place, will per-
haps find his labour repaid, in examining the progress of an
art, calculated probably to become as popular as any that
has been cultivated within a century ; as there is scarcely
any one, in which so many persons in the higher and middle
ranks are interested.

Considering the prejudices, which once existed against the
art, and that the great power, of which it is susceptible, will
with difficulty gain belief, it may be worth while to state a
few facts as to its general application, which are as incontro-
vertible, as they may seem surprising to the reader. It \n
from no vain desire to exaggerate what has been done at
this place, but merely to show the degree of progress, which
the art has made, under the greatest disadvantages of soil

52

and climate. It is also for the purpose of proving to those,
who may engage in similar undertakings, that, whatevei
has been done well here, may, with equal industry, be done
a great deal better in most other situations.*

There was in this Park originally no water, and scarcely a
tree or a bush, on the banks and promontories of the present
lake and river ; for the water partakes of both those charac-
ters. During the summer of 1820 the water was executed ;
and in that and the following year, the grounds immediately
adjoining were abundantly covered with wood, by means of
the transplanting machine. Groups and single trees, grove
and underwood were introduced, in every style of disposition,
which the subject seemed to admit. Where the turf recedes
from, or approaches the water, the ground is somewhat bold
and irregular, although without striking features of any sort :
yet the profusion of wood, scattered over a surface of moder-
ate limits, in every form and variety, gave it an intricacy and
an expression, which it never possessed before.

By the autumn of the third year only after the execution,
namely 1823, when the Committee of the Society honoured
the place with their inspection, the different parts seemed to
harmonize with one another, and the intended effects were
nearly produced. What it was wished to bring forward, ap-
peared already prominent. What was to be concealed, or
thrown into the background, began to assume that station.
The foreground trees, (the best that could be procured,)
placed on the eastern bank above the water, broke it into
parts with their spreading branches, and formed combina-
tions, Avhich were extremely pleasing. The copse or luider-
woodj which covers an island in the lake, and two promon-
tories, as also an adjoining bank that terminates the distance,
was seen coming down nearly to the water's edge. What
was the most important of all, both trees and underwood had

* See the Report of the Committee of the Highland Society.

53

obtained a full and deep-coloured leaf, and health and vigoui
were restored to them. In a word, the whole appeared like
a spot at least forty years planted.

The actual extent of surface, to which this cursory dehne-
ation refers, does not exceed from forty to fifty acres ; but the
intricacy and variety, created solely by various dispositions of
wood upon an uneven surface, confer on it, to the eye, inde-
finite limits. In confirmation of this remark, the reader is
referred to the frontispiece, where he will find a view of
the Park here, taken in 1827, from the western side of the
lake ; it was soon after the planting of the steep bank or
head in that quarter, as is designated by the transplanting
machine, which is seen still remaining on the ground. The
spot is nearly opposite to that, from which it was viewed by
the Committee of the Highland Society. The whole of the
Park thus delineated was wooded by the machine, whether
in masses, or detached groups of trees, between the years
1816 and 1821, but chiefly in the latter, excepting only the
distant or bounding lines of plantations, over which a few old
trees are here and there seen to elevate their heads.

This view conveys much more distinctly to the mind, than
any verbal description could do, the power which the art pos-
sesses of giving IMMEDIATE EFFECT to the sconcry of a place,
and even of giving it new scenery. It is an art, which will
be duly appreciated by those who have studied landscape ;
and it will appear the more striking- on a subject, which is
tame at best, and, in the designer's phrase, of very limited
" capability." What, then, would be the eflect on other sub-
jects, to which nature has been more bountiful, and whose
general character is more interesting, or more romantic ?

It has been said, (and in ordinary cases with justice) of the
art of the painter, that it has a marked superiority over that
of the designer of real landscape. The former, it is argued,
can finish his pictures at pleasure ; whereas the latter must
depend, for the completion of his, on the slow progress of

54

time, added to the uncertain eflfects of both soil and cHmate.
But it clearly appears, that the position is disproved here, by
the extraordinary power of the transplanting machine, the
faciUties of both artists being thereby placed nearly on an
equality in respect to wood, the principal material in the
formation of all landscapes.

With facts like the above, verified on such high and re-
spectable evidence as that of the Highland Society of Scot-
land, we may venture to believe, that the practice of trans-
planting, as now improved, and raised to the rank of an art,
is calculated to become far more generally useful than has
hitherto been imagined. And further, it is probable, that it
will form an important ally to gardening in its highest sense,
and the most effective engine, which the designer has ever
yet employed, to realize his landscapes.

55

SECTION II.

HISTORY OF THE ART, FROM THE EARLIEST DOWN TO
THE PRESENT TIMES.

When we consider the singular beauty and usefulness of
trees, it cannot seem surprising, that they should have been
the favourites of mankind in all ages. That the polished
nations of antiquity assiduously cultivated them, we have
the most unquestionable evidence, both for horticultural and
agricultural purposes. Theophrastus, who was the scholar
of Plato and Aristotle, composed an elaborate treatise on the
history and properties of plants, which, together with the
remains of the Greek geoponic writers, has survived the
wreck of learning, and evinces how great a degree of atten-
tion was bestowed on the subject, by that ingenious people.

Among the Romans, the cultivation of trees formed an
early object of study. By the laws of the twelve tables, the
cutting down or injuring them was an offence, which was
visited with severe penalties.* Cato, Varro, and Columella
wrote particularly on both fruit and forest trees ; and Varro,
who was contemporary with Julius Ceesar, enumerates more
than fifty different writers on rural affairs (of which Arbori-
culture was a constituent part,) who in his time were held
in estimation.!

In this state of rural information and intelligence, it was
natural for men to form the wish to give immediate effect to
trees, and thereby anticipate the slow progress of time, in

* Note I. t De Re Rust. C. I.

56

bringing- them to perfection. Accordingly, the practice of
removing them of a large size, instead of being, as is gene-
rally supposed, a modern invention, lays claim to the honours
of a high antiquity. When the Greeks or Romans wanted
to designate any thing that was impossible, or at least ex-
tremely difficult to be performed, they said, that it was like
" transplanting an old tree ;" and their usual way of apply-
ing the adage clearly sjiows, that their experience of the
success of the operation was not greatly different from our
own, at this moment.*

In presenting to the reader a cursory view of the progress
of the practice, from the earliest times down to the present,
it is plain, that we are too little acquainted with the state of
arts and manners in ancient times, to be able to draw very
copiously from what has been called the classical ages. The
Greeks certainly were unacquainted with the painting of
landscape, notwithstanding the surprising height to which
they carried other departments of the art, and consequently
with the picturesque effect of trees. At Rome landscape
painting was first practised, only in the time of Augustus ;t
and, indeed, it does not seem to have been cultivated in any
striking degree, by this extraordinary people, at least, if we
may judge from the specimens found at Herculaneum and
Pompeii, at a later period of the empire. The ancients,
although they sufficiently understood and cultivated wood,
applied it much more to useful, than to ornamental purposes.

The transplanting of trees of a large size appears to have
been of considerable importance to the Roman husbandman.
Pliny, who wrote during the reigns of Augustus and Tibe-
rius, speaks of elms twenty feet high, in the neighbourhood
of Rome, being commonly removed into the vineyard, for
the training of vines. They were planted, he says, in a
trench called Novenariiis ; because they stood in it, nine feet

* Note II. t Note III.

57

every way from one another : which trench was three feet
deep, and as many broad, or more, with a bank of earth
raised round the stem, hke the seats used by the peasants in
Campania ; a judicious contrivance, both for supporting the
tree, and protecting it from the effects of drought, during the
first season after removal. Witch Hazels, he also adds, were
transferred in the same manner, and indiscriminately from
the nursery-ground, and from the open forest.*

The same writer, as well as Theophrastus, mentions, that
it was a common practice to re-establish large trees, and par-
ticularly the Platanus, that had been blown down, and had
their roots torn up, by the violence of the wind ; and that
this was effected, by skilfully replanting them, so as that
the lacerated parts completely knit again and revived.! More-
over, Pliny speaks of a fir-tree, which, before it was trans-
planted, had a taproot no less than eight cubits long, that is,
reckoning from the place, at which it was broken off in the
taking up, but that a considerable part of it still remained
in the ground. This extraordinary circumstance respecting
the fir he seems to have taken from Theophrastus, who
states it as a fact known in his time respecting the pitch-pine,
and entitled to credit.!

Cato, Varro, and Columella all speak of the transplanta-
tion of trees of various sizes. The younger Seneca informs
us, in one of his letters, written from the villa of Scipio
Africanus, but then belonging to an intelligent friend of his
own, that he had there learned the method of successfully
removing an entire orchard of old trees, as practised by the
latter ; that the trees, after the third and fourth year, pro-
duced an abundant crop of fruit, with the fairest promise of
thriving luxuriantly, and continuing their shade to a late
period. This, he adds, was an interesting lesson for him,

* Note IV.

t Hist. Nat. L. XVI. 31. Theophrast. Hist. Plant. L. IV. 19.

\ Hist. Plant. L. II. 7.

8

58

at an advanced time of life, when men naturally wish to
plant for themselves, although they generally do so for pos-
terity.* Virgilj in the same way, in describing his old
Corycian, takes care to celebrate his skill in the planting of
wood of a large size, as one of the accomplishments of a
Roman husbandmen.t But no ancient author, as far as I
know, has left us any body of practical precepts, respecting
the execution. The only two, who have handed down any
thing like a description of it, are the younger Seneca, who
lived in the time of Nero, and Anatolius, a Greek physician,
and one of the Geoponic writers, who, according to the best
critics, was contemporary with the Emperor Constantine.t
These accounts, therefore, may properly be considered, as
describing the Greek and the Roman methods of transplant-
ing ; and, as the subject is curious, it may be worth while
to give their respective statements, in their own words.

Anatolius, as far as we can judge, possessed considerable
skill in this department. "If (says he) you would remove a large
tree to advantage, open a very deep trench or pit. (This plant-
er, we may suppose, had a very porous subsoil.) Be careful
to cut away the spray and smaller branches, but without in-
juring the larger ones ; and also to leave the whole of the
roots entire and untouched. Then place the tree carefully
in the pit, covering up its roots with a quantity of good mould
and manure. Observe, however, (adds he,) this special pre-
caution ; that, to whichsoever side it inclined or leaned at
first, let it incline to the same side, in its new situation."!! It
is true, these directions are given for trees bearing fruit ; but
we may fairly conclude, that they equally applied to forest
trees ; and it would be well for modern planters, were their
practice not more defective than that of Anatolius.

The account, given by Seneca of the Roman practice, is

* Note V. f Note VI. !! Note VII.

\ Nicks, Proleg. in Geopou. p. 48.

59

greatly more circumstantial. " There are two methods (he
says, ill the letter above-mentioned.) according to which my
friend plants his ohve ground {oUvetum.) The one is, by
removing trees of a large size, and making the plantation
at once : the other is, by planting sets of which the progress
is necessarily much slower. According to the former mode,
the first thing to be done is, to cut off all the branches, to the
distance of a foot from the trunk. The next thing is, to do
the same by the lateral roots, leaving nothing entire, except
the body of the root, from which the fibres issue. The tree
is next placed in the pit, with a sufficient quantity of manure,
and mould is thrown in and consolidated, by the most assi-
duous pressure, and firm treading with the foot. Nothing,
as my friend conceives, is more efficacious, than this way of
giving solidity and consistency to the earth round the stem.
It excludes both cold and drought, and preserves the tree
from the ill effects of wind ; as it is obvious, that the slightest
agitation has a tendency to strain the tender fibres, and pre-
vent them from striking properly in the ground, and going
forth in search of their food. Last of all, before filling in the
earth, he scrapes or cleans that part of the root, which is
nearest the surface ; because his idea is, that, from every
part so treated and laid bare, new growths and fibres are
immediately sent out. By the above process, as there are
only three or four feet of the stem standing above ground,
it is soon covered from top to bottom with new shoots ; and
no part of it appears stunted or hidebound, as such trees
usually are, in old olive plantations.

" The other method of planting is, by means of sets, which
are formed of stout branches, and put into the pits, in a
manner similar to that above described. In selecting these,
however, care must be taken, that they are covered with fresh
and tender bark, such as young trees generally produce. It
is true (as he observes,) the sets require much more time than
entire trees, to arrive at maturity ; but they become, in the

60

end, not less beautiful and healthy, than if they had sprung
from plants, which were raised in the ordinary manner."*

Notwithstanding this seeming nicety in the Roman prac-
tice, and the probability that it might have led to the estab-
lishment of principles, it is curious enough to perceive, that
the art became retrograde, rather than progressive, in the
hands of the Romans. Palladius, who wrote more than a
century after Seneca, and nearly two after Varro and Colu-
mello, directs, in his work to be done in November, that, in
transferring large trees, all the branches should be cut away,
previously to their removal, and consequently the trees much
more defaced and mutilated than after the Greek manner ;
a precept which seems to be but too faithfully observed by
most planters of the present day.t

If we descend in our investigation to modern times, we
shall not find that any considerable progress has been made
in the art. beyond the knowledge of the ancient nations.
The difficulty of transplanting an old tree still remained
proverbial ; and Baptista Mantuanus, who flourished in the
fifteenth century, might well exclaim —

Heu, male transfertur senio cum induruit arbor !
After the revival of learning in Europe, gardening, and in
some sort arboriculture, were among the useful arts first stu-
died : but the rudeness of those early attempts at the former,
gave no earnest of the excellence which it was afterwards
to attain. It is a popular error to suppose, as is done by some,
that our rectilinear gardens, our formal avenues, and elabo-
rate topiary works were borrowed from the Dutch, after the
accession of King William. On the contrary, they belong
to a far earUer day. They were accurate transcripts, derived
from antiquity, of the Roman garden, as we find it admired
by Cicero, and described by Pliny, in the most polished ages

* Note VIII. t Note IX.

61

of the empire* They were tlie style ol' garden, first brouglit
to Britain by the Romans ; and it prevailed universally in
England, as we learn from both Hentzner and Plott, in the
days of Q,uecn Elizabeth.

The removal of large trees has been practised in Europe
for nearly two centuries ; and it is more than a hundred
and fifty years since it was introduced into England. It
seems to have come into vogue among the great and pow-
erful, sometimes for the purpose of concealing a defect in
their formal gardens, or perhaps for supplying or prolonging
a favourite vista. But it was, for the most part, a mere dis-
play of expense and labour, adopted without plan, and
executed without skill or science.

Among the earliest and most successful planters, on a
great scale, was Count Maurice of Nassau, who figured as
Governor of Brazil in 1636, when that settlement was in
the hands of the Dutch. This prince was a man of taste
and elegance, for the age in which he lived ; and he adorned
his palace and gardens there, with a magnificence worthy
of the satraps of the east. Caspar Barleeus, one of the best
poets of his time, is the historian of the expedition ; and he
has given the narrative in a style, that, in some instances,
will bear a comparison with the delineations of Livy or
Tacitus.

The governor's residence was upon an island, formed by
the confluence of two rivers, which are called, by Barlaeus,
the Capevaribis, and the Biberibis, and was named Friburg.
Before the Prince commenced his improvements, as the his-
torian informs us, it was a very hopeless subject ; a dreary,
waste, and uncultivated plain, without a tree or bush to
shelter it ; and, in a word, equally worthless and unattrac-
tive. Here, notwithstanding, he erected a splendid palace,
and laid out gardens around it, of extraordinary extent and

* Note X.

G2

magnificence. In the arrangement, of llie buildings, salubrit}',
seclusion, and horticultural ornament, were all studiously
and tastefully combined. The choicest fruits of a tropical
climate, the Orange, the Citron, the Ananas, with many
others imknown to us, solicited at once the sight, the smell,
and the taste ; w hile artificial fountains of water, preserving
the coolness of the air, and the verdure of the earth, ren-
dered it a spot of peculiar attraction. In laying out the
grounds also, such was the designer's skill, and the magni-
ficent scale of the plantations and grass-plots, that no fewer
than thirteen bastions and turrets flanked and defended the
gardens, and promoted alike seclusion and security. And
in order to complete at once, and give the Immediate Effect
of Wood to so great a change on the face of nature, he le-
moved to the spot no fewer than seven hundred cocoa trees
of various sizes, of w^iich some rose to thirty, some to forty,
and some to fifty feet high, to the lowermost branches.

Of the success of the improvement last mentioned, no one
but the Prince himself entertained the slightest expectation.
Yet such, says Barlseus, was the ingenuity, as well as
persevering labour displayed in the work, that the whole
was accomplished with the most perfect success. Notwith-
standing the immense size of the trees, which were of seventy
and eighty years growth, they were skilfully taken up, under
the Prince's superintendence. They were then placed on
carriages provided with wheels, and conveyed over a space
of from three to four miles in extent, and ultimately trans-
ported on rafts, across both the rivers, to the shores of the
island. On being planted there, so favourable were both
soil and vegetation in that genial climate, that they imme-
diately struck root, and even bore fruit, during the first year
after their removal. Thus, adds Barlaeus, the truth of the
ancient adage was for once disproved, which says, that " It
is impossible to transplant an old tree with success."*

*NoTE XI.

63

This, without doubt, was a singular example of successful
transplantation, and not less singular, than certain and well
attested. It was a splendid display of the effects of physical
strength, and mechanical ingenuity, judiciously directed by
absolute power ; but it is useless as an example of either
instruction or imitation. If we impartially subduct from it
all that may fairly be attributed to a tropical climate, to the
unlimited command of men and money in executing the
work, and to the glowing colours of the historian in describing
it, perhaps there will remain little more than what is both
probable and natural, under ordmary circumstances. —
Barlaeus, beyond his general eulogium on the great ingenuity,
gives no account of the details of the process. Indeed, he
does not appear to have been very conversant with the
subject of wood, from the wonder which he expresses, at the
natural appearance of fruit, in the first season ; as any gar-
dener could have predicted the probability of the phenomenon,
during the first year, together with the certainty of its ceasing,
during the second.

Evelyn, although with no great accuracy, narrates the
same story of Count Maurice, and adds, that instances of the
practice, little less successful, had occurred in Europe. He
states, that, about the middle of the same century, M. de Fiat,
a Mareschal of France, removed huge oaks in this way, at
the Chateau de Fiat.* The Elector Palatine, about the
same time, also transplanted a number of great lime trees,
from one of his forests near Heidelberg, to the slope of a hill,
in view of the palace. Midsummer, it seems, was the singular
time selected for the work, and De Son, a Frenchman, and
" an admirable mechanician," as Evelyn records it, managed
the execution. The soil of the hill (according to De Son's
account given to Evelyn himself,) consisted of " a dry,
reddish, barren earth," which probably with us might have

*Silva, Vol. I, p. 102.

64

been esteemed good turnip soil. Here, he says, they made
great pits, for the reception of the trees. They then cut off
their heads ; and, having filled the pits with a composition
of cow-dung diluted with water, and worked to the consistency
of the finest puddle or pap, they immersed the roots in it, and
carefully replaced the turf upon the surface, as before. These
limes, as Evelyn adds, " prospered rarely well,"' exposed as
they were, during the whole process, to the scorching rays
of the sun. And tliis he justly considers as " a singular
example of removing so great trees at such a season ;"* or,
in other words, that it is not easy to kill the lime, in whatever
way you treat it.

But Lewis XIV. was, without doubt, the greatest trans-
planter of modern times, and the individual, whose example
operated more powerfull)'" than any other, in bringing the
art into fashion in Europe, in the seventeenth century. —
From the researches of the learned Jesuits and others, who,
by this Prince's order, had rendered the classics familiar to
the Dauphin, he learned, that the practice was well known
to the Greeks and Romans ; and he resolved to rival, and if
possible to eclipse, whatever had been done in this way, by
those distinguished nations.

Accordingly, among the stupendous changes, which he
made on the face of nature at Versailles, and other royal
residences, that by means of transplanting was not omitted.
All the arts of ingenuity, and all the efforts of expense and
labour were employed, in constructing machinery for so novel
an undertaking. Under the direction of Le Notre, his favou-
rite engineer in this department,! the most extraordinary
feats in transplanting were performed, both at Versailles and
Trianon. Immense trees were torn up by the roots, erected
on carriages, and removed at the will and pleasure of the
royal planter. Almost the whole Bois de Boulogne was, in

*Silva, Vol. I, p. 102, 205. fNoTE XIL

65

this way, said to be tianspoitcd IVoiii V^ersaiiles to it^ [jicsent
site, a distance of about two leagues and a liail". To order
the march of an army, was the efTort of common men, and
every-day commanders ; to order tlie removal of a forest
seemed to suit the magnificent concej)tions of a prince, who,
in all liis enterprises, allccted to act upon a scale immeasura-
bly greater than that of his contemporaries, and who probably
was the most powerful monarch in Europe, whether of his
own, or of any other age. In the Bois de Boulogne, in spite
of military devastation, the curious eye may still distinguish
the traces of this extraordinary achievement, in the rectilinear
disposition of the trees, which were removed on that occasion.

Respecting the success of the work, executed probably
about 1070, it is not easy, at this distance of time, to speak
with certainty. That the trees were lopped or mutilated,
we are well aware ; and that little science was employed,
excepting in the mechanical skill, displayed in the transpor-
tation. Of the trees, therefore, many must have died, for
want of roots, and of sap to support them, although theh
places were afterwards supplied ; and many must have lost
their tops, had they not been severely lopped, or altogether
decapitated. The lapse, however, of more than a century
and a half, a space far surpassing the age of man, has sup-
plied these defects. While it has brought the trees to
maturity, it has covered with oblivion all the imperfections
of the process ; and the former promise long to remain a
monument of so stupendous an exertion of physical force.

Sturm, a German traveller, who visited France about the
year 1730, relates, that the great transplanting machine,
used on this memorable occasion, [Die grosse Garteti-
Macliine,)* was still shown at Versailles, and it must long
after have been seen by others. But from its late disappear-
ance, we may conclude, that it was pulled to pieces, and the

* Sturm's Travels, p. 113.
9

66

iron-work prol:»ably converted into pikes, on the breaking out
of the French Revohition.

Besides this celebrated effort in the vicinity of the capital,
we should be inclined to imagine, from what is said by
contemporary writers, that Lewis succeeded still better in
the provinces, in giving Immediate Effect to Wood. At Mont
Louis, a small town in the territory of Rousillon, at the foot
of the Pyrenees, Avhich he built and embellished, and which
was named after him, he made the most surprising
improvements of every soit. And unless the imagination
of a poet of the time has too highly coloured the description,
the transplanted groves, at this sequestered spot, rose with
such sudden luxuriance, that the birds at once flocked to
them, and, nestling among the branches, filled the air with
their melodious notes ;

In nemus repente natum

Aves undique devolant,

Nidosque ponunt, hospitis sub frondibus,

Mulcentes teneris vocibus sBthera.*

About the middle of the seventeenth century, as wc learn
from Evelyn, the practice of transplanting in the French
way came much into use in England. No tree, he observes,
was found to bear the process better than the elm, or recover
sooner from its severity. He himself, he says, " had frequently
removed trees of this sort almost as big as his waist :" but he
first carefully " disbranched" them, leaving the whole summit
entire. Men of rank and affluence, Ave find, aljout the same
era, transplanted great trees of various kinds, with vast labour
and expense ; and a Devonshire nobleman in particular,
whose name has not Ijeen recorded, removed oaks as large
af5 twelve oxen could draw^, for the purpose of supplying a
defect in an avenue leading to one of his residences,!

The first attempt at any thing like knowledge in the art

* Commir. Op. Post. p. 41. t Silva, Vol. I. p. 102, 126,

G7

was made by a Lord Fitzharding of this period. That
nobleman, as it appears, was a contemporary of Evelyn's,
and lord treasurer of the household to King Charles II. But
his experiments were limited to subjects of far smaller mag-
nitude. His method with the oak was, to select a tree of the
size of his thigh, which probably might be about twenty-six
or twenty-eight inches in girth. Having removed the earth,
and cut all the collateral roots, he forced it down upon its
side, so as to come at the taproot, which was immediately
cut off. The tree was then raised up ; the mould was
returned into the pit, and the tree left standing, for a twelve-
month or more, until a fresh growth of roots and fibres
enabled him to remove it with advantage. Another method
was, after laying bare the roots, and leaving four main ones
untouched, on the four opposite sides, in the form of a cross,
for supporting the tree, to cut away only those in the intervals.
The mould was then, as before, returned into the pit. After
waiting a year or two, when the intervals became completely
filled with fresh growths, the four cross roots, and also the
tap, were then reduced, and the tree removed, " with as much
of the clod about the roots as possible."* This ingenious
process, which, in either way, saved the tree from decapita-
tion, and consequently from disfigurement, has been
deservedly recorded by Evelyn and Wise, and all succeeding
writers.

It must be acknowledged, that there was great ingenuity,
and some acquaintance with wood, displayed in these
important improvements by Lord Fitzharding. As Grew
had by this time written, and the researches by both that
writer and Malpighi, respecting the anatomy and physiology
of plants, had begun to be known all over Europe, it seems

* Evelyn's Silva, Vol. I. p. 102.— Wise's Mystery of Gardening
and Planting, p. 91, 92.— Bradley, p. 89, 108, &c.— Diet. Rust, in
voc. Transplanting, &c. &-c-

68

surprising, that this ingenious nobleman should have stopped
here. By advancing a step further, and applying those
interesting doctrines to the art, he might have brought it
to a state of certainty and precision, to which Uttle could
have been added by the industry of his successors. It was
(to compare great things with small,) like the ill fortune of
the Romans, in missing the discovery of the art of printing
by moveable types, when, as their pottery indicates, they
may be said to have possessed that of stereotype.

In this condition of the art of transplanting, it was still
necessarily confined, for want of science to direct and simplify
it, to the grounds of the powerful and opulent ; and sundry
devices were adopted by their gardeners, and other operators,
to render the practice more efficient, and to reduce the
expense within moderate limits. Although numerous oxen
and horses were still employed, to drag the ponderous load
of earth, on which their hopes of success mainly rested, yet
sundry cflbrts of ingenuity were exerted, for the preservation
of the roots ; and, as the subjects were large, even the
assistance of frost was called in, for that desirable object. —
Soon after the fall, and before hard weather set in, a trench
was opened of some extent, and at a sufficient distance from
the trees, so as to undermine the roots. Blocks and quarters
of W' ood weie next placed in the excavation, to keep up the
earth. The trench was then filled with water, which was
suffered to freeze ; and thus, an immense and weighty mass
of earth and roots, bound firmly together by congelation, was
conveyed with the trees to the situation intended. Here,
however, it was previously necessary to preserve the mould
from freezing also, by covering up the surface with fresh
litter, to some distance round the new pit.

It deserves particular notice, that, in transporting these
unwieldy subjects, no other than their erect position was
contemplated by the inventors. By means of a vast wooden
crane, strongly braced with iron, both transversely and Ion-

G9

gitudincilly, with ropes and pullics to work it with effect,
and of which the former were passed under the roots, these
enormous masses were raised from the ground, and place<l
upon a platform with very low wheels ; when, after being
dragged by the united strength of men and horses, it was let
down into the new pit, by similar apparatus.* These were
gigantic operation?:, and such as required machinery of the
most powerful and expensive kind. It is not a great many
years, however, since feats of the same description were per-
formed at Blenheim, and other large English places : and it
sometimes happened, when the excavation was made at an
uncommon distance from the trees, and a sufficient mass of
earth obtained for supplying the roots with nourishment, that
the tops were preserved from decay. But we may easily sup-
pose, that planters only, like a governor of Brazil, or a Ger-
man elector, would undertake the execution.

From the time of Evelyn to that of Brown (the well-
known professor of landscape gardening), that is, for a period
of about threescore years, we hear little of transplanting in
England ; and had it not been for the exertions of the latter,
and for the kindred art, to which he gave so much celebrity,
it might have sunk altogether into oblivion. That enter-
prising genius clearly perceived, that his fortune had placed
him at the head of a new and popular school of design,
which, from the novelty of its attractions, promised ere long
to rival painting itself As the new artists possessed already
the privilege, not only of appropriating the colours, but even
of working with the materials of nature, so they appeared
to want nothing, but the power of giving immediate effect
to their pictures, in order to faciUtate the competition, if it
did not altogether turn the balance in their favour.

With the view, therefore, of obtaining this decided ad-
vantage in the construction of his landscapes, Brown dili-

* Evelyn, Vol. I. p, 103.— Diet. Rust, m voce Transplanting.

70

gently applied himself to the improvement of transplanting
large trees for park effect, and strove with great zeal to bring
it into repute, among his noble and wealthy employers. In-
stead of maintaining the upright position of the trees during
transportation, as had hitherto been practised, he devised the
method of carrying them horizontally, and for that purpose
constructed the Transplanting Machine, which, since his
time, has been in pretty general use.

This efficient implement was, like most useful contrivances,
of very simple structure. It consisted of a strong pole of con-
siderable length, with two high wheels, and acting on an
iron axle, which was placed at right angles to it. At the
extremity of the pole there was a smaller wheel, that turned
on a pivot, and w^as used for trees of more than ordinary
magnitude. These two wheels were of great strength, made
nearly upright, or, in the workman's phrase, very little "dish-
ed." A strong cross-bar was bolted on the axle, with a space
in the middle, gradually hollowed out for receiving the stem
of the tree, of whatever size it might be. According to
Brown's method, the top was pretty severely lopped or light-
ened, and sometimes quite pollarded. The roots were next
cut round, to the depth of the fibres, and only two or three
feet out from the body, and the machine was brought up
upon its wheels, as close as possible to the tree. The pole
was set upright, and applied to the stem, to which it was
then lashed in the firmest manner. By a rope fixed to the
top of the pole, it was, last of all, forcibly drawn down, by
several men's strength; and thus, the stem and the pole of
the machine, forming a lever of great power, forced or tore
up the roots from their under-bed, with as many fibres adhe-
ring to them, as escaped laceration ; leaving the tree sus-
pended horizontally on the cross-bar, and ready to be drawn
away root foremost, as the artist might require it.

This, we must own, was no very gentle treatment of the
roots, any more than of the branches. Yet Brown's im-

71

provement possessed the double advantage of contributing,
by the height of the wheels, to the safety of the tree during
the transmission ; and, by materially increasing the dispatch,
it proportionally diminished the cost of the process.

Notwithstanding the superior character, and elegant learn-
ing of Messrs. Price and Knight, and the weight which may
be allowed to their authority, it is impossible for us to con-
ceive, that Brown was as destitute of genius and talents, as
they would willingly persuade us. The idea is clearly dis-
proved, by the prodigious extent of his reputation, and of
the works in which he was employed.* It will not, there-
fore, be thought too much to say here, that his genius was of
that aspiring and ardent sort, which fitted him rather for
bold design, than minute detail and patient investigation ;
and, as the character and properties of trees formed a study
belonging to objects of the latter class, it could not very long
detain his attention. Besides, he perceived, that it was by
no means applicable to the execution of great outlines of
Wood, how useful soever and effective it might become for
the foreground, and the middle distance of the landscape.
Be this, however, as it may, it appears, that the art received
no further improvement at his hands, and seemingly as little
at those of his successors. Even the ingenious contrivance
of Lord Fitzharding to multiply the roots of trees, seems
little to have attracted his notice. In transplanting, at the
numerous places, which he improved or altered in England,
this method was never resorted to. The process he followed
was a very simple one, namely, to root up the trees by the
shortest possible method, and convey them, in the speediest
way, to their several destinations. He preferred, however,
to work with his machine during frost, when earth, in masses
greater or less, would adhere to the roots, and be readily lifted
with them. As to severely defacing, and even pollarding

* Note XIII.

72

the topsj he conceived, thai it cairied witli it its own apology :
And such seems still to be the general opinion of planters,
down to the present period.

These particulars, respecting the practice and machine of
Brown, at one time the supreme dictator of taste in land-
scape gardening in England, were obtained from two of his
pupils, the well-known Mr. Thomas White, who succeeded
to a great part of his business in the northern counties, and
Mr. James Robertson, who was sent down to Scotland, about
1750, to lay out Duddingston for the late Earl of Abercorn.*
This task Robertson peiformed with credit to himself, ex-
hil:)iting all the faults, and the excellencies of his master.
After this his first essay, and making some important changes
at Hopetoun House, and on the park at Dalkeith, he laid out
Livingston, Dalhousic, Niddry, Whim, Moredun, Culzean,
and other places in Mid-Lothian and Ayrshire ; which, with
the exception of Blairdrummond, were the earliest examples
of landscape gardening in Scotland.!

At all, or most of these places, Robertson introduced the
knowledge of the transplanting machine, together with the
method of employing it, as interesting to landscape garden-
ing : But few particulars are recorded of the progress made
by either art, on this side of the Tweed. To a nation not
inconstant nor volatile, and certainly poor, when compared
with their present condition, it was no very easy nor grateful
imdertaking, to demohsh at once their favourite terraces,
their formal gardens, and other appendages of ancient gran-
deur, for a new-fangled art, of which Price wittily said, thfit
Horace had long since described it in three words ; for its
leading merit consists, in exchanging squares and parallelo-
giams, for circles and ellipses,

Mutat quadrata rotundis.J

+ NoTt XIV. \ Loudon'b Encyclopedia of Gardening, p. 79.

J Essays on tlic Picturesque, Vol. 1. p. 230.

73

When such was the only master, under whom the art of
transplanting was studied in Scotland, wc shall not greatly
wonder at the slender advances it has made, or rather at the
ill success that has attended it, for more than half a century.
In fact, it may be said, that it is, at this moment, in no better
condition as to either skill or science, than Robertson left it,
threescore years since. This artist (according to the account
given by Hayes of his own practice,* which was borrowed
from Robertson's) was not very nice in his selection of sub-
jects, but took them indiscriminately, from close woods and
open dispositions, just as either fell in his way ; so that, if
his method was bad, as we have already seen, his subjects
must have been at least as bad as his method. As to the
attempt to introduce a better, there is reason to think, that,
more than thirty years since, I myself was probably the first
planter, who made known in Scotland the mode of preparing
the roots of trees, as practised by Lord Fitzharding ; and I
believe, it now passes with many, under the name of Tny
method, to the prejudice of the ingenious inventor.

In a few years after the above period, Robertson was in-
vited to Ireland, under high and distinguished patronage, viz.
that of the Duke of Leinstei-, Mr. Conolly, Mr. Hayes of the
Royal Irish Academy, and other persons of taste and fortune,
leaving his business to be managed by his nephew George,
and James Ramsay, one of the most promising of his pupils.
Here also Robertson introduced the practice of removing large
trees, which, under his new employers, appears to have come
considerably into fashion. The machine of Brown was, of
course, carried over with him to Ireland ; and Mr. Hayes, in
his meritorious tract on Planting, and the Management of
Woods, gives an account of the implement, and the style of
Working it, as then taught, which entirely coincides with that
above described. Brown's vigorous and short-hand method

* Practical Treatise on Plantino^.
10

74

of tearing ii|) (he trees liy the roots, and rapidly conveying
them to tlieir new destinations, captivated the hvely fancy of
the Irish planters. Mr, Hayes is loud in its praise, and de-
cidedly prefers the compendious process of the " Scottish
Engineer," to the more elaborate preparations, and tedious
contrivances of Evelyn and Fitzharding.* Thus, it hap-
pened oddly enough, that the Scotch, who themselves knew
nothing of transplanting, should give notable lessons in the
art, and have the honour of introducing it to notice and po-
pularity in the sister kingdom ;

Qui sibi scmitam non sapiunt, akcri monstrant viam.

From this time, however, it appears, that it has made no ad-
vances among the Irish, as Walker, and others of their late
writers, pass over the subject without notice.

The principal English authors, who, of late years, have
treated of the art, are Boutcher and Marshall; and being
both men of practical skill, as well as various knowledge,
what they have written is deserving of particular considera-
tion. About the time when Brown's reputation was at its
height, that is, between 1750 and 1780, Boutcher, Nursery-
man in Edinburgh, one of the most intelligent Arboricul-
turists that this country has produced,! with the view of pro-
moting the fashionable art of the day, struck out what he
conceived to be a considerable improvement in the method of
removing large trees of all sorts. His theory was, to equalize,
by a gradual and certain process, the roots and the branches
of trees relatively to each other, so as to enable both to per-
form their functions successfully, and at any given period.

With this view, he commenced his training on plants just
out of the seed-bed, and began to fit them, from the second
year, for their ultimate destination in the lawn or park.
After standing in the nursery, in the ordinary way, for a few

* Prac. Treat, on Planting, p. 41, &c.
t See Note II. on Sect. I.

75

years, they were removed to a second nursery ; on which
occasion, extraordinary care was taken to prune, dress, and
shorten the roots. Tiicrc they stood, two and three feet
distant, for three or four years more. A third nursery, at
still more open order, next received them, for a like space of
time. A fourth, a fifth, and even a sixth removal succeeded,
leaving the plants no less than ten and twelve feet asunder,
but increasing in strength and symmetry, still more than
they increased in height. At each and all of these reiterated
removals, the roots as well as the branches were shortened
and pruned, with extraordinary accuracy, and every attention
was bestowed, to multiply and invigorate the former. When
twenty feet high, or more, and of fifteen and sixteen years
growth, the plants were supposed to be ready for ultimate
removal, by conveying them, on men's shoulders, to their
permanent destinations. By this elaborate course of train-
ing and disciphne, all mutilation of the tops was to be avoided ;
and in this way he hoped so judiciously to second, and even
direct the efforts of nature, as should render violence useless,
and effectually preclude the errors, which haste or ignorance
had hitherto committed.*

It is to be regretted, that this theory, which is suffi-
ciently ingenious, is impossible to be applied to any practical
purpose, although it contains valuable lessons for the planter
of reflection. The time alone, which would be required for
its completion, and the tedious preparation, and consequent
expense incurred by the process (supposing it were even more
faultless than it is), have prolmbly prevented its being at-
tempted by any one, except the ingenious projector.

Besides this, Boutcher had another plan, on which he
seems to have highly valued himself, for removing trees of
a large size, that " had stood long in woods and nurseries."
But the very terms of this proposition, in as far as it regards

''^ Treatise on Forest Trees, p- 14 — 17, &c.

76

the previous situation of the trees, aic ahiiost quite enough
to insure miscarriage ; and no more needs be said about it
than this, that it is a better edition of Lord Fitzharding's
system, but with infinitely worse subjects. The roots were
to be more elaborately trained, and in every way more scien-
tifically treated ; but entire decapitation is held forth as a
leading feature in the plan, which that ingenious nobleman
had the skill to avoid.*

The other author, to whom we have to refer, is Marshall,
an intelligent and voluminous writer on Rural Economics,
in the end of the last century. Marshall was by profession
a West Indian planter ; but, on coming home in 1775, he
dedicated his attention to planting and landscape gardening,
an(J in general to rural affairs, in all of which he displayed
considerable skill. He is one of the few among our writers,
who studied the removal of large trees as an art, and laid
down rules to regulate the execution. His precepts, there-
fore, as well as his practice, are entitled to regard, not only
from their own intrinsic value, but as they serve to bring
down the history of the art nearly to the present day.

This judicious writer was too well aware of the difficulty
and hazard of removing large-sized trees of any sort, to
practise on subjects of great magnitude. For " thinning
plantations," he says, " for removing obstructions, or hiding
defects, or for raising ornamental groups or single trees ex
peditiously," he conceives that the practice may be recom-
mended ; but he declares it to be decidedly " the most diffi-
cult part of planting," and therefore is of opinion, that it is
inapplicable to general purposes, and not often practised for
any purpose, "with uniform success."!

At the various places, where Marshall was consulted,
whether aa a Landscape Gardener, or a surveyor of estates,

* Treatise on Forest Trees, p. 256—259.
t Rural Ornament, Vol. I. pp. 40, 41.

77

he frequently frave specimens of transplanting, and these
were conducted with a skill, certainly unequalled by any
one who had preceded him, and which no one who follows
him will easily surpass, with the same sort of subjects. Yet
it is surprising that a planter, so conversant with practice, a
man too of talents and information like Marshall, seems not
to have arrived at any acquaintance with principles. After
succeeding in a manner superior to most others, was it not na-
tural, that he should have inquired why he so succeeded ?
and that knowledge, enlarged by reflection, and confirmed
by examples, would probably have led him to some general
theory, that bore on practice, and suggested systematic im-
provement. Had he been more acquainted with vegetable
physiology, and the anatomy of plants, he would have seen,
that trees growing m close woods, and trees standing in the
oj) en field, are endued with very different properties ; and
that something of firmer stamina, and greater magnitude
than what the strength of two or three persons could tran
sport, was necessary for Park-wood, which we expect is to
grow vigorously, and resist the elements, in open exposures.*
His judicious method, however, of preparing the pits ; of
putting his trees into the ground ; of applying the mould,
when so put ; of preserving, distributing, and dividmg the
roots, obviously results from an attentive study of the diffi-
culties of the art, and, as he himself states, from " real prac-
tice."! Still his subjects, like those of his predecessor Boutcher,
were drawn mostly from close plantations, for the purpose of
thinning them. They w^ere, in the same way, conveyed on
" men's shoulders ;" sometimes also on handspikes ; and on
particular occasions, on " high timber-wheels." The roots
he cut and multiplied, in the same careful manner as directed
by Evelyn and Boutcher, but without the numerous removals

* Rur. Ornam. Vol. I. pp. 360, 361.
t Rur. Ornam. pp. 43, 356—361:

78

recommended by the latter ; from wliose treatise, however,
he seems to have taken the whole of that process.

For the removal of saplings of twenty feet high and from
nine to twelve inches in girth, his plan is of considerable
use. In forming side-skreens near the mansion-house, in
which grove and underwood are frequently united, it will
not disappoint the planter. In new designs he will find it
extremely serviceable, for raising the former, if in low and
sheltered situations, where a propitious climate is created ;
and for producing a speedier effect, than can be expected by
the ordinary methods.

Although Marshall had too much taste to wish to pollard,
or utterly decapitate his trees, still, like most of his prede-
cessors, he lopped and lightened the tops, in order to " pro-
portion them (as he states) to the ability of the roots."* Had
he advanced the roots to the ability of the tops, and pre-
served entire the fine forms of the latter, it would have been
a more scientific system. But his method of giving grace-
fulness, and a sort of natural elegance to this operation, is
so extraordinary, that it is worth while to quote it, for the
amusement of the reader. " To head down a tree (he says)
in the pollard manner, is very unsightly ; and to prune it up
to a mere maypole, so as to leave only a small broom-like
head at the top, is equally destructive of its beauty. The
most rational, the most natural, and, at the same time, the
most elegant manner of doing this, is to prune the boughs
in such a way, as to form the head of the plant into a co-
noid, in resemblance of the natural head of the Lombardy
poplar, and of a size proportioned to the ability of the root.
Whoever was the inventor of this method of pruning the
heads of trees, deserves infinite credit. It only wants to be
known, in order to be approved ; and we are happy to see
It gro\ving into universal practice."!

* Rur. Ornam. Vol. I. p. 43. f Ibid.

79

In this anxious wish, I appreliend, no planter of taste will
now probably concur : neither will he feci disposed to admire
the " rationality, naturalness, and elegance" of the device of
fashioning the fine heads of the oak, the elm, or the chest-
nut, after the manner of the Lombardy poplar, the most
formal perhaps, and most unpicturesque of all existing trees.
Yet, notwithstanding a few such absurdities, we must can-
didly admit, that Marshall was a planter of great skill, and
a writer of unquestionable diligence, and, together with the
judicious Boutcher, did more to improve the art, than all
who had gone before, and probably all who succeeded him.

If there be any other work in our language, or in any of
the languages of modern Europe, in which the art is treated
in a j)Grccptive way, or in a way that furnishes any impor-
tant materials for bringing its history down to our own times
the work has escaped my search. Miller, one of the best
arboriculturists and phytologists, that England has ever
produced, informs us, that in his time, that is, in the begin-
ning and middle of the last century, the transplanting of
large trees had come much into fashion in England. Plan-
ters, he says, were " in too great haste" to anticipate the slow
but certain effects of time ; and by unfortunately adopting
the worst possible methods for their practice, they were far
less assured of attaining the end they had in view (or, more
properly speaking, they were assured of never attaining it,)
namely, the speedy acquisition of thriving trees, than if they
had begun at once, by raising them from the seed. This
failure he mainly attributes to the unnatural and unscien-
tific method of lopping or lightening the tops, at the time of
removal, which, as he affirms, is destructive alike of the
health, and the value of trees. He truly observes, that, were
planters fully aware of the doctrine of the circulation of the
sap, and the curious anatomy of plants, they would perceive,
that a tree is as much nourished by its branches, as by its
roots. " For (adds he,) were the same severities practised

80

on a tree of the same age imremoved, it woiikl so much
stint the growth, as not to be recovered in several years ;
nor would it ever arrive at the size of such, as had all their
branches left upon them."*

He is, therefore, no advocate for the removal of large trees ;
and the reason evidently is, that he never saw it executed,
but on principles utterly at variance with phytological science,
and the law of nature respecting the growth of plants : —
For Miller seems to have been well acquainted with their
history and constitution, and with the l^eautiful action and
reaction, which all their parts constantly maintain on one
another.

Although it is pleasing to observe so much good sense, and
so much sound science displayed, at so early a period of our
arboricultural history, yet it is a curious fact, that neither the
precept, nor the example of Miller produced any good effect,
nor any material change in the general practice, and by con-
sequence, any improvement in the art. The fact is, that
from the days of Evelyn down to the present times, or more
probably from the time of the Romans under Nero and Ves-
pasian, the practice of the art has suffered no great alteration
or improvement ; and, with the best planters of England, it
is still as much a matter of physical force, as it was with
Prince Maurice of Saxony, or Lewis the Fourteenth.

I can speak partly from my own knowledge of the general
transplanting system, now established in England and this
country, and partly from the information, communicated by
some of the most experienced planters of both countries, in
asserting, that the method so justly reprobated by the judi-
cious Miller, is in pretty general use. I will not affirm, that
there is no planter, who preserves the tops of his trees entire :
but the ordinary method still is, to transfer old trees, in the
same way as nursery-plants, that is, by lopping off a third

* Miller's Gardener's and Botanist's Dictionary, voc. " Planting."

81

part, a half, and sometimes the whole of the top, erroneously
conceiving, thai both can be managed on the same princi-
ples.* They (rust imphcitly to the plastic powers of the
trees, to replace these amputations with fresh wood, and to
recover themselves from these severities : but they seem en-
tirely to overlook two main objections, that can never be
obviated ; first, the length of time which the trees require to
recover from any considerable curtailment of their heads,
and the deaths and failures that occur, when they do not
recover at all ; and secondly, the complete loss of distinctive
and peculiar character which ensues, by reducing the heads
of the most different trees to one monotonous and formal
figure.

In respect to the first objection, it is not easy to speak to
it with perfect accuracy. In the superior climates of Eng-
land, that is, the districts south of Yorkshire, and particularly
the Devonshire, Dorsetshire, and Hampshire coasts, perhaps
the candid planter will admit, that fifteen years at least
would be necessary, to recover any great bulk of top, after
severe mutilation. In the districts on the parallel of York-
shire, and in the best Scotch climates, twenty and five-and-
twenty would scarcely be adequate ; and, in many parts of
Scotland, they would never recover at all.

As to the second, and far more important objection, that
their distinctive character as trees would be obliterated. Na-
ture has given to different woody plants quite different and
opposite styles of ramification of top. Some, such as the
lime and the horse-chestnut, are heavy and formal ; while
the oak, the chestnut, and the elm are far more various
and picturesque, and are finely calculated to receive great
masses of light. But if these striking characteristics of the
latter be destroyed by the axe, by what means shall they
regain their former figure ? To the painter, not less than

* Note XV.
11

82

lo the laiidscape gardener, this loss would be unspeakable,
were it carried to any extent. It is a fact well known to
arboricultural observers, that no large subject, once pollarded,
ever wholly recovers its natural and free conformation, under
the most propitious circumstances of soil and climate ; al-
though it may acquire at last a bushy head, it becomes like
the lime, a tree, which, unless on the foreground, is always
formal and monotonous in landscape.

May we not then fairly conclude, that, in the art of giving
Immediate Effect to Wood, there is sufficient room for the
improvement of such a system ? In any view, it will be
thought of some moment, if the most beautiful and valuable
of all vegetable productions can be saved from mutilation ;
if picturesque effect can at the same time be preserved, and
many years of life anticipated.

In fact, it appears, that the best writers, of the last and
present century, consider the art as purely mechanical and
fortuitous, and founded on no fixed or known principles.
Mason, in the most elegant didactic poem of modern times,
in which an account of the art would certainly have been
given, as an interesting branch of landscape gardening, had
he regarded it as practical, mentions transplanting in a very
beautiful way indeed, but quite incidentally, and merely as
a mechanical art.

Such sentence past, where shall the dryads fly,

That haunt yon ancient vista? — Pity, sure,

Will spare the long cathedral aisle of shade,

In which they sojourn. Taste were sacrilege,

If, lifting there the axe, it dared invade

Those spreading oaks, which in fraternal files,

Have paired for centuries, and heard the strains

Of Sydney's, nay perchance of Surrey's reed.

Yet must they fall ; unless mechanic skill.

To save her offspring, rouse at our command,

And where we bid her move, with engine huge,

Each pond'rous trunk, the pond'rous trunk there move ;

83

A work of difliculty and dangor triod,
Nor oft successful found.*

From the expressions made use of in this beautiful passage,
we are led to believe, that entire decapitation was implied in
the process, and that Mason, who was himself a planter as
well as a poet, considered the necessity as indispensable.

Pontey, one of the most extensive and successful planters
now living, and also a landscape gardener of no small dis-
tinction, gives his testimony nearly to the same effect as
Marshall and Mason, In a late Practical Treatise on this
pleasing art (a work which was much wanted,)! after stating
his anxiety to discover some certain method of giving a
Speedy Effect to Wood, he gives up the point as unattaina-
ble, and has recourse to the miserable expedient of planting
willows and poplars. Respecting the art under consideration,
he candidly says ; " I am no advocate for the removal of
quantities of large trees, as the business is extremely tedious,
and hazardous also. And after all, in cases of success, such
trees for several years grow so slowly, as to remind one of
the ' stricken deer.' It is, indeed, seldom that they harmo-
nize with any thing about them."+ This, we must own, is
a judicious not less than an obvious remark, and of which
no impartial person will deny the justice.

From the view, which has been thus taken of the art in
Britain, it may probably be said, that it has advanced httle
within a century, whether in respect to skill or science. Of
late years, however, some successful examples have been
given of what may be called horticultural transplantation,
that is, the removal of large shrubs and trees of an orna-
mental or exotic species. At the Royal Gardens of Kew,
during the reign of his late Majesty, this was done on a

* English Garden, B. I. 318. f See Note IV. on Sect. I.

\ Poiitey's Rural Improver, p. 87.

84

considerable scale, and with extraordinary success ; but 1
have not been able to obtain any detail of the process.

About three years since, Dr. Robert Graham, Professor of
Botany in the University of Edinburgh, on changing the
site of tlie botanical garden at that place, contrived to remove
a vast number of plants of great rarity and value, and which,
had they been lost, many years of the most diligent culture
in the ordinary manner would not have replaced. Previ-
ously to the taking up, he followed the ingenious method of
Lord Fitzharding, in cutting round the plants, which, pro-
perly speaking, should all have stood for two or three years
after, in order to gain an accession to their roots : but, some
local arrangements having deprived them of that advantage,
a great part were suflered to stand only for a single season.
Such, notwithstanding, was the extraordinary care bestowed
upon them l)y the ingenious professor, and the skill and
diligence of his gardener Mr. M'Nab, that the removals were
executed with a safety, which could scarcely have been anti-
cipated. In order to give still greater variety and effect to
the new garden, forest trees also of various kinds, and con-
siderable dimensions, some of them from thirty to forty feet
high, were at the same time transferred from the old ground
to the new.

The method adopted was, to raise as great a mass or ball
of earth as possible with the plants, and that was carefully
matted up, in order to preserve it entire. The plants were
then put upon a platform with four very low wheels, in an
upright position (as was practised in the time of Evelyn,)
and transported about a mile and a half to the new garden.
In removing the trees, owing to the immense friction, occa-
sioned by the lowness of the w^heels, ten and twelve horses
were occasionally employed ; so that the procession through
the suburbs for many days, consisting of men, and horses,
and waving boughs, presented a spectacle that was at once
novel and imposing. The citizens of Edinburgh were sur-

85

prised and delighted with the master of an art, which seemed
more powerful and persuasive than the strains of Orpheus,
in drawing after it, along their streets, both grove and under-
wood of such majestic size :

Threicio blandius Orpheo
Auditam moderari arboribus fidem.

On arriving at the place of their new destination, where
the ground had been prepared at great expense, and forced
up to the depth of three feet or more, the trees and bushes
were carefully planted. Numerous ropes, fastened pretty
high from the ground, and extending from the stems to the
distance of from twelve to four-and-twenty feet out, in the
fashion of a w^ell-pitched bell-tent, pinned them to the spot
with immovable firmness, so that injury fron wind seemed
altogether impossible. In this way, as may be easily con-
ceived, little or no loss of plants could be sustained by the
operation : — The depth and richness of the soil ; the sheltered
site of the garden, almost as low as the level of the sea ; the
steadfastness of the plants, in consequence of their fasten-
ings ; added to careful waterings daily repeated, almost pre-
cluded contingency.

As to the expense attending the process, it were needless
as well as invidious, minutely to investigate it ; as it could be
no object, in a Royal Institution, when compared with the
successful preservation of plants of such uncommon value.
A list of some of the most remarkable, wdth their several
dimensions, will be found in the notes, and may interest the
botanical reader.*

For this achievement in horticultural transplanting, the
most splendid probably ever known in Britain, the learned
professor is entitled to the highest praise. It shows what may

* Note XVI.

86

be done, in this art, by the united efforts of industry and in-
genuity. Yet, although the whole was very ably and royally
executed, and must prove interesting to others, placed in like
circiunstances, it furnishes no example for general imitation,
or park practice. All the prominent difficulties, with which
the ordinary planter has to contend, namely, want of cUmate
and soil, and of genial warmth resulting from exposure to
the elements, were here removed or obviated. The trees, in
this favourite spot, were like the products of nature in the
" Happy valley" of Rasselas, " in which all the blessings of
vegetation were collected, and the evils extracted and ex-
cluded." To succeed, therefore, with removals on the open
lawn, would require a different system, as well as very dif-
ferent subjects.

It now only remains to say something of the progress of
the art, on the continent of Europe, within the last century ;
and on that subject there is little to be told. The two coun-
tries, whose example, during this period, has been most gen-
erally influential, are England and France. Landscape
gardening originated in the former country ; and it was
naturally to be expected, that, with a character so attractive,
so captivating to the imagination as well as the senses, the
taste for it would soon be spread among her continental neigh-
bours. It was justly remarked by Walpole,* a very accurate
observer, that our style in this new art would never, in all
likelihood, be brought into general use among those nations.
The expense being suited only to the opulence of a free
country, it is there alone that emulation could reign, among
a number of independent individuals. The little princes of
Germany, he observes, who spare no cost on their palaces
and country residences, would be themselves likely to be-
come our imitators, especially as their country and climate
bear, in many respects, an intimate resemblance to our own.

* Anecdote? of Painting in England, Vol. IV.

87

It is now about threescore years since Walpole wrote, and
it is remarkable how well his anticipations have been verified.
While the French, in general, have little cultivated landscape
gardening, a real taste for it has by degrees extended itself
all over Germany, Hungary, Poland, and the northern parts
of Europe. From this observation respecting France, I ex-
cept, of course, a few places in the neighbourhood of Paris,
which have been laid out in a superior way, in imitation of
the English style, such as Arnouville, Courances, Mar^eau.
and, above all, Ermenonville, the pride of French garden-
ing.* The rest are such examples, as Frenchmen might be
expected to produce, of an art, which in its character is essen-
tially and radically English.

The remarks of Walpole may, in a great measure, be
applied to the art of giving Immediate Effect to Wood, as
being one of the most important accessories to that of creating
or improving real landscape. Since the time of Lewis XIV.,
there is no reason to think, transplanting has made great
advances in France. The magnificent and expensive scale
on which the efforts of that prince were conducted, rather
discouraged than invited imitation or competition. The
French nobility and gentry, in former times, never resided
much on their estates ; and the Revolution, which has
changed many other things, has made httle alteration on
their taste for rural pleasures. What a man has not frequently
under his eye, he feels little desire to improve or embellish.
The freedom and freshness of natural scenery can have
few charms for him, who is taught to consider Paris as the
undoubted centre of all earthly enjoyment; and another
century might pass away, ere a true-born Frenchman could
either acquire or comprehend this species of British pre-
dilection. The art, therefore, of giving Immediate Effect to
Wood, like that of creating real landscape; is now regarded;

* Hirschfdd, Tlieoric dcr Garteukuiitl, Baud V. p. 238— 2C7, &c.

88

us hcietofoie in Fiance, in the light of a mechanical process
fortuitously practised, and little valued for either ornament
or use.

Madame de Sevigne mentions, in one of her letters, that,
at her country-scat '•' aux Rochers,"' they raised great woods,
and transplanted trees of thirty and forty feet high. This
account is very vague and unsatisfactory, as she says nothing
of the means, which were employed to accomplish the work.
BtU Madame de Sevigne probably told all she knew ; and we
may believe they did their best to follow the example set by
the Grand Mojiarque, although with inferior powers of exe-
cution. At present, in France, as we travel along the roads,
we frequently see trees of some size, which have been trans-
ferred, in order to decorate the sides of the former. Their
mode of proceeding seems to be the same as that directed by
Evelyn (who probably borrowed it from the French), namely,
to raise the tree by the ordinary methods; to lop and disbranch
it completely ; and then, in planting it anew, to leave noth-
ing but the summit entire. The small-leaved elm is the
species of tree generally adopted for this purpose, in some
districts, but in others, the walnut, the oak, and the poplar.

In Germany and Poland, it is altogether different with re-
spect to national taste, and characteristic habits. The country
residences of the great and wealthy are much more frequently
inhabited by the owners; and, in Poland especially, they have
been, of late years, laid out in a style more truly English,
and with great magnificence. Notwithstanding a grotesque
mixture, on some occasions, of that style with their former
rectilinear features, their parks and pleasure-grounds often ex-
hibit a rudeness and wild grandeur of scenery, which are
rarely found in England, and which Wales or Scotland can
scarcely rival. It is in such hands that the art of trans-
planting might produce the best effects ; and there is no want
of situations to profit by its assistance, were the art placed
upon principles lluit could insure success;.

89

As it is, we find, that it has cilready been practised on a
large scale, by several of the German Princes. At Potsdam,
Frederick II., and at Warsaw, the last King of Poland trans-
ferred some thousands of large trees, in order to embellish the
royal gardens at those places. At Lazenki, in the suburbs
of Warsaw, the well-known; but unfortunate Stanislaus, dis-
played that taste and ingenuity, for which he was so distin"
guished,in laying out the palace and grounds in a style, that,
for luxurious magnificence, has perhaps never been surpassed,
since the days of the Roman emperors. To this favourite
spot he removed some thousands of trees and bushes, for the
improvement of the park, which, together with the gardens,
was frequently thrown open to the public. On these occa-
sions, the most splendid entertainments were given to the
court, and principal inhabitants of the capital, which are still
recollected Avith feelings of delight. The method of remov-
ing the trees was, to lop and deface them in the ordinary
fashion, and, of course, to curtail the roots, and then plant
them in an irregular way, or sometimes leaning to one side,
the better to imitate nature. Hence, after the interval of
many years, late travellers have found, at all these royal re-
sidences, evident marks of such operations, in the mutilated
appearance of the trees.*

The Czar Peter, and the Empress Catherine of Russia,
made similar attempts to procure the Immediate Effect of
Wood, at Zarsco-Zelo, and other palaces in the vicinity of
Petersburg, on which operations immense sums were laid
out, by those magnificent princes. The trees were usually
raised during the winter, and removed in the time of frost,
with vast balls of earth adhering to the roots, and cautiously
placed in the same position as to the north and south, which
they had previously occupied. On these occasions, the tops
of the trees were severely reduced, and so completely disfi-

* Note XVII.
12

90

gured, that they seldom recovered the operation. The King
of Bavaria. Hkewise, has of late made many removals at his
summer palace near Munich, on the same defective princi-
ples, and Avith no better success. Count Potocki, about ten
years since, at his seat of Talitzin in the Ukraine, seems to
have been more skilful, or more fortunate. In order to please
and surprise the Countess, his step-mother, on her arrival at
home, after some months absence, he successfully removed a
double row of lime trees, of more than twenty feet in height,
as an avenue to the house.

The universal complaint, however, in all these countries,
as among ourselves, is the constant decay of the tops, in
spite of previous rmitilatinn : and that even, were that pro-
cess successful in insuring the after-vigour of the trees (which
it is far from doing), still their beauty would thereby for a
long while be lost. It is true that time, the great restorer of
defects, as well as destroyer of beauty, among the vegetable
tribe, may partially cover these imperfections. But the Im-
mediate Effect of Wood, and the delightful creation of park-
scenery, are thus missed by the planter himself, as his sub-
jects, for years, look like the sickly offspring of art, not the
free produce of nature. It seems, therefore, evident, that
some better and more scientific system is still wanting, for
the advancement of transplanting ; a system, which should
unite certainty of success with a moderate expenditure, in
order to bring the art into general use.

Thus, I have endeavoured to give, as briefly as possible,
the History and Progress of the Art of Removing Large
Trees, from the earliest times down to the present. We
have seen that it was a practice well known to the Greeks ;
always considered as desirable, but next to impossible to be
carried into effect, by that ingenious people : That, in the
hands of the Romans, if it did not altogether retrograde, it
was in a condition little better than that, in which the
Greeks had left it : That \\\ modern Europe it revived, with

91

the revival of learning, and seemed for a while to advance,
with the improvements of luxury : In the hands, however,
of one of the most powerful monarchs that Europe ever saw,
it did not rise beyond the rank of a mechanical art : And
finally, in those of the most cultivated nation of modern
times, a nation too, which has added one more to the num-
ber of the Fine Arts, it still remains a practice without a
foundation in fixed pri7iciples. It is regarded, by their best
practical writers, as wholly unfit for general purposes, as lim-
ited in its application, and hazardous and uncertain in its
execution.

Yet, in this state of things, there is reason to suspect that
a prejudice still exists, at least in England, against any at-
tempt to supply these defects, and to raise it to the rank of a
regular art. In either division of the island, the attempt will
be deemed a bold one, and by some treated as altogether
visionary. The only ground, on which I venture to look
for a different result in my own country, is not laid in any
fanciful theory, however ingenious, but in the laws of vege-
tation plainly applied to practice. In attaining the object, I
shall strive, in the words of a great orator (which have been
chosen to grace my title-page), " so to adopt the ministration
of Art, as humbly to imitate Nature ; to tread in her footsteps,
wherever they are to be found, and to strike out a kindred
path, wherever they are wanting." It is on such principles
alone, that I can hope to communicate, to this neglected prac-
tice, some stability from arrangement, and some light from
science.

92

SECTION III.

ATTEMPT TO SUGGEST A NEW THEORY, OR PRINCIPLE
OF THE ART.

F'roim the cursory view which has been given, of the rise
and progress of transplanting, from the earhest times down
to the present, it appears, notwithstanding the objections of
some ingenious men, that it is an art w^orthy of an attentive
cultivation ; and that, if it could be established on principles,
founded in nature, and confirmed by experience, it might,
within a short period, become extensively useful.

The best informed phytologist, who has treated the sub-
ject, is the judicious Miller, the author of the Gardener's and
Botanist's Dictionary ; a work, which, in the enlarged edition
of Professor Martyn of Cambridge, should be dihgently stu-
died by every planter of education. On the art in question
this accurate observer has no formal disquisition ; but in the
article " Planting," he has introduced some strictures on the
practice of removing large trees, as it was in his time preva-
lent, and some general objections to the art itself, which are
deserving of attention. These, then, it would be proper to
consider in the outset, before we proceed to inquire respecting
the improvement of the art. His main objection to the then
existing system (which, as we have seen in the foregoing
section, is precisely that of modern planters) is that the lop
ping or mutilating the tops and side-branches of trees, and
still more the decapitating of them, is utterly destructive of
their health and growth ; and that. Avhatever other advanta-

93

ges might be supposed to attend the ai1, that ulone is sufli-
cicnt to neutrahze or counterbalance them. It was this
weighty objection, brought forward by Miller, that first led
me to bestow particular attention on the suhject, and to seek
for some general theory or principle, which, if founded on
the laws of nature, as affecting woody plants, under differ-
ent circumstances of climate and soil, might serve to regu-
late and improve the practice.

But, independentl}' of all partial faults, that might be found
with transplanting, as now generally practised, Miller objects
to all transplantation whatever, whether of young trees oi
old. Every tree, he holds, in order to reach the greatest size
and perfection, of which it is susceptible, should be raised at
once from the seed : To remove it at all, is sensibly to dete-
riorate it. Therefore, it follows, that if, by removal when
young, it suffer injury, it must, by the same process when
old, suffer much greater injury. On this opinion of the ex-
pediency of sowing the seeds of trees, instead of transferring
plants from the seed-bed to the nursery, and thence to the open
plantation, he is not singular, as the doctrine has been sup-
ported, both before and since his time, by very eminent ph)'-
tologists : While others, of no small weight and name, have
as strenuously taken up the adverse side of the question, and
maintained, that plants may not only be safely transferred
from the seed-bed to the nursery, before being planted out,
but that woods raised with such materials possess advanta-
ges, which those at once springing from the seed can never
possess.* These different systems, within the two last cen-
turies, have been widely propagated, and as keenly supported ;
and, as the mass of mankind never think for themselves, it
so happens, that the art of transplanting has its friends and
its enemies, its advocates and its opponents, among the learned
and the unlearned.

* NOTF 1.

94

Without entering into so extensive and intricate a question
as the above (which, liowever, might lead to many interest-
ing details), let us see what the objections of so judicious a
writer as Miller are, to the transplanting of trees of consid-
erable magnitude ; because, if we either admit those objec-
tions as relevant, or obviate them as unfounded, it will pave
the way for some rational theory of the art.

The objections, brought forward by Miller, seem to be
three in number. The first and radical one, as above noticed,
is to the lopping or cutting off the tops or side boughs, or both,
at the period of removal, as utterly ruinous to trees. This
objection, he says, is obviously so well founded, that no one
will stand up for the safet}^ of the practice, who is acquainted
with the way in which the circulation of the sap is carried
on ; for, in that case, he must know, that branches being or-
gans just as essential as roots to the nourishment of trees, it
must be doubly destructive to mutilate both, at one and the
same time. If any one, he adds, doubt the fact, let him try
the experiment on a healthy subject of the same age not in-
tended for removal, and he will find, that mutilation will so
stint its growth, that it will not recover till after several years,
if it recover at all ; and it will never attain the same size and
figure, or produce the same sound and perfect wood as others,
on which the branches have been left in an entire state. Or
otherwise, let him make the trial on two trees of equal age
and health, and cut the boughs from the one, while he leaves
them, at the time of transplanting, on the other ; in that case,
the latter will be found to succeed far better than the former.
Or, let him practise the same thing on two permanent trees
of equal health and appearance ; and the tree, of which the
boughs are lopped, will not be found to make half the pro-
gress of the other, nor will the bulk of the stem increase, in
nearly the same ratio.*

* Note II-

95

But, say the planters, who advocate the mutilating sys-
tem, since the roots are severely curtailed by the operation of
taking up, the branches must necessarily be curtailed in pro-
portion, and suited to the ability of the roots, whose province
it is to sustain the branches. If, hov^^ever, there be any truth
in the foregoing statement, and that it be reciprocally the
province of the branches also to nourish the roots, that argu-
ment, how specious soever, must fall to the ground ; for it is
obviously calculated to make bad worse, by subjecting the
tree to two evils instead of one, to which it must at all events
be subjected. Besides, these reasoners are well aware, that,
if they abstained from the lopping of the top and branches,
and left them entire, the greater part would decay during the
first season, for want of nourishment, to the utter discredit of
their system. The objection of Miller, therefore, is perfectlj
unanswerable. It would be quite superfluous to add any fur-
ther illustrations, however conclusive, drawn from the consti-
tution or anatomy of plants, as these will more properly be
brought forward in the sequel.

His second objection is, that, if trees be removed with large
heads, it is next to impossible to maintain them against the
violence of the wind, in an upright position, with the aid of
supports or fastenings of whatever species. To this it may
be answered, that almost all trees with large heads, have short
and stout stems, with correlative roots ; and at all events, that,
by art skilfully employed, roots may be increased to the ability
of the tops, and almost incredibly multipUed, if time be given
for nature to second the efforts of art. Besides the nourish-
ment, which is prepared by the leaves, sent down to the stem
and ultimately, by means of the branches, to such extensive
roots, the branches and stem together serve to balance the
tree properly against the wdnds ; so that, when due precau-
tions are used, an extensive top is an aid rather than an im-
pediment to the progress of trees, and may be rendered ad-
vantageous, by a skilful planter.

96

Tlip tliiicl uiui last objection is. that transplanted trees do
not survive above five or six yeare?, after being so injudiciously
removed, as above described, and their boughs mutilated :
That, in a particular instance, which Miller quotes, where
oaks were so treated, and where they were found to thrive
beyond all expectation, in the beginning, they yet died at the
end of fifty years ; whereas, according to the characteristic
properties of that tree, they should then have been increasing
in vigour. To which it may be fairly replied, that the oc-
currence of such miscarriages evidently proceeds upon the
supposition, that the injiuious practice of lopping the tops and
side branches is still to be continued ; when, on the contrary,
Ijy an improved practice, as soon as that cause is removed,
the evils that flowed from it will be removed in consequence.
As to the effects of fifty years growth on transplanted trees,
it is not so so easy to speak : But at the place from which
these pages are dated, some oaks, beeches, and limes are to
be seen, nearly forty years after removal ; and those trees
have constantly exhibited progressive vigour in an extraor-
dinary degree, and might now be taken for plants raised
without removal from the seed.

Such are the objections against Transplanting, which have
been urged by Miller, and which the reputation of the man,
not less than the nature of the objections themselves, rendered
worthy of particular notice. If we yield to the first objection,
which we must do, as being quite conclusive ; if we obviate
the second and third, which, I conceive, has been satisfacto-
rily done, perhaps we may venture to believe, that there is
good ground for suggesting a rational theory of the art,
such as probably would have been sanctioned by this intel-
ligent phytologist himself, notwithstanding his prejudices,
and, what is still more important, has been sanctioned by
experience.

On considering the causes that have hitherto rendered this
desirable object abortive, they appear to be of a twofold

97

description. In the first place, they have originated in a
general want of science in planters, which has naturally led
them to a mistaken choice of subjects. And, in the second
place, they have sprung from the belief, which most planters
seem to entertain, that yoiuig trees and old possess similar
properties, and that therefore, they should be removed on
similar principles. But there is no doctrine more fallacious
than this, and none which it is more important to refute.
In a concise inquiry, which is about to be instituted, in order
to point out some sound theory or principle of the art, both
of these obstructing causes shall be kept in view, and illus-
trated in as clear a manner as possible.

If we take a survey of nature, in all the forms, under
which existence is manifested, we shall perceive, with admi-
ration, the wisdom of the Creator, in accommodating every
animate and inanimate being to the economy of a universal
and connected plan. By his incomprehensible power, every
organized production is adapted to the place, which it is
destined to occupy, in the world of life ; and every organ of
every living whole is curiously modified to the circumstances
which affect the exercise of its functions, and to the conditions
which regulate the development of its energies. E very organi-
zed substance is necessarily a living production. Every living
production, whether animal or vegetable, tends naturally to
perfect existence; and perfect existence is contained in the
full development of all the parts or organs through which
action is evolved, and consequently, iii which life is realized :
for life is manifested by action ; and living vigour must be
proportionate to spontaneous energy, in every being endowed
with life.

But while every organic creation tends to full develop-
ment, that is, to absolute energy, or the perfection of its
species, still we find, that the organs, of which it is composed,
are each reciprocally dependent on every other, for the
possibility and degree of their peculiar action. At the same

13

98

time, as these internal conditions of animated existence aie
severally dependent on certain external conditions, which
again are not always fully and equally supplied ; so it
follows, that the life of every organized being is determined
in its amount, and in the direction of its development, by
tlie outward circumstances of its individual situation. For
this reason we see, that every animal, and every plant is
dependent for its existence, and also for its perfect existence,
on conditions both internal and external.

From this reasoning it may be conceived, how the several
parts of the living whole reciprocally act and react. They
are, in fact, cause and effect mutually ; and no one can
precede another, either in the order of nature, or of time.
Thus, in an animal, the digestive and the absorbent, the
sanguineous, the respiratory, and the nervous systems are
at once relative and correlative. In like manner, in a plant,
the same reciprocal pro})ortion is found to hold between the
roots and the stem, the branches and the leaves : each
modifies and determines the existence of all the others, and
is equally affected by all, in its turn. And as their several
parts, by means of their union, constitute the organic whole ;
and as their functions, by the same means, realize the com-
plement of life, which the plant or animal exhibits ; so it is
evident, that every living individual is a necessary system,
in which no one part can be affected, without affecting the
other parts, and throughout which there reigns an intimate
sympathy, and a complete harmony of perfection and im-
perfection.

Further ; the external conditions of this internal develop-
ment of plants and animals, are food, air, heat, and probably
water ; while light, according to most physiologists, seems
to be a peculiar condition, indispensably necessary to plants.*
Where any one of these conditions is not supplied, the

* Note HI.

99

existence of life, whether animal or vegetable, becomes im-
possible ; where it is insufficiently supplied, life is proportion-
ally enfeebled or repressed. But, to limit our consideration
to the vegetable kingdom, it may be observed, that where a
loose and deep soil affords an aljundant supply of food, where
a genial climate diffuses warmth in an adequate degree, and
where a favourable exposure allows a competent access of
light (for air, being fully and universally given, may be
thrown out of the case ;) in these circumstances, a plant, if
not mechanically injured, will vigorously exercise its func-
tions, and attain the full development of its parts, thus
realizing the absolute complement of life, to which it natu-
rally tends. In the same way, when these conditions are
stinted, the luxuriance of the plant is checked, in the ratio
of that restraint, and the deficiency of the supply. Where
any one of the external conditions is partially or inadequately
supplied, the plant appears to make special, and even forced
efforts to secure as much of the beneficial influence as it can,
and to accommodate itself to the exigency of its situation.
Thus, where light is admitted only from a single point, a
plant concentrates all its powers, in stretching towards the
direction of the light. Where light is shed all around, the
plant throws out its branches on every side. In conformity
with this principle, we find, that, in the interior of a wood,
where the trees mutually impede the lateral admission of
light, the tendency of each is upwards ; and the consequence
of this tendency is, that the plant is thereby not developed
in its natural and perfect proportions, but is elongated, or
drawn up to an undue height. It displays its ramification
chiefly near the top ; while the imperfection of its life is
manifested, in the whole character of its vegetation. In open
exposures, on the other hand, the tree developes its existence.
in full health and luxuriance. It reaches a height, such as
the soil and situation admit, and sufficient to allow the
branches, which are thrown out on every side, to expand

100

their leaves freely to the sun. Not being compelled to con-
centrate its efforts, in securing a scanty supi)ly of one
beneficial influence, all its proportions are absolute and
universal, not relative and particular. In such circumstan-
ces, therefore, it may be considered as in a full and natural
state of perfection.

Another condition of vegetable life appears to be an ade-
quate degree of heat. Within a certain range of temperature,
vegetation is positively promoted : below or above a certain
point (the degree differing in different species of plants,)
vegetation is positively checked. To speak only of the latter
case, which is briefly expressed by the term cold, it is either
produced by absolute lowness of temperature, or, in particular
circumstances, by the generation of cold, through the effect
of wind, and consequent evaporation from a moist surface ;
for trees in themselves have but little self- generated heat,
above the surrounding temperature ; and their chemical
composition is such, that they do not congeal, vmless the
cold be of the severest sort, and many degrees below the
freezing point of water. Some caloric, however, they pro-
bably possess, otherwise they would be killed in very hard
weather, or rather, on the too sudden return of heat.*

Of the above accidents nature can modify the former, by
accommodating different species of plants to different lati-
tudes and elevations : against the latter, she adopts the plan
of affording suitable protection to the individual. In the
interior of woods, where the free current of air is intercepted,
where stillness and serenity are maintained, and where each
tree affords shelter more or less to every other, nature has
little need to generate the provisions necessary to mitigate
the injurious effects of evaporation. But in open exposures,
and in the case of isolated trees, this effect must be assuaged,
and is. in fad. to n cortnin extent alleviated, by various pro-

"NOTF IV.

101

visions oi properties bestowed upon the tree itself. In the
first place, a tliickei and closer ramification of the sides and
top is suppHed, and a more abundant spray towards the
stormy quarter, thereby furnishing a kind of clothing of
leaves, in order to protect from cold both the ascending, and
the descending sap-vessels : And secondly, a greater indura-
tion of the epidermis, and thickness of the cortical layers
of the bark are provided ; which, forming a bad conductor
of heat, act as a still more effectual defence to the stem, by
preventing the immediate and powerful application of cold,
through the sudden subtraction of caloric, from the proper
vessels of the inner bark.

In this economy, nature only follows the analogy which
she displays, in modifying the influence of cold upon the
animal kingdom. The quadrupeds, which are destined to
encounter the severity of an arctic winter, are provided with
thick and shaggy coats, to enable them to withstand the
intensity of the cold ; and all the richest furs, which man
employs to supply his natural, or rather his artificial wants,
are always furnished by animals inhabiting the highest lati-
tudes, and killed during the severest frosts. What is siill
more illustrative of the point under consideration is, that the
coats of animals, of which the thin and short hair is familiar
to us in the temperate climates, such as the dog, the fox, and
the ox, are all remarkable, under the polar regions, for their
close, lengthened, and almost impenetrable fibre, as a se-
cure barrier of non-conducting matter, to prevent the escape
of their vital heat.*

In like manner, in all the other relations, we see nature
especially accommodating the character of each individual
plant to the exigencies of its particular situation. In the
interior of woods, the wind can exert a far less mechanical
effect on individual trees ; and therefore, while they are

* Note V.

102

jiositively deteniiined to push upwards towards the Hght,
they are negatively permitted to do so, by the removal of
any necessity to thicken their trunks, for the sake of greater
strength, and to contract the height of them, in order to
afford the blast a shorter lever against the roots. But, with
trees in an open situation, all this is widely different. There
they are freely exposed to the wind, and the large expansion
of their branches gives every advantage to the violence of
the storm. Nature, accordingly, bestows greater proportional
thickness, and less proportional elevation on trees which are
isolated, or nearly so ; while their system of root, which, by
necessity, is correlatively proportional to their system of top,
affords likewise heavier ballast and a stronger anchorage, in
order to counteract the greater spread of sail, displayed in
the wider expansion of the branches.

Every individual tree is thus a beautiful system of quali-
ties, specially relative to the place which it holds in creation ;
of provisions admirably accommodated to the peculiar cir-
cumstances of its case. Here every thing is necessary ;
nothing is redundant. In the words of a great philosopher,
who was an accurate observer of natiue, " Where the neces-
sity is obviated, the remedy, by consequence, is withdrawn."*
If these facts and reasonings be correctly stated, the only
rational theory of the removal of large trees consists, in
prospectively maintaining the same harmony between the
existing provisions of the tree, and the exigencies of its new
situation, as had previously subsisted between its relative
properties, and the circumstances of its former site. That
such is the only rule, founded on the principles of vegetation,
that can apply to all circumstances, and all situations, there
cannot be a doubt. But, lest the foregoing reasonings should
seem rather abstract and general, I will, in order to reduce
theory to practice, attempt a more popular detail, and descend

* Note VI.

103

IVom tlie remoter to the more proximate axioms of the art.
In doing tliis, however, our consideration may be limited to
the vegetable kingdom.

Nature, as has been observed, has destined trees to grow,
more or less vigorously, in all situations, from those of the
thinnest groups in the highest latitudes, to the densest masses,
and the most sheltered woods ; and for this purpose, she has
conferred provisions or properties upon each, which are
severally adapted to such circumstances. Now, as the busi-
ness of transplanting, generally speaking, implies increased
exposure, it is proper to inquire more minutely into these
provisions, so as to enable us to ascertain their peculiar ap-
pearance and character, and into the way, in which they
affect the growth of trees.

With this view, it will serve little purpose to draw exam-
ples from ordinary plantations. Let us have recourse to
ancient forests and woodlands, or to parks long since planted,
in which the hand of man has either never interfered, or
where the vestiges of his interference have been long oblite-
rated. Here we shall find trees in every variety of situation,
but endued with properties of the most opposite sort. Yet
all grow with relative luxuriance, under the circumstances
in which they are placed. Of trees in the interior of woods,
setting aside all technical or phytological distinctions, the
following are found to be the general characteristics : Stems
upright and stately ; bark glossy and beautiful ; tops small,
and thinly provided with branches ; with roots, in the same
way, spare and scanty, but in due proportion to the tops.
In open exposures, on the other hand, the reverse of all this
is the case. The characteristics of these are the following :
Stems stout and short ; bark thick and coarse ; tops exten-
sive and spreading ; branches often reaching to the ground ;
with roots extensive like the tops, and throwing themselve-s
out on every side. What, then, are we to conclude from
these remarkable discrepancies between trees of the same

104

species, aliliougli iii diUcrent situations, but that nature,
wliich orders nothing in vain, has bestowed these properties
for wise purposes, and that they are the best calculated,
respectively, to realize in those trees as great a complement
of life, as their respective circumstances will admit ?

This conclusion naturally leads us to a closer attention to
the progress of wood, than is usually bestowed upon it. In
infancy, that is, in the sccd-bed or nursery -ground, we find,
that all plants of the same sort are alike, or nearly so. But
in a year, and, still more, in many years, when they go out
to form plantations, they experience a great diversity of treat-
ment, and arc placed in soil of various qualities, and in
various degrees of exposure. To these vicissitudes the plastic
powers of plants in process of time accommodate themselves;
so that in point of form, character, and properties of every
sort, they must essentially vary from one another, and ac-
quire the properties most suitable to such soils and situations.
It is for this reason, that to establish any just analogy between
the transplanting of young trees, and the transplanting of
old, is utterly impossible, whatever may be believed by most
planters to the contrary ; because the circumstances in both
cases being changed, the subjects under their influence change
in consequence.*

In considering the characteristics of trees above mentioned,
we should always bear in mind, that every production of
nature is an end to itself, and that every part of it is, at once,
end and mean. Of trees in open exposures we find, that
their peculiar properties contribute, in a remarkable manner,
to their health and prosperity. In the first place, (heir short-
ness and greater girth of stem, in contradistinction to others
in the interior of woods, are obviously intended to give to
the former greater strength to resist the winds, and a shorter
lever to act upon the roots. Secondly, their larger heads,

* Note VII.

105

with spieading Ijiaiiclieis, in conseciueiice of llie free access
of light, are formed as plainly for the nourishment, as well
as the balancing of so large a trunk, and also for furnishing
a cover, to shield it from the elements. Thirdly, their supe-
rior thickness and induration of bark is, in like manner,
bestowed for the protection of the sap vessels, that lie imme-
diately under it, and which, without such defence from cold,
could not perform theii functions. Fourthly, their greater
number and variety of roots are for the double purpose of
nourishment and strength ; nourishment to support a mass
of such magnitude, and strength to contend with the fury
of the blast. Such are the obvious purposes, for which these
unvarying characteristics of trees in open exposures are con-
ferred upon them. Nor are they conferred equally and in-
discriminately on all trees so situated. They seem, by the
economy of nature, to be peculiar adaptations to the cir-
cumstances and wants of each individual, uniformly be-
stowed in the ratio of exposure, greater where that is more
conspicuous, and uniformly decreasing, as it becomes less.

On the other hand, in the interior of woods, a universal
tendency, for the reasons aheady stated, is observable in
trees, to rise to the light, to attain greater altitude, to form
far smaller heads, and taller, slenderer, and more elegant
stems. Here is found a milder and more genial climate ; in
which, by means of the calm generated by shelter, vegeta-
tion is not checked by cold, and, at the same time, is undis-
turbed by the external impediment of wind. Here nature
has no need, as in the case of exposures, to generate pro-
visions necessary to mitigate the effect of evaporation, as
has been above observed, or to endue each individual tree
with distinct and appropriate means of defence against the
elements. In this situation, the branches, and, in hke manner,
the roots are much less extensive and numerous, than in
the former instance, and the bark of a thinner and finer
quaUty ; all plainly indicating, that the trees so situated do

14

106

iiot rcquiie the same external protection. It is like the genial
warmth of the seed-bed, or the nursery ; but where there is
freedom for the roots to expand without interruption, and
for the leaves to prepare the sap, without being vexed by the
winds. In fact, so extraordinary is the difference between
trees of the same species, placed in the one situation, and
in the other, that there is no visible point of resemblance
between them, excepting the leaves. We may, however,
perceive, that, as soon as the tops gain the summit of the
wood, their branches are shortened towards that quarter, and
both branches and spray are more thickly, though less vigor-
ously thrown out, in order to supply a defence against the
storm. Further, we find, that the outside rows, partaking
in some measure of the situation of trees in exposures, ob-
tain, in a proportional degree, the provisions adapted to such
a situation, and by consequence, a corresponding conforma-
tion and external character.

It is a very curious fact, which has been verified by expe-
riment, and is worthy the attention of the scientific planter,
that these several properties or provisions, though once deter-
minately acquired, are not fixed or permanent in trees. The
vigilance of nature, if I may so speak, in adapting them to
every vicissitude of external circumstances, is so conspicuous,
as to dispose them gradually to divest themselves of the
properties adapted to one situation, when they happen to be
transferred to another, to which the opposite properties are
more congenial. For this reason, if a tree of some size,
which, in consequence of exposure, has acquired all the
properties already noticed, as adapted to that situation, be
transferred to the interior of the wood, it will, in a few years,
lay aside those properties, and assume all the others which
have been described, as peculiarly adapted to its new circum-
stances.* Thus, the law of nature seems to be, that shelter

* Note VIII.

107

and exposuie, that is, heat and cold, have the power alike of
diminishing or increasing, and of even alternately bestowing
and taking away, what may be called the Protecting
Properties.

It has been noticed above, that all trees, in open situations,
uniformly attain the highest state of natural perfection, of
which they are susceptible ; consequently it is by such trees,
that the best, the toughest, and the most durable timber is
produced. Yet it is interesting to observe the beneficence
of Providence, in providing for the accommodation of man.
Were it not for the way, in which the external conditions of
trees in woods and close situations are modified, from whence
could we procure the long and powerful beam, the straight,
clean, and lengthened deal, and nearly all the wood that is
employed, whether in civil or naval architecture ?

On considering these different phenomena, and comparing
them with other facts^ respecting the growth of Wood, which
daily present themselves to our observation, the following con-
clusions as adapted to practice seem irresistible, and are agree-
able to the law of nature on this subject.

First, That, in a general view it seems evident, respecting
the two descriptions of trees above mentioned, that each is
furnished with a certain form, and certain provisions or pro-
perties, which are best adapted to the exigencies of its situa-
tion. That, for this purpose, the sheltered trees are always
more straight, more delicate, and more lofty ; the exposed
more stout, more hardy, and more spreading ; better nourish-
ed by roots, and protected and balanced by numerous spray,
and wide-extending branches.

Secondly : That, as the four protecting properties already
delineated, as belonging to trees in open situations, are essen-
tial and necessary to the vigorous development of their ex-
istence, so they may be set down as indispensable prerequis-
ites for those intended for transplantation, which generally
implies increased exposure ; and that, soil and climate being

108

equal, such subjects will succeed the best, as are endued in
tlie greatest degree with these prerequisites or properties.

Thirdly : We must infer, that the four opposite, or non-
protecting properties, described as belonging to sheltered trees,
which are not developed in their natural and perfect propor-
tions, however fitted such properties may be for themy are
unsuitable to removal, and are, on that account, not less stu-
diously to be avoided by the planter, in the selection of his
subjects. Indeed, in reflecting on the most striking instances
of failure, it is observable, that such are always associated
Avith these unfavourable properties.

Fourthly : It is plain, if we mean to succeed in transferring
trees of any magnitude, in our lawns or parks, that we must
endeavour to follow the example of nature, in ordering such
subjects. The practical course, then, to be pursued is, to
adopt the subjects possessing the protecting provisions or
properties, wherever they can be found, and to communicate
them to others, in which they are wanting, by the easiest
methods. Another rule seems to be. that, in following na-
ture, we may accommodate or adapt the principle to the par-
ticular circumstances and situation, in which we chance to
operate : That, although we must rigidly adhere to it, as na-
ture does, in severe exposures, we may yet proportionally
relax it, as warmth or shelter is more or less afforded to our
subjects : Or, as has been expressed with greater precision
above, we must prospectively maintain the same harmony
between the existing provisions of the tree, and the exigen-
cies of its new situation, as had previously subsisted between
its relative properties, and the circumstances of its former
site.

Fifthly : If we adopt this principle, and follow it up with
a judicious mode of execution, it seems evident, that the ne-
cessity of defacing or mutilating the fine tops of trees will
be entirely superseded. We shall obtain at once, what the
art, as hitherto practised, has not been able to obtain for us.

109

the Immediate and Full EflTect of Wood, that is, trees com-
plete and perfect in all their parts, without the loss of the
time required to replace the parts, when so defaced and mu-
tilated. In this way likewise, a certain and successful prac-
tice will be established, instead of one that is fortuitous. To
which it is pleasing to add, that the same system, that gives
picturesque effect, conjoins utility with ornament; for by
following it out, we shall insure to our trees uniform health,
and progressive vigour, and, by consequence, sound and
valuable wood.

Such is the general theory, which I venture to suggest, for
the improvement of the art, and the guidance of the planter.
The proposition, as I conceive, has been enunciated, and ex-
ammed in its several bearings, with sufficient accuracy, in the
foregoing part of this Section. The more brief and popular
modification, now given, of protecting and non-protecting
properties, is not perhaps strictly philosophical ; but it is
adopted merely on account of its simplicity, and for the pur-
pose of accommodating the theory to practice. These pro-
perties, I am aware, are acquired by trees, solely in conse-
quence of differences in their situation ; and for that reason
it might have been better, if terms could have been found,
having a reference to what the tree is, or to the conditions
that have made it so, rather than to any future uses, which
the character thus acquired is considered to serve. But they
may be defended precisely on the same grounds, as the terms
" conducting" and " non-conducting," as applied to certain
substances, capable of receiving and transmitting the elec-
tric fluid, which were first invented by Disaguliers, and have
been since admitted into the philosophical nomenclature.

The above practical view, however, with the illustrations
already offered, cannot well mislead us. as they are founded on
admitted doctrines of phytology, and the laws of nature. If
such a mode of execution be superinduced upon it, as shall
furnish to the tree a competent supply of sap, at the critirni

no

peiiotl of removal, the art may be said to be established on
fixed principles ; and thus the results may be rendered as
certain and successfulj as the severity of the operation will
admit. Of the general correctness of the theory there
seems little doubt ; but, like every other drawn from nature,
it will be still further developed and improved, by observation
and experience. I may, however, say, after considerable ex-
perience, that, in park-practice at least, it admits of few mo-
difications, and no exceptions.

It is both interesting and important to observe, that the
principles, on which this theory is founded, are the true
principles of General Planting, and must equally govern
every attempt at successful arboriculture ; I mean the anat-
omy of plants, and the modifying of heat and cold to their
various conditions and circumstances. It is a radical error
to suppose, as is too often done by planters and gardeners,
that heat is not as necessary to the infancy of a tender plant,
as to a new-born and helpless animal ; and that the former
is not as ill adapted to resist cold, and an early and undue
exposure to the elements, as the latter. The tree, as well
as the animal, is an organized being endued with life, al-
though its conditions of existence, internal and external, are
differently modified : But, the striking analogy subsisting
between them should be the guide of the planter's practice,
and should never be absent from his mind. It is owing to
this utter vmacquaintance with vegetable physiology, which
prevails among landowners, that the Dl success of too many
British plantations is to be attributed, and that Wood so sel-
dom thrives, or repays the planter.

Were arboriculture, like husbandry, properly understood,
and were the important sciences of physiology and chemis-
try applied, in the former art, to the study of facts, a very
different return for the vast sums laid out in planting might
certainly be expected. In this case, I do not say, that soils
and climates could by any means be equahzed, but their

Ill

leturn in Wood, like that in crops, would become uniloniily
productive. Trees would be judiciously adapted to their ap-
propriate soils, and, what is little less important, to their ap-
propriate climates. The efforts of nature would everywhere
be seconded, instead of being repressed or counteracted. An
efficient management would supersede a fortuitous practice ;
and, in a word, science would be able to anticipate the re-
sult, which industry, without her assistance, could never
bring about.

112

SECTION IV.

DEVELOPMENT AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE NEW THEORY
OR PRINCIPLE.

In the foregoing Section, the principle or theory suggested
for an improved practice in transplanting, has been considered
as a new principle. But it does not follow from thence, that
I either believe, or would persuade others, that I have rnade
many new discoveries in phytological science. I have, on
this occasion, merely deduced practice from speculation, and
conclusions that are probably new, from facts, which others
as well as myself must have long since observed.

Simple and obvious as the principle seems to be, if it have
ever occurred to, or been acted on by others, the fact has not
come to my knowledge. Of the general practice of this
country I may speak with some certainty. I have both seen
and heard a good deal of that of our English neighbours.
1 have made considerable inquiries respecting the practice of
France, Germany, and the north of Europe ; from all which
it appears, that planters have not sufficiently attended to
vegetable physiology, or to what the law of nature is, in
respect to the effects of shelter and exposure on the growth
of Wood. In one and all of these countries, trees are at once
transferred from close woods or plantations to the open field,
and full-grown or large subjects are, like young plants, more
or less lopped and defaced, under the name of lightening the
lops, at the time of removal. These things, together with
the ill success almost always attendant on the conunon

113

method, clearly point out, that the |)rinciple in fiiiestiori may
be said to be altogetlier new to the |)ubhc.

From the facts above stated, it is ap[)arent, that there arc
certain distinct external provisions or properties in trees,
called the protecting propcrlice!, which are conferred on thcni
by nature, and which render them fit for resisting tlie influ-
ence of the elements, in exposed situations ; and that there
are certain other properties, termed the non-protecting, which
render them unfit. Hence it follows, as already observed,
that if, taking nature for our guide, we adopt such trees onl}',
as are endued with the former properties, as subjects for re
moval, we shall have the best chance of succeeding in tliat
hazardous task. In order to show, in the most intelligible
manner, how this has been accomplished, perhaps the
simplest course will be to endeavour to detail the progress of
my own attempts at the object ; earnestly requesting of the
reader to forgive the appearance of egotism, with which such
a detail must necessarily be accompanied. It is only from
our own errors, or those of others, that we can hope to derive
useful lessons in a process, of which the success is so much
dependent on judgment and accuracy.

My first experiments, many years since, were made on
subjects taken from plantations, in which the trees stood too
close to one another. The plants, as might be expected,
were straight and beautiful, although greatly drawn up by
shelter towards the hght, and deficient in lateral branches.
But I expected, by removing a number of them, to attain
the double object of thinning the plantations, and wooding
the open field. During the first season, a few of the best-
rooted survived the operation, and carried leaf well. Their
tops were pretty severely lopped, or lightened with the axe,
in the ordinary manner; and I Was flattered with some
prospect that they would ere long shoot forth with vigour.
In a year or two, they became stunted and unhealthy, from
causes now obvious, but which were unknown to me at the

15

114

time. The remaining branches gradually dropped off.
They were unable, even with the help of props, to resist
the winds, and were in the end rooted out, as altogether
irrecoverable.

Having discovered that subjects of quite a different sort
must be resorted to, my next trials were made on trees stand-
ing in open glades, in grove-wood, which had been thinned
out to wider distances, in hedge-rows, and the like, where the
sun and air had freer admission. The trees in general here
exceeded twenty feet in height. Their stems were stouter
than those used in my first experiments. Their bark had
none of the fine and glossy surface belonging to that of the
others. Their heads were beginning to assume a more
spreading form, and were tolerably well balanced. The
roots in some were numerous, but in others scraggy and
straggling, according to the nature of their previous rooting-
ground, and the degree of exposure in which they had stood.

The plants from the hedge-rows, of course, exceeded all
the others, in the possession of those properties, which I
began to suspect were most essential ; and they would have
been the best subjects of any, had not their roots grown in a
perpendicular direction, in consequence of the high mound
of earth, on which the hedge was planted. But the tops of
the whole I now resolved to leave entire and untouched, not-
withstanding the universality of the lopping practice, and the
confident opinion entertained, that it was indispensable to
success.

At this early period, I possessed little skill in the business
of preparing, or taking up the trees. I had no implements,
beyond common spades and shovels, for the latter purpose :
Neither had I any proper machinery, for safe and speedy
transportation. A number of men, however, being set to
work, sledges, trundles, carts, and even wheelbarrows were
pressed into the service ; by which methods, a few were re-
moved with diificullV; and at a considerable exj)ense.

115

Some years after this, I tried otFier subjects, from forest
glades, or open spaces in the interior of woods, where the
trees were mucli taller and handsoiner. Their disposition
having been pretty open, and the lightness of the soil aflbrd-
ing good rooting-ground, their roots and fibres had struck
more abundantly, than in the other subjects just now men-
tioned. Their bark, likewise, appeared more sound and
healthy, and free from the coarse and rugged surface, which
was remarkable in the hedge-row plants. For these reasons,
they were the subjects from which I anticipated the most
certain success. This took place more than thirty years ago.

It may easily be imagined, that, in these rude attempts,
many deaths occurred, and that a small number only out-
lived the operation ; but the lessons which were derived from
them, after standing on the open ground for four or five
years, were very instructive. I shall most probably surprise
the young planter (as, indeed, I was surprised myself) by
stating, that those, which I then found to succeed the best,
were not what had shown the most numerous roots, as was
conjectured, but what had acquired the thickest and coarsest
coat of bark, and possessed the stoutest stems, if accompanied
with branches and spray pretty thickly set. In the second
place only came the plants from woody glades, of which the
roots were so promising, and seemed to confer on them so
great a superiority. In other words, it appeared to me, that
the success of the trees, their new situation and soil being
equal, was in the ratio of their previous exposure, and
their consequent power of protecting the sap-vessels ; which
power seemed always commensurate to exposure.

Subsequently, various other experiments on a small scale
were instituted, with such subjects as could be procured.
But, in searching for these, I was necessarily confined to old
and established plantations, which, although of some extent,
and containing some variety of soil and cUmate, were 3'^et im-
perfectly suited to the purpose. The important transplanting

116

nurseries, which T afterwards formed, and which shall be
treated of in the sequel, had, at this period, no existence, and
the manifold advantages, since derived from them, were not
then contemplated. Still a sufficient variety of plants, both
in form and species, were obtained, so as to enlarge expe-
rience, and render the steps of its progress more interesting,
and its results more satisfactory.

In these circumstances, I was naturally incited to inquire
into the causes of such unexpected phenomena, to engage
in the study of the anatomy of trees, and of vegetable phy-
siology, or the doctrine of the constitution and properties of
plants. And in respect to trees it is remarkable, that little or
nothing was known of this science in Europe, until the close
of the seventeenth century, when the first probable theory of
the circulation of the sap was discovered. Indeed, it is only
within the last forty or fifty years, that the science has been
greatly cultivated in Britain : and it will be admitted as a
striking proof of the fact, that, at this moment, few persons
comparatively, and, what is still more surprising, few planters,
are aware of the twofold course of the sap in trees, or of the
method in which their juices are either elaborated or cir-
culated. These studies, I found, threw great light upon the
subject. Appearances, for which I had not been able pre-
viously to account, were now satisfactorily explained ; and
means were suggested for obviating difficulties, that other-
wise seemed insurmountable.

It has been already stated, that there are four distinct ex-
ternal provisions, termed the protecting properties, which
nature gives to trees in open exposures, and which distinguish
them from others, standing in the interior of woods. The
use of these properties is to enable trees to develop their ex-
istence vigorously, in spite of the external conditions, which
are unfavourable to such development. Which of the four
properties is really the most important for that purpose, it
was not easy to determine, as they are all relative and cor-

117

relative. They act and react in the most curious manner
upon one another, each modifyinjr and determining, as has
been seen, the existence of all the others. To predicate,
then, or affirm certainly, as to their respective usefulness in
the Art of Transplanting, is, properly speaking, more fanci-
ful than real. But from my own practice. I was disposed
to rank them in the following order of preeminence : —
First, Thickness and Induration of Bark ; Secondly,
Stoutness and Girth of Stem ; Thirdly, Numerousness of
Roots and Fibres ; and Fourthly, Extent, Balance, and
Closeness of Branches. I found, however, that it might
safely be assumed as a rule, that the success of the planter,
in this art, would be in the actual proportion, in which his
subjects possessed these properties ; and vice versa, that his
failure would be in the proportion of their deficiency. It is
manifest, on any other supposition, that we must believe
Nature to act here in contradiction to herself, which is im-
possible ; although her most obvious processes are many
times misunderstood, by the blindness of man.

Such is the short history of my own progress, and of that
plain and practical system, on which I have consequently
acted. It is unencumbered with complex notions, or tech-
nical details. Its soundness has been proved, by the experi-
ence of many years. The principle has been occasionally
relaxed, or stretched to tlie utmost, as circumstances of
comparative shelter or exposure required ; and the uniform
success, attending the practice, leaves no room to doubt, that
a similar system, if adopted by others, will secure similar
results.

As it is of the utmost importance, to the young planter,
to apprehend as much of vegetable physiology as immedi.
ately, relates to this subject, so that he may be enabled to
appreciate the above properties or prerequisites, I beg leave
to call his attention to a few observations, which I shall make
upon each of them. For this purpose, let us consider the

118

relative nature and importance of tliese prerequisites, in re-
ference to the art, and to one anotlier, and draw such con-
chisions as may be useful, in throwing light upon the principle
just now laid down.

First : As to superior Thickness and Induration of Bark.
The bark of trees is accounted by phytologists, as among
the composite organs. It consists, first, of the epidermis, or
external cuticle or integument of the plant ; secondly, of
the cellular tissue or parenchyma, that is, the soft pulpy sub-
stance, situated immediately under the epidermis, and con-
stituting a sort of secondary integument ; and thirdly, of a
number of thin cortical and concentric layers, composing
the mass of the bark ; of which parts the innermost is de-
nominated the liber, from its having been anciently vised to
write upon, before the invention of paper.* If the cortical
layers be injured or destroyed by accident, the part is again
regenerated, and the wound healed up, without a scar. If
the wound have penetrated beyond the liber, the part is in-
capable of being regenerated ; because, when the surface of
the alburnum is exposed to the air for any length of time,
there will be no further vegetation in that part. But if the
wound be not very large, it will close up, first, by the pro-
duction of new bark, issuing from the edges, and gradually
narrowing the wound, and then, by the production of new
layers of wood, formed under the bark, as before. If a por-
tion of the stem only be decorticated, and covered with a
piece of bark from another tree, the two diflferent barks will
readily unite. Hence, we are enabled to ascertain how far
the liber extends ; and hence also, the origin of grafting,

* Keith's Physiological Botany, Vol. I. p. 295. — Du Hamel, Phys.
des Arbres, L. I. 3. 5. — De Saussurc, Encyclop. Method. T. I. p.
67. — Also, Observations sur L'Ecorce, &c.

119

whicli is5 always cflecled by a luiioii ol" tlic libcr ol' the gial'i,
witli the stock.*

" There is no fixed or definite period (as Keitli observes,)
that can positively be assigned, as necessary to tlie complete
induration of the wood or bark, although it seems to require
a good many years, before any particular layer is converted,
from the state of alburnum to that of perfect wood."t In
respect to baric, there is not any circumstance, which hastens
this period so much, as the exposure of trees to the elements,
even at an early period of their age. In the same way, as
the action of the air multiplies or thickens the branches and
spray, the cellular tissue and cortical layers are thickened,
for the protection of the proper vessels. The inner layers
being always the softest, the outer by this means gradually
increase in solidity and thickness, and become visibly indu-
rated ; so that with some trees it even sloughs, and splits
into chinks and fissures, as in the case of the sycamore, the
elm, and the fir. In this condition, we may conceive, how
well adapted such a mass of non-conducting matter is, to
protect from cold the ascending, and still more, the descend-
ing or proper vessels, as already mentioned.

In order to assist the reader, in forming a clear conception
of the great value of a proper thickness of bark to trees in-
tended for removal, it will be necessary to inquire a little
into the means, by which the sap-vessels minister to the
sustenance of plants. In the warmer latitudes, the sap flows
in certain plants, during the whole yeai- ; but in those that
are more temperate, the functions of vegetables are suspended,
or nearly so, during the winter season. Early in the spring,
however, it begins to rise in woody plants, and continues to

* Senebier,Phys. Veget. T. I. pp. 177, 178 — Keith, Vol. II. p. 299.
— Knight, Philosoph. Trans. 1803. — Elhs, Aniit. Veget. in Suppl.
Encyclop. Britan.

t Physiolog. Bol. Vol. II. p. 231. — Sec also Kiei;er, Organis. dca
Piantes, ch. II. pp. 95, 96, et seqq. Also p. 153, «S:c.

120

ascend, till it reaches the extremities of the branches. This
sap is absorbed from the soil, by the extremities of the capil-
lary rootlets, and conveyed upwards, through the vessels of
the root, to the trunk. In its ascent, it rises only through
the wood, and the albmnum, in tubes of various sizes, and
is prepared or elaborated by the leaves. That process, ac-
cording to some, is effected by means of an alternate con-
traction and dilatation of the sap-vessels, and still more, by
a respiration perceptible and imperceptible in the leaves,
which is peculiar to plants, whether woody or herbaceous,
and by the action of the atmosphere : But, according to
others, it is rather the exhalation from the leaves, than what
is properly their respiratory functions, that effects the ascent
of the sap. When this has taken place, the sap is then
converted into the proper juice, or what has been by some
called the cambium, that is, juice fitted for nutrition ; and it
descends by the returning vessels of the leaf-stalk, and the
longitudinal vessels of the rind, or inner bark. Thus, the
circulation is carried on by a double process, the ascending
and the descending ; whereby the vessels terminate down-
wards in absorbents, by which Uie fluids are received, and
they terminate upwards in exbalents, by which those fluids
are discharged. This doctrine of the two currents of sap
was originally struck out by Malpighi and Grew : But the
first who showed the organs of communication between the
two currents to be the leaves, was unquestionably Darwin ;
a discovery, which the ingenuity of Knight subsequently
extended and confirmed, and traced the existence of the
circulation of the sap.

During the descent of the proper juice, it further appears,
that each branch is nourished by the juice prepared by itself,
and that the surplus, beyond what is recjuired for that pur-
pose, descends from the junction of the branch with the
stem, and contributes to the increase of the steu). and at
last of the roots, which originally supplied it. The descend-

121

ing Juice is the eflicieiit and proximate means employed by
nature, for the support and nomishment of every part ;
therefore, to say that a tree is vigorous and healthy, is to say
in effect, that it has an abundant supply of sap.*

The true constitution and anatomy of plants was first
systematically brought forward, on the continent, by Mal-
pighi. Grew, as it is on all hands admitted, made his phy-
tological discoveries about the same time, without any com-
munication with the ItaUan physician ;t and both, without
doubt, felt the impulse which had been given to the spirit of
philosophical inquiry, by the genius of Bacon, who showed,
how analytical and inductive investigation might be applied,
in order to explain the phenomena of vegetable life. In the
end of the seventeenth century, while these two eminent
men flourished, vegetable physiology was still in its infancy
in Europe : but in process of time, as that interesting science
attracted the notice of the learned, their theory was confirmed
by new facts, and more extended microscopical observation.
To Grew and Malpighi succeeded various writers of different
nations in the same track, De la Baisse, Hales, Bonnet, Du
Hamel, Senebier, and others ; until Hedwig, Willdenow, and
especially Dr. Kieser of Jena, and Messrs. Knight, Ellis, and
Keith, in our times, have by their ingenious labours thrown
the fullest hght upon the subject.

But the circulation of the sap is not a doctrine that has
been universally adopted by phytologists, however reasonable
it may seem from the analogy, which we see in other in-
stances to subsist between the animal and vegetable king-
doms. About the middle of the last century it appears to
have fallen into disrepute. Du Hamel refuted it with con-

* See Grew and Malpighi, Anat. Plant, passim. — Darwin's Phyto*
logia. — De Saussure, Encyclop. Method. — Willdenow, Prin. of Bot.
p. 85.— Knight, Philosoph. Trans. 1803, 1806.— Ellis, in Art. Veget.
Physiol, in Supp. to the Encyclop. Britan.

tJ>J0TE I,

16

122

siderable ingenuity ;* and both Du Hamel and Hales, while
they generally admitted that the sap both ascends and de-
scends, denied the existence of a circulation. Within the
last five-and-twenty years, however, the theory has been re-
vived with great lustre, and seems now to be the popular one
of the day. In fact, from the arguments as well as names,
by which it has been supported, it bids fair to stand its ground
in future. Mr. Keith, one of the clearest and best phytolo-
gical writers we now have, is no ready granter of proposi-
tions ; yet, in his late work, while he holds the balance of
decision with an able and even hand, between the conflicting
theories, he very nearly admits the existence of the doctrine.!

From this cursory account it is apparent of what vast
importance it is to the planter to maintain the sap, and still
more the proper vessels, in the due exercise of their functions,
and to protect them from external injury, of which cold may
be considered as the greatest. For this purpose, nature has
wisely provided such trees, as are in open exposures, with a
thick and coarse covering of outer bark, which forms a de-
fence from the elements to the inner bark, in which the
descending or proper vessels are situated.

Further : We know that heat is necessary to cause vege-
tation, as well as to continue it. Hence the wonderful effects
of shelter, in close woods and plantations, in encouraging
growth. All trees, during infancy, require a considerable
proportion of warmth, to make them shoot freely, as is proved
by comparing the striking difference in their progress, at dif-
ferent degrees of elevation or exposure. What is most re-
markable in sheltered trees is, that several of the kinds, most
delicate and tender while young, for example the oak, are
found, when matured in a kindly temperature, to be the best
adapted to resist the elements, and set their greatest fury at
defiance.

* Phys. des Arbres, L. V. ch. 2. f iNotf 11.

123

In adverting to lieat as essential to vegetation, it is par-
ticularly worthy of notice, as already observed, that the epi-
dermis and bark of trees, drawn up by shelter, are usually
thin, the fornier often smooth and glossy. The descending
vessels, by consequence, as they lie under it, never fail to
suffer severely, on being exposed to a cold atmosphere. It
is greatly on this account, as well as from scantiness of roots
and lateral boughs, that plantations sustain such extensive
injury, on being suddenly thinned. Where that operation
is performed in a gradual manner, it gives time for nature
to prepare the trees for the change, by strengthening the
coat of bark, and likewise by multiplying the roots, and
thickening the spray and branches ; and thus the proper
vessels are prevented from being chilled by untimely expo-
sure. The fact, though universally known, is never referred
to the true cause, by common observers.

These considerations furnish ample ground to admire the
wise provision of nature, in bestowing a much thicker,
coarser, and more indurated covering of bark upon all trees
in open exposures : for in vain might they possess every
other property, if the sap-vessels were not sufficiently pro-
tected, and enabled to do their office. Were that to happen,
through the thinness of the bark, there cannot be a doubt,
but that the plants would become stunted and sickly, and
both branches and spray would suffer injury in consequence,
as we see happen to the generality of transplanted trees,
which do not possess this protecting property. From all
which it appears, that the health and protection of the proper
vessels, by means of a due thickness and induration of bark,
is an indispensable prerequisite in all subjects meant for
removal, and that it is deserving of the rank here assigned
to it.

Secondly : Girth and Stoutness of Stem. Next to thick-
ness of bark, the fitness of the tree for removal greatly
depends on this property. The stem or trunk of woody

124

plants is classed by phytologists among the conservative
organs. It is the part of the tree, in which its bulk and
strength principally reside, and has been represented by Lin-
naeus, as the Caudex ascendeiis, or root above ground ; an
illustration, as Keith truly observes, more fanciful than phi-
losophical.*

The stems of trees are augmented in width by an annual
layer, and in length by an annual shoot, springing from the
terminating bud. The development of the shoot from the
stem is not effected in the same manner as that of the root,
by additions to the extremity only, but by the introsusception
of additional particles, throughout its whole extent, at least
in its soft and succulent state. The extension of the shoot,
as Du Hamel justly remarks, is inversely as its induration,
rapid while it remains herbaceous, but slow as it is converted
into wood. Hence, moisture and shade are the circumstances
of all others the most favourable to elongation, because they
prevent induration, or retard it.t In close and confined
plantations, therefore, where the external conditions of air
and light are imperfectly supplied, the roots are correlatively
proportional to the system of ramification. Trees so circum-
stanced push upwards to the light ; and from the warmth,
which their situation affords, their stems being thin and
slender in proportion to their height, they are destitute of
strength to resist the winds. The natural consequence is,
that their roots are extremely apt to be shaken and displaced
in the ground, and prevented from seeking proper food for
the branches, and other parts of the tree.

Now, it is obvious, that it is these very properties, which
are the least adapted to removal. Nothing but a stem stout
and vigorous, and nourished by adequate side-branches, can
obviate the evils above delineated. Supports or props,

• Physiolog. Bot. Vol. I. p. 43. f Physiolog. Bot. Vol. II. pp. 251,
252.— Kieser, Organ, des Plantes, p. 164. Also p. 166—168.

125

vvlietlier composed of wood, cordage, or any oilier material,
are of little avail in giving stability. To a body rather defi-
cient in proper strength, a rich and favourable soil may,
after some years, give an augmentation of roots and lateral
branches, and, in the end, a certain accession of strength to
the body itself. But he, who would transplant witii judg-
ment, should consider a vigorous stem as a sine qua non in
the beginning ; as success otherwise must depend on acci-
dents which he cannot control, and on advantages which he
may not procure, at an after period.

Thirdly: Numerousness of Roots and Fibres. Roots
are also accounted among the conservative organs. The
body of the roots of trees, says Malpighi, may be regarded as
a production and elongation of the trunk beneath the soil,
and is constructed of the same textures, disposed in the same
manner.* Roots, like the stem, are augmented in their
width by the addition of an annual layer, and in their length
by the addition of an annual shoot, bursting from the termi-
nating fibre ; but they are elongated merely by the extremi-
ty. This is the general opinion of phytologists. It has,
however, of late been called in question, and great ability has
been displayed in making it appear, that the root is not elon-
gated by the extremity, any more than the stem ; or, if it be
so, that the rule has numerous exceptions.!

As trees have no organs analogous to the mouths of ani-
mals, they are enabled to take up the nourishment, which is
necessary for their support, only by absorption and inhala-
tion, as the chyle is taken into animal lacteals, or air into
the lungs. This, in the language of phytologists, is termed
introsusception ; and the former mode, of course, applies to
the introsusception of non-elastic fluids, and the latter to that

* Anat. Plantar, p. 145.

t See Thompson's Annals of Philos. No. LXXVI.

126

of gaseous fluids/ The fact is, that the roots are much
rather to be regarded as the mouths of plants, selecting what
is useful to nourishment, and rejecting what is yet in a crude
and indigestible state ; the larger portion of it also serving to
fix the plant in the soil, and to convey to the trunk the nom*-
ishnient absorbed by the smaller fibres, which, ascending by
the tubes of the alburnum, is thus conveyed to the leaves.t
Roots, moreover, by their vigour and numbers, must previ-
ously stretch out under ground, before the branches can ex-
tend themselves in the air ; and the progress of the latter
development will, of course, be in proportion to that of the
former. By the curious and beautiful way, in which almost
every part of a tree modifies and determines the existence of
every other part, as above noticed, the roots, in their turn,
receive vigour and extension from the advancement of the
branches.

It appears, that roots and fibres are found more or less
extensive, in the ratio of the exposure or shelter, in which a
tree is placed. In open situations, they are always strong
and numerous, and they extend to a wide distance from
the plant. This is indispensably necessary, notwithstanding
the short and powerful stem, which a tree so situated usually
displays, in order to enable it to resist the elements, and to
provide sustenance for the great expansion of top, with
which such a tree is sure to be furnished. Hence may be
seen the great importance of numerous roots and fibres, in
removing trees of any magnitude. It is supposed by some,
that the roots of trees so placed, if of considerable age, after
having exhausted, before their maturity, all the pabulum in
their immediate neighbourhood, will at length be found
searching for food, at a distance from the trunk, equal to the
height of the trees themselves. At all events we are aware.

• Note III.

\ Kpith, Vol. IT. p. 24fi. Also pp. 90. 250.

127

that, even with trees of a youtliful age, the roots and bi anclie:^
are coextensive with each other ; or rather, that superior
extent is generally found on the side of the roots.

In the more confined parts of the forest, the reverse of tliis
usually takes place, from the warmth generated by shelter,
and the injurious effects of evaporation being obviated. Here
roots, and especially fibres are of far less extent and strength,
and also fewer in number, than in open positions; and
hence the risk, arising from thickets or close plantations be-
ing too suddenly laid open, as above mentioned. The want
of a stronger system of root in such cases, is sufficiently ac-
counted for by the reasonings already given, and by a
deficient supply of the descending sap.

In order to enable trees to withstand the wind, there is no-
thing more important than the taproot, or root that has its
determination directly downwards. Roots and branches, as
has been already observed, are relative and correlative ; and
I am inchned to think, that a striking resemblance of cha-
racter exists between the leading shoots and the taproots,
insomuch that they will be found not only analogous to, but
also coexistent with each other. While the tree continues
in full vigom", and has not as yet attained its ultimate height
or size, it has a leading shoot or shoots at top ; and at that
period we find, that there are, in like manner, underground,
a leading taproot of corresponding vigour. When the
leading shoots of the stem begin to lose their preeminence,
and gradually disappear among the other branches, the top
of the tree assumes a rounded form, and becomes what is
called clump-headed. At this period also the taproot, in
the same way, loses its preeminence, and begins to disappear
among the other roots : it loses likewise its power of going
downwards, and is no longer distinguished among the latter.
Thus we may perceive, how remarkable a resemblance the
roots and branches of trees bear to each other, not only in
respect to form, but also in respect to the period of their

128

duration^ a fact which has not hitherto been observed by

Pl)ytologists.

As to the taproot, it appears, that a good deal of exaggera-
tion has prevailed among late writers, respecting its import-
ance to trees, which has been affirmed to be quite paramount.
Hence the doctrine, that if it be cut off by transplantation, or
other means, the tree has no longer the power either of re-
newing or reproducing it, or even of growing to timber of
any magnitude. This opinion, however, is founded in error,
and cannot be supported by experience. From the develop-
ment of woody plants, we are warranted in believing, that,
in infancy, the taproot is indispensable to their vigorous
growth. But the fact, that in trees of mature age, when cut
down, the taproot is no longer distinguishable from the other
roots, sufficiently shows that the importance which it once
possessed, does not continue to a late period of their age.

From my own experience, I am enabled to adduce a direct
confirmation of the analogy above mentioned. In sundry
instances, when I have had occasion for the second time to re-
move a tree, the power of renovation appeared conspicuous,
in the fresh set of taproots that was generated. In the
same way, respecting the top, on heading down a spiral tree,
in order to communicate to it the spreading character, it was
found, that numerous growths were sent out, instead of the
leading-shoot, which had been displaced by the pruning-
knife; and when it came to be shortened a second time,
there appeared, of course, a still greater multiplicity. The
truth seems to be, that no physiological observations as yet
made are inconsistent with this doctrine. Art or accident
may cut off or shorten either the taproot, or the preeminent
shoots of the top, but the plastic powers of most trees will
soon renew them;* not indeed with the same degree of
strength individually in either, but in greater numbers,

* Note IV.

129

aggregately tjualified to perform the same functions in nour-
ishing the plant.

Further : Roots are materially determined in their form
by the nature of the soil in which they grow ; insomuch that,
in many instances, before we can pronounce on their true
form, we must be aware of the condition and texture of the
soil that is most natural. to them. Their development is
most luxuriant in ground that is neither too loose nor too
dense. In stiff and poor soils, they are spare and scraggy ;
whereas, in such as are at once deep and loose, the minutest
fibres-both expand and elongate with facility, and render the
mouths, that search for food to the plant, almost innumera-
ble.* This is remarkably exemplified in the beech and the
sycamore, and still more in the ash, of which the fibrous
roots sometimes amount to millions. Such soils, accordingly,
furnish the best rooting ground, and are always favourites
with the planter. To fit trees, however, for removal to situa-
tions of great exposure, the roots may, by artificial methods,
be multiplied to a degree far beyond what can be accom-
plished by unassisted nature ; and thus, by art discreetly
employed, the business of vegetation, that is, the circulation
of the sap, is prevented from standing still, during the ex-
treme violence, which transplanting in its best form must
inflict.

Fourthly : Extent, Balance, and Closeness of Branches
Branches, like the roots and stem, are classed among the con-
servative organs. They are divisions of the trunk originat-
ing generally in the upper extremity, but often likewise
along the sides. The primary divisions are again subdivided
into secondary divisions, and these again into divisions still
smaller, till they terminate at last in slender sprigs or spra^.
In point of external form and structure, branches resemble

* Du Hamel, Phys. des Arbres, T. I. p. 82.— Ellis, Veget. Anat. in
Supp. to Encyclop. Britan.

17

130

the trunk from which they issue ; but in point of insertion,
distribution, and direction, they exhibit considerable variety,
furnishing a ground of distinction, occasionally assumed by
botanists, in the discriminating and characterizing of species,
Like the stem and root, branches increase in width, by. the
accession of new layers, and in length, by the addition of
new shoots ; but they are not formed merely by means of
an horizontal extension of the longitudinal tubes of the
stem, but each branch is, as it were, a distinct individual.
Hence, the stem is to the branch what the soil is to the plant,
the source of nourishment and stability.*

Branches may properly be considered as among the most
important parts of trees, as they certainly are the most beau-
tiful. One of the most obvious offices they have to perform,
is to support the leaves ; and the leaves, by a respiration per-
ceptible and imperceptible, and by the action of the atmos-
phere, as above noticed, elaborate the sap sent up by the
roots, and convert it into juice fitted for nutrition. The as-
cent of the sap from the roots seems to be considerably assis-
ted, by a proper number of side-branches, distributed along
the stem ; and the general health and vigour of the tree are
in the same way increased ; so that it will ultimately attain
a greater size, than if deprived of such branches, or very
sparingly supplied with them. During the descent of the
proper juice, on the other hand, as has been seen, each branch
is nourished by the sap prepared by itself; and the surplus
quantity beyond what is so employed, goes to the increase,
first of the stem, and, in the end, of the roots. From the
experiments made by the most accurate observers, we further
find, that the solid texture of the wood depends on the quan-
tity of the descending sap, and in a great measure likewise,
on the slowness of its descent ; both of which objects are

* Grew, Anat. of Plants, p. 28.— Du Hamel, T. I. p. 93.— Keith,
Vol. I. p. 18— 51.— Vol. II. pp. 255, 256.

131

malei'ially promoted by llie laferal branches.* IJut, should
they exceed the due number, rc(juisite for those important
purposes, retaining too nuich of the sap which tlicy pre-
pare, and aflfording too scanty a supply to the stem, they
may, in ordinary cases, be considered as robbers, and should
be curtailed by pruning, within proper limits.

In this view, it will be perceived that judicious pruning is
a work of far greater nicety and difficulty than is generally
believed, and that it should not be permitted, unless under
the superintendence of some scientific person. It is true, it
has been shown by the ingenious Mr. Pontey, that severe
pruning will, in some cases, augment the actual weight of
the stem, and therefore, as he speciously argues, the value of
the tree. But great doubts may be entertained, whether this
writer, meritorious as he is, may not have proceeded on erro-
neous principles in his theory ; and that his practice in prun-
ing has been carried to a height, sanctioned by neither
science nor experience.t

Branches, besides giving to trees both beauty and nourish-
ment, serve to balance them properly, and by throwing them-
selves out on every side, aid the trees in withstanding the
wind, in whichever way it may blow. Most trees, if not pre-
vented by adverse circumstances, have at first a leading
shoot, which tends perpendicularly upwards, and is invested
with a preeminence over the other branches. Having reached
the height, which the soil and situation admit, the central
shoot loses its preeminence. The sap, required to give it su-
perior vigour, seems then to fail, and it gradually disappears
among the other shoots. Meanwhile, the plastic powers of
the trees soon multiply the branches of the top, which last
gradually obtains a rounded form, and becomes what the

* Knight on the Sap of Trees, Philosoph. Trans. 1803, 1804. Mirbel,
Anat. et Phys. Veget. Art. 6.
t Note V. A i»'-

*

132

nurserymen call " clnmp-headed." But tiiis sort of head, so
desirable for picturesque purposes, may also be procured by
judicious treatment, as will be seen in the sequel, and with
sufficient room for expansion, during the youthful age of the
tree, and while the central shoot yet maintains its preemi-
nence, and the power of reaching its greatest height.

It is pleasing to observe, in this place, how beauty and
utility coincide in the same object. In proportion as the tree
has room to expand on every side (agreeably to the foregoing
account of the action and reaction of the different parts on
one another), it must be with an equal and corresponding ex-
pansion of the roots. As the exposure is increased, wc uni-
formly perceive, that both branches and roots multiply.
Towards the quarter most exposed, the branches are always
more contracted in their growth, but in general more thickly
set with spray ; plainly for the purpose of furnishing a closer
cover of leaves, for the protection of the sap-vessels, as they
lie immediately under the bark. This, however, is by no
means inconsistent with the established fact, that a more
active vegetation is carried on, on the warmer than the
colder side of trees, and a greater deposition of nutrient mat-
ter consequently made on the former : Because by far the
largest and longest branches are always found on the warmer
side, though more thinly disposed over it ; and they prove
the superior activity of vegetation there ; while the shorter,
but weaker and more crowded style of ramification on the
colder side, shows, in like manner, its inferior activity.
Nevertheless, the clothing of leaves is in this way usually
thicker, for the wise purpose of defence from cold, on the
side last mentioned.

This is extremely well illustrated, in the general develop-
ment of the position of branches, which we see assume all
the varieties of form, from the reflected, to the horizontal and
the upright. In all these instances it is observable that the
lowermost branches are parallel to the suiface of the soil on

133

which they grow, even although its suiface s-houkl be llie
sloping side of a hill ; ow ing, as is supposed by phytologists,
to the evolution of a greater number of buds on the side
that forms the obtuse angle with the surface, in consequence
of its being exposed to the action of a greater mass of aii.*
From this statement, however, it will be preceived, that the
most exposed tree is, generally speaking, the most pictur-
esque and beautiful.

To the inexperienced planter it may seem paradoxical to
assert, that the largest-headed tree, if well balanced, is the
best calculated, on removal, to resist the winds. But the as-
sertion is nevertheless true, if the foregoing facts be correctly
given : because, as the roots are always correlative to the
branches, it will be found, that the smallest-headed tree is
the least able to support itself, in an open situation. It is to
trees only with insignificant heads, and sparingly furnished
with lateral branches, although they expose a much less sur-
face to the wind, that props or supports are at all necessar}-,
after being properly transplanted ; and it matters little,
whether these defects have been produced by ignorance and
the axe, or by undue confinement. From all which facts
and observations it is apparent, that branches, being organs
to a certain extent necessary to the existence and health of
all trees, are indispensable in a peculiar degree to such as arc
intended for removal. If the roots, in their capacity of ab-
sorbents, collect and send up a supply of food to the plant ;
the leaves, which are a constituent part of the branches, in
their capacity of exhalents, perform a function at least as
important, by preparing and rendering that food fit for nutri
tion ; while the branches act as the main channels, in dis-
tributing it to every part of the plant. Other things, there-
fore, being equal, it may be held as an axiom in practice.

* Physiolog. Bot. Vol. II. p. 256. — La Nature Devoilee, Dial. XTV.
— See Note VI.

134

that the success of the plauter will be nearly in proportion
to the fulness of ramification of top and slides, which his sub-
jects may possess.

It is further deserving ^ remark, that, although there is
little more which we can do, towards either beauty or utility,
where nature regulates the process, than humbly to follow
her footsteps, yet experience leads us to beUeve, that in trans-
planting (which, however, is a department of art), art may
improve the balance, and, of course, the beauty of trees, on a
principle, to all appearance, contrary to nature, and certainly
opposed to all former practice. It is well known to those
best acquainted with Woods, that most trees are unequally
balanced, and show what is called a " weather-side," usually
to the west and south -Avest, in this island ; from which side
they seem to bend, and exhibit, in consequence, a very un-
seemly appearance. The same thing also takes place in
close plantations, Avhere they are mechanically injured by
others. Of this propensity to bend to the gale, the beech
and the larch are reinarkalile examples ; and there is scarcely
any tree, the sycamore perhaps excepted, which does not ex-
hibit a w^eather-side towards the blast, and towards the op-
posite side throw out by far the longest and stoutest branches.
In other words, all trees growing for a certain time in ex-
posed situations, or even in close ones where they cannot
equally expand, may be said to be ill-balanced. This, in
parks much exposed, is found a very serious eyesore ; as, in
such situations, the stems describe very unequal angles with
the surface, singularly acute on the one side, and as obtuse
on the other. It is true, the painter sometimes makes use of
such objects in his landscapes, as being agreeable to nature.
Kent, the father of landscape gardening, planted dead trees
in his earlier designs, the better to imitate natural variety,
until he was laughed out of the practice by his friends or
rivals. Rut most planters of the present day will regard it
as safer and more judicious to copy Iwautiful rather than de-

135

formed iiaUnc in inorft instance:^, aiul leave lliosc picluietjciue
efl'ectt:, ^^•llicli disfiguicinent occasionally siipplic.-', to be pro-
duced by accident, rather than by intentional labour.

In order to remedy the striking deformity in question, I
have in transplanting uniformly reversed the position of the
tree in its new situation. By that means, and in consequence
of greater warmth, the greater activity of vegetation is trans-
ferred to the deficient side, the equal balance of the tree is
gradually effected, and its beauty and symmetry are un-
speakably augmented. In exposed situations, there is no
other possible way of procuring a full and extensive ramifi-
cation, on the stormy side ; for wherever the action of the air
is the greatest, there the greatest evolution of buds, as above
stated, and the thickest growth of spray, will take place ; but
those growths, for the reasons already assigned, are shorter
and feebler, in proportion as they are more numerous. In so
far, then, the art of transplanting on fixed principles may be
said to substitute beauty for deformity, and fairly to cine one
of the most prominent defects, which, in a picturesque view,
park-trees in loose dispositions are apt to display, particularly
on our western coasts. Probably I am the first planter, who
ever thought of turning these properties of woody plants to
any practical or useful purpose.*

In respect to the health and strength of the trees, I have
never found it to injure them, or in anywise to impede their
growth. As soon as the w^armer or more sheltered side be-
comes the colder or more exposed, according to the law of
nature, the respective parts soon accommodate themselves to
the circumstances in which they are placed. The free ex-
tension of branches, which, in the former position, had been
acquired by the sheltered side, loses none of its preeminence,
while the contracted growths on the opposite side as freely
expand. The health and progress of the tree sustain no

* Note VII.

i

136

check or detriment, while its equal balance and symmetry
are both singularly improved. On this subject I may speak
with some confidence, after long experience in the Removal
of Wood of all sorts, and in a situation decidedly exposed ;
because the exposure of nearly the one half of the Park
here is considerable, and the climate on the whole is none
of the most propitious. The practice, therefore, may be
deemed of some value to the planter, who will perceive, that
where so great a point is gained, no visible injury is suffered,
as is admitted by all, who have examined the trees at this
place. That almost every naturalist and georgical writer,
ancient and modern, from Theophrastus to Virgil, and from
Virgil down to Evelyn and his followers, has insisted on an
opposite practice, as quite indispensable to the health and well-
being of woody plants, is little to the purpose. It is nothing
more than a reiterated precept, handed down from one age
to another, in the face of the most unquestionable experience
of its fallacy*

Upon the whole, in considering this fairest, and most beau-
tiful of vegetable productions, it is interesting to observe the
curious and complicated mechanism, if I may so speak, that
is displayed by nature, in nourishing and bringing it to per-
fection, and the intimate connexion which subsists between
the most distant parts. In fact, every part of a tree is the
condition of every other part, which continually acts and re-
acts. The judicious planter, therefore, will regard the treat-
ment to be given to none of these parts with indifference ; it
being clear, that the preservation of all the parts^ in as en-
tire and perfect a state as possible, is a matter of first-rate
moment to his art.t He will also sec, that his success mainly
depends on the due regulation of the ^a;^, an da careful y>ro-
teciion of the sap-vessels.

In the course of the foregoing remarks and illustrations

• Note VIII. t Note IX.

«^^^ o: ! I

':..'■ -"SJ^—, '- ^- SiSie?

SPECIMEN OF A TREE REMOVED ON THE PRESERVATIVE PRINCIPLE.

137

I have eiicleavouied to show the impoitance of the four main
properties or prerequisites, which trees should possess to ren-
der them fit for removal to exposed situations. 1 liave also
given a cursory idea of the nature of the diHTerent organs of
woody plants, by which those properties are designated.
From what has been said, the intelligent reader will perceive
that the principle adopted, for a new theory of the art, is
founded on the laws of vegetation, and the researches of the
most eminent phytologists. By reducing it to practice, the
mutilating system, now generally prevalent, will be rendered
unnecessary, and a method established, which is obviously
superior in itself, and more agreeable to observation and ex-
perience. This system I shall venture to call the Preserv-
ative. But, before concluding these remarks, it is but fair
towards the existing system, to take a short view of the actual
merits of both, and by giving them in a comparative way, en-
deavour to show how each applies to practice.

We will suppose that a planter, according to the Mutilating
method, is to remove, to an exposed situation, a tree eight-
and-twentyor thirty feet high, three feet and a half in girth (or
fourteen inches in diameter), at a foot from the ground. We
will suppose further, that it displays the most perfect symme-
try of form, having an expansion of top from five-and-twenty
to eight-and-twenty feet, with boughs descending to within
three or four feet of the ground. Such a tree we may con-
sider as a very handsome subject, and such as has frequently
been removed at this place.

Having prepared the roots, according to Lord Fitzhard-
ing's method, three or four years before, and taken them up
as well as he can, perhaps, seven feet out from the stem,
(which, according to Marshall, is well rooted for its height*),
we will suppose that this planter then proceeds to lighten and
lop the top, in order to reduce it, as the same intelligent

* Rural Ornament, Vol. I. p. 367.

18

138

writer recommends-, '• to tlie ability of the roots." We will,
moreover, take it for granted, that he deals mercifully with
this beautiful tree, and cuts away only a half, or a third part
of its boughs, and thus transfers it to its new situation.
Under these circumstances, we may presume, that some
props or fastenings, whether of wood or cordage, may be re-
quisite, especially about the equinox, to preserve the tree in
an upright position. Now, will not all the evils, ascribed by
Miller to the Mutilating system, independently altogether of
picturesque considerations, soon begin to assail it ? Having
the roots and top (which are both conservative organs), cur-
tailed and injured at one and the same time, the supply, not
less than the preparation of the sap, is completely impeded.
From the obvious want of leaves sufficient to elaborate the
sap, and the equally striking want of branches to communi-
cate nourishment to the stem, and ultimately to the roots, the
whole tree in most instances becomes stunted and paralyzed.
Pale and yellowish tints supply the place of a deep and health-
ful verdure of foliage, and the larger boughs, as well as the
light spray, gradually decay and drop off. Even in cases
which are the most eminently successful, and where the tree
fortunately escapes these mischances, fifteen years, as I con-
ceive it, in the best English chmates, and twenty and five-
and-twcnty at least, in the northern counties, and in Scot-
land, are scarcely sufficient to replace the amputations with
fresh w^ood, and to restore the tree to its natural health and
strength.

What, we may ask, have now become of its fine symme-
try of form, its characteristic and aniple top, " its happy sur-
face (as Gilpin expresses il), for catching great masses of
light?" What also has become of the fair promise, which
before removal it held out, of enduring vigour, and of sound
and healthy wood ? All these are gone, as Miller truly states ;
all are utterly annihilated, by the rude assaults of the axe,
which has left no trace remaining of their existence ! The

139

most prominent and characteristic features of the species,
which mainly reside in tlie top, have disappeared also by the
same process : For even when such trees do succeed,
and acquire the formal and bush-like head, common to all
that are removed after the Mutilating method, "It is sel-
dom," as Pontey observes, " that they harmonize with any
thing about them."* On comparing them with plants raised
from the nursery, of the seed, we perceive but a small saving
of time in favour of this system : Yet it is time saved with
the infliction of such evils, and the sacrifice of such advan-
tages, as to render it any thing but desirable to the planter
of taste.

On the other hand, we will suppose the same planter to
transfer a tree of similar description and dimensions, to a situ-
ation of similar exposure, but according to the Preservative
method. This tree, being a subject of uncommon beauty,
as above described, and having a head of more than five-
and-twenty feet broad, strong roots of fourteen and fifteen
feet of a side (instead of seven), are taken up with it, to-
gether with abundance of the minutest fibres, after a pecu-
liar method, to be explained in the sequel. Instead of lop-
ping and defacing the top and side-branches, the whole are
left untouched, and their fine symmetry is preserved entire.
Transportation of the tree to its destined site then follows :
where, after being replanted according to a peculiar method
also, productive of stability in an extraordinary degree, it is
found capable of resisting the wind, on the simplest princi-
ples, namely, the acquired steadfastness of the stem, and the
length and distribution of the roots, added to the balance of
an extensive top, from whatever quarter it may blow.

During the first spring, when the sap begins to flow
abundantly upwards, if no severe frosts supervene, to cut
down the slender spray of the top, not a branch or a twig is

* Rural Improver, p. 87.

140

found to decay. The sap ascends, by means of adequate
roots, in a sufficient quantity for the support of both, and for
enabling the leaves to perform their elaborating functions.
The leaves, therefore, though for obvious reasons of a lesser
size, and sometimes a lighter colour than usual, during the
first season, universally clothe every part. After the first,
or, at all events, after the second year, under common circum-
stances, the deep hue of health, and the fulness of leaf,
which the tree formerly displayed, again return ; and, while
its foliage glitters in the sunshine, or floats on the breeze, no
eye can distinguish whether it has been two years or forty
in its new situation. Picturesque effect or shelter, as the plan-
ter's object chances to be, is in this way obtained from the
first: But no planter of experience will expect shoots of
much consequence to appear, till the tree be established in
the ground. This, of course, requires four or five years, at
least in the climate of Scotland ; after which, it usually
shoots forth with vigour ; and, the longer it staiids, accord-
ing to the Preservative system, it will shoot with the greater
vigour, as the experience of more than thirty years has in-
contestably proved. By this statement, then, it appears, that
the system in question has, in this country, the power of sav-
ing, and in some sort of anticipating forty years of the life
of man ; a large portion, in any view, of that uncertain pos-
session : and thus, by following such a system, the Imme-
diate and Full Effect of Wood is at once procured at a mod-
erate expense, as shall be made apparent in the sequel.

In this view of the two methods, I am not conscious to
myself of having exaggerated the evils, or concealed any of
the advantages, attendant on the Mutilating system ; at least,
if the opinions of Miller, Marshall, Pontey, and other skilful
planters and phytologists be well founded. Should any of
my readers conceive, that I have too highly coloured the
delineation of the Preservative, let them do me the honour
to visit this place, and judge for themselves. Which of the

141

two methods is deserving of the preference, I leave to the
decision of the impartial. But I will take the hberty to add
that, as I write chielly for tlie practical, not for the specula-
tive improver, probably those planters will be found to judge
most candidly, in this competition between the systems, who
have themselves tried the pj'aclice of the art.

Thus, I have endeavoured, in the course of the foregoing
observations, to develop and illustrate certain principles, for
the improvement of this art, and also that of general plant-
ing; which principles, though derived from science, may
not attract the notice they deserve. It is only on an ac-
quaintance with vegetable physiology and the anatomy of
plants, with the habits they display, and the organs and
properties they possess, that any sound foundation can be
laid for practical arboriculture. The lessons suggested by
this inquiry, and the conclusions to which it has led, are
the fruit of long experience, and a careful induction of facts
and experiments, the only safe and true method of philoso-
phizing on any subject. From what has been said, the in-
experienced planter will see, of how much importance it is
for him, in this as in other things, to distrust established
dogmas, to adopt some phytological inquiry as the ground-
work of his practice, and to think for himself.

Yet there are those who may imagine, that, in a Treatise
professing to be practical, I have dwelt unnecessarily long
on the exposition of principles. But they may rest assured,
that no method could have been devised more certain, than
a thorough acquaintance with them, to shorten the road to
knowledge. Without this, the utmost diligence of the planter
is being at sea without a compass. Accurate practice and
manual dexterity are soon acquired, and can succeed only
when made subservient to principles, and to a careful study
of those beautiful but simple methods which nature pursues
in perfecting her works.

14'^

SECTION V.

FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW THEORY,
SELECTION OF SUBJECTS FOR REMOVAL.

If it be true, as has been observed by a judicious writer,*
that the removal of large trees " forms the most difficult part
of planting," it is certainly not less true, that the selection
of subjects forms the most difficult part of transplanting.
This I have no expectation is to gain general belief with
country gentlemen, or even with practical planters of superior
intelligence ; because both consider planting merely as a
mechanical art, and neither will easily be brought to study
it as an object of interesting science, or even liberal inquiry.
When Demosthenes was asked, what he considered as the
first quality in an orator, he at once replied, action ; accord-
ing to the very extensive acceptation of that term, which
prevailed in his day. When questioned as to the second
quality, he said, action ; and being desired to name the third,
he stiU gave the same answer. In this emphatic way, I
must own, I should be disposed to speak of the selection of
subjects, were I to be similarly questioned by the young
planter, whether his curiosity were directed to planting in
general, or to any particular branch or department of the
art ; and I should earnestly recommend this difficult subject
to his patient investigation, and his most assiduous study.

* Marshall.

143

It is obvious, liowevcr, in llie department under consider
ation, tliat to transplant at all, we must have subjects. At
a place of any extent, tolerable subjects are never wanting ;
although they must abound or be deficient, according to the
diligence of culture, especially in respect to thinning, with
which the woods and plantations have been treated. Yet it
must not be imagined, that, at places of small extent, sub-
jects are not likewise to be found. At such, the current of
the prevailing winds is always less broken, and the climate
less improved, than under the shelter of broad and extensive
masses of wood. Other things, therefore, being equal, there
will probably be more and better subjects at small, or middle-
sized places, than at great, that is, in proportion to the size
of the masses, from which they are taken. But it should
be remembered, that at both they may often be invisible to
the eyes of the owners.

Woods are planted for two main purposes, utility and
ornament, with both of which shelter is obviously combined.
In woods planted for utility, the greatest elongation of the
stems of trees is required ; and close-planting, pruning, and
other means are employed, to obtain what is considered as
the greatest possible " weight of wood." In plantations,
raised for beauty or shelter, such as in parks and pleasure-
grounds, the planter's object is, to prevent an undue elonga-
tion of the stems, unless for particular purposes, and to pro-
mote an expansion of the tops of trees, so as to enable them
to develop themselves, m their just and natural proportions.
It is almost needless to observe, that it is from woods or plan-
tations of the last mentioned description, that the selection
of subjects is for the most part to be made. If made judi-
ciously, it will furnish, without doubt, the best practical illus-
tration of the principles held forth, and the theory attempted
to be established, in the two foregoing sections.

Before proceeding to deliver any specific rules on this
important topic, perhaps the best way will be, to attempt an

144

indirecL road to our purpose, by enumcriiting the most com-
mon errors committed by planters, in their choice of subjects ;
and then by endeavouring shortly to account, from the laws
of nature, for the ill success that has attended such selection.

The most common errors, which injudicious planters com-
mit, appear to be of three different kinds ; first, they bestow
no pains or care in the adaptation of trees to the particular
soils in which they are calculated to thrive ; secondly, they
have recourse to close woods and plantations, for the supply
of subjects ; and thirdly, they set out plants at too early an
age, and of too diminutive a size, into the open field.

First; as to the non-adaptation of trees to their proper
soils. All plants, woody or herbaceous, seem to be fitted by
nature to grow best in particular soils and subsoils, in which
they thrive more luxuriantly than in others. This is a fact,
which is, or should be familiar to all planters. In other de-
partments, such as husbandry, it is universally understood.
No farmer of intelligence ever errs in adapting his crops to
the soils most proper for them, or puts his wheat or his beans,
where his barley or turnip should be put, or vice versa. Not
so, however, the planter ; for, nine times in ten, he pays no
regard to adaptation, but puts the same trees indiscriminately
on every soil. Even late practical writers of name and
authority advocate the practice, and recommend, that mixed
plantations of all trees should universally be made, with the
design, as they alledge, of producing " a greater weight of
wood," than by any other method. This is a system, which,
to say the least, sets little value on experience. In fact, it
equalizes all plants, and all soils at once, and renders all
judgment in treating them superfluous.

But however such a method may succeed, in producing
mixed effects in plantations, it cannot l)e admitted for wood
in the lawn or park, in which the prominent effects are to
result from small groups or individual trees, and where, on
that account, every single failure tells, and appears conspi-

145

cuous. No man, who knows any thing of wood, will pui.
down the sycamore, the hme, or the wild cherry, for example,
on a clayey soil ; neither will he put the oak or the elm on
light sand or gravel, but, on the contrary, on the deepest and
loamiest land he can find, and in the case of the oak, even
with a clay-bottom : for, although that tree, in particular, is
the most accommodating of all plants, it is only on land of
this sort that it will really thrive, and grow to timber. But
to the skilful planter, the subsoil is often regarded as of more
moment than the mere texture of the surface, as the degrees
of moisture, most suitable to woody plants, form perhaps the
most prominent features in their characteristic differences.
It is, therefore, of the utmost importance to the planter care
fully to study these distinctions. In certain situations, where
he might be anxious for the grand effect of the oak or tlie
chestnut, it will often be prudent for him to be content with
the inferior forms of the lime, or the beech.

It is a maxim of good sense, as well as good taste, of
which every man conversant with wood is not sufficiently
aware, namely, that those trees about a place will always
look the handsomest^ that thrive the best, and that no pecu-
liarity of ramification, nor delicacy of foliage can ever com-
pensate for a deficiency of luxuriance and full health. A
rage for exotics, for plants with new names, or of more delicate
habits than the soil and climate will properly rear, is, I am
sorry to say, the besetting sin of the present race of planters.
The errors which are committed, for want of this sort of
adaptation in transplanted wood, are scarcely credible, unless
by those who have closely attended to the subject. A striking
example has been brought forward in Note I., Section First.
A number of others, that have come under ray observation,
might be added, were it necessary ; as a great proportion of
the failures, which take place in transplanting, are distinctly
referable to this fruitful source.

The second error to which I shall advert, is the having

19

146

recourse to close woods and plantations, for the supply of
subjects for removal. Perhaps there is no planter, who in
the beginning has not fallen into this mistake, before he has
had sufficient time to attend to the effects of heat and cold
on the growth of wood. Allured by the fine forms of trees
so trained, by the tallness of their stems, the beauty of their
bark, and their general appearance of health and strength,
we naturally form the wish to transfer them to the lawn, or
open park : but we should reflect, that how much soever
they may please the eye, there are no properties so unfit as
these for this degree of exposure, as they are generated solely
by warmth and shelter. As well might we bring forth the
native of the burning plains of Asia or Africa, and in the
light attire of those tropical climates, expect him to endure
a British winter. Either the facts respecting exposed and
sheltered wood, as above stated, are incorrect and unfounded,
or nature must be supposed to act in contradiction to herself,
if she sanctioned such incongruities. Yet ninety-nine times
in a hundred, the success of an art, which, if rightly under-
stood, would be interesting to many, is fairly marred by this
erroneous practice. Nor are these the errors of youth or
inexperience. Two of our best informed writers, Boutcher
and Marshall, as we have aheady seen, regard the art as
mainly apphcable to " the thinning of nurseries or planta-
tions," and recommend it accordingly for that purpose.

It is not necessary to dwell long on so unhappy a system
of selection. The trees, being tiansferred to a climate, colder
by several degrees than that in which they were trained,
and with the peculiar conditions and properties adapted to
the latter, internally decline. The usual lightening or mu-
tilating of the tops affords no alleviation or remedy from
without. In such a situation, the mechanical effect of wind
would be sufficient of itself, without any other cause, to
ensure their miscarriage. Yet, as they carry leaf, and show
no immediate symptoms of decay in the outset, their ultimate.

147

though certain failure is not contemplated by the sanguine
planter. With roots inadequate either to fix them in the
earth, or to furnish the supply of sap, which their new cir-
cumstances demand, they are incapable of extending them-
selves, either above or under ground. The leaves, from the
deprivation of shelter, cannot freely elaborate the sap ; and
the proper juice, on the other hand, is chilled in its descent,
from the want of leaves, and branches, and bark sufficient
to protect the sap-vessels. Meanwhile, the trees are vexed
by the winds from every quarter. They want side-boughs
to nourish and balance them properly. Gradually, they
become stunted and hidebound. The few branches they
have decay and drop off; and at last they are rooted out, as
a proof of the hopelessness of the art, and the inutility of
all attempts to cultivate it. A few plants perhaps, taken froin
the outskirts of the wood, and partly furnished with the
protecting properties, struggle on for ten or fifteen years, until
they acquire these properties to a certain extent ; and, begin-
ning then only to thrive, after half a lifetime of expectation,
they show beyond controversy, to the planter and his friends
how much more speedily trees might have been got up to
an equal size, from the nursery, or the seed-bed ! It is, how-
ever, perfectly obvious, that nothing less than a miracle, that
is, a counteraction of the course of nature for a special pur-
pose, could have effected any other results.

The third and last error, or cause of miscarriage remaining
to be noticed, is the setting out of plants of too diminutive a
size into the open field. This error is not less frequent than
the others, and is usually committed by those, who condemn
the practice of large removals, or who are of opinion, that
"large trees and small possess similar properties, and are
therefore to be managed on similar principles." All thriving
wood, they say, whether in masses or open groups, must be
got up by means of small plants. Nature, according to these
planters, to a certainty produces wood of every sort, within

148

a gi\ en time ; and experience demonstiatesj that if we wait
that time, we cannot miss the produce. It is through haste
and impatience to anticipate the period, that we incur disap-
pointment. It is a well known fact, as they further alledge,
that, in the course of forty or fifty years, trees of considerable
magnitude may be raised, on almost any land in Britain,
that is of tolerable quality ; hence it must follow, that a
nobleman's or gentleman's park, which in general is supe-
riorly cultivated, will in all likelihood raise them in a less
lime.

On such undeniable data, these operators often proceed to
fill a whole park with plants, taken from the nursery-ground,
of three, four, and sometimes six feet high. Great care is
bestowed in planting out the trees, and still greater expense
in securing them from sheep and cattle. Palings, hurdles,
cordage, according to the taste and consequence of the owners,
are all employed for that necessary end ; and those ponderous
and unsightly erections, when abundantly scattered over an
extensive and open surface, serve to fill the eye, and afford
a pleasing anticipation of what these stripling plants are
expected to do, at a future day. As to the expense of such
barricadoes (which will always last for five or six years,) they
hold it as insignificant, when compared with the formidable
cost of removing large trees. That cannot be accomplished,
they conceive, without heavy charges for men and machinery,
not to mention the contingency of a fortuitous art ; whereas,
with young and healthy plants, as they believe, you have
only to wait for a few years with patience, when success, as
in other things, must be the reward of industry.

I once knew a gentleman, not destitute of talents or in-
telligence in rural affairs, who in this way had planted about
two-thirds of his place, which was of some extent, though
for the most part exposed to the west and southwest. When
I saw it, this arboricultural experiment had gone on for about
five-and-thirty years, and even the owner had, by that time,

149

begun to despair of its success. A very few of the plants,
meeting with a deep soil, and with sites singularly sheltered,
had got up to about twenty feet high. The generality, and
especially in trying exposures, had grown to large bushes.
What was once their leading shoot had lost its preeminence
over the side-branches, plainly indicating, that no further
elongation of the stem was to be expected. Moreover, they
had begun, like old trees, to be clump-headed, and to assume
the appearance of premature old age. As to the expense of
the hurdles and pales, five or six times renewed, together
with the loss of the ground which they occupied, it amounted,
according to the candid acknowledgment of the owner him-
self, io far more than the cost of removing proper subjects
in the beginning ! The consequence was, that he was
persuaded to replant nearly the whole of his park on better
principles, and with trees of from five-and-twenty to thirty
feet high ; and he lived to see them vigorous plants, produc-
tive of picturesque effect in no small degree, with the promise
of becoming timber for the succeeding generation. What
he most regretted was, not so much the pecuniary loss, which
he had actually sustained, as the loss of nearly a lifetime,
in vexation and disappointment.

To the vegetable physiologist (if any such should be
among my readers,) it is almost unnecessary to detail the
radical and efficient causes of this sp^ies of failure. Every
organic creation, whether animal or vegetable, requires,
during infancy, the aid of considerable heat, to enable it to
develop its powers, and to expand freely. The tenderness,
and, indeed, utter helplessness of man and other animals, at
this early stage of their existence, press more forcibly upon
our notice, than the case of the vegetable tribe, under similar
circumstances ; yet both are governed by the same natural
laws, and display in their development a striking analogy.
The planter who, without due consideration, sets out a
tender plant into the open field, would not rashly so expose a

150

young dog or a horse, until, by a proper degree of warmth
and care, its constitution were confirmed, and it had acquired
strength to resist cold, and other ills and accidents. A
certain portion of heat, that is, of shelter, is in the very same
way indispensable to trees during infancy, in order that they
may grow with freedom, so that, when their organs are ma-
tured, and their strength properly established, they may
withstand the elements in open exposures. Hence, to set
them out prematurely, is to a certainty to paralyze their en-
ergies, and check the development of their parts.

The intelligent reader, I have no doubt, w ill be pleased to
find, how clear and full an illustration of this doctrine was
afforded, by the close plantations of the gentleman just now
mentioned. It so happened, when he planted the open and
exposed parts of his park, with small trees from the nursery-
ground, as already stated, that at the same time, and wath a
part of the same plants, he executed a considerable stretch of
the adjoining plantations. When I examined the latter, the
trees were, for the most part, about thirty and five-and-thirty
feet high, and in a state of the most perfect health. They
had been drawm up and protected, in the warm and kindly
atmosphere generated by close woods. The outside rows
had acquired to a certain degree the protecting properties,
and were nearly fit for removal ; and the whole exhibited a
striking contrast to thq^iminutive and stunted plants in the
adjoining park, many of which, instead of five-and-thirty
feet, had not grown above as many inches, from the time
they were set out !

It is indubitable, that one and all of these radical errors in
practice, into whicli planters fall, originate mainly in a want
of science to regulate it, and of a competent knowledge of the
history and properties of woody plants. General planting, as
well as every particular department of the art, as has been
already noticed, must depend for its success on scientific prin-
ciples. Since the first publication of this Essay, it is pleasing

151

lo perceive soiiie symptoms ol' tlie public attenlion being
roused to physiological inquiry, on this subject : but nothing
less than an Institution for the encouragement of Arboricul-
ture exclusively, will supply this desideratum in the educa-
tion and intelligence of the country, and place the art on that
footing of respectability, to which no one will deny it is en-
titled by its importance.

In what, then, it may be asked, does a proper selection of
subjects consist? A proper selection of subjects consists, as I
conceive it (exclusively of picturesque considerations,) in two
things especially : First, in a judicious adaptation of trees to
their proper soils; and secondly, in taking care, that the
trees so adapted possess as great a share of the protecting or
non-protecting properties, as is fairly required by the situa-
tion of exposure, or of shelter, in which the trees are to be
placed. Of these two points the former has already been
sufficiently illustrated, in the course of the foregoing discus-
sion on the want of adaptation. As to the latter, it may be
observed, that much will depend, in applying it to practice,
on the particular objects of selection, which the planter may
have in view.

If his object be single or detached trees, and such as are
intended to be set out in trying exposures, the acquisition of
the protecting properties must be the chief end and aim of
his selection ; and the trees must have made the acquisition
in sites, as much exposed at least as those to which they
are to be removed. He may rest assured, in this case, that
his success or miscarriage will be in the precise ratio, in
which his subjects may have obtained these indispensable
prerequisites. If fully obtained, their progress will be visible
from the beginning; but if imperfectly, their progress will be
retarded, until the deficiency be made up. In other words,
as planters do not always follow nature, in the choice of their
subjects, they need not be surprised, if trees planted out in
such exposures (supposing them to live at all.) should continue

152

ten, fifteen years, or more, in a stationary condiiion, strug-
gling, under the unpropitious circumstances of cold and
exposure, to generate provisions, which they should previ-
ously have acquired ; when at length, having overcome the
evils of injudicious selection, they only then begin to make
that progress, which ignorance and mismanagement have
retarded.*

On the other hand, if his object be to raise close masses of
wood (for hiding, for example, some prominent defect, or
attaining some general ornamental purpose,) of which mass-
es the materials are to consist of grove-wood and copse
intermixed, it is evident, that, excepting perhaps, for the
outside rows, the protecting properties would be altogether
tlirown away on such designs. If what has been said
above be well founded, trees possessing those properties
would, in this situation, soon have them exchanged for the
non-protecting, by the heat and shelter, which a close mass
of wood must always generate. Even were not that to hap-
pen, the needless extension of both their branches and roots
would prove extremely injurious to a plantation, where un-
derwood predominated. In these circumstances, an operator
of judgment would select such subjects for his work, as
possessed the non-protecting properties exclusively, and were
far more suitable to the designs in question.

These, however, may be considered as extreme cases,
while ordinary practice lies in a medium between the two.
Thus, in parks or places of any extent, the climate and soil
arc usually as various, as the proportions of the protecting
properties, which have been acquired by different trees.
The tree, which would succeed in the sheltered valley,
would have little chance on the exposed eminence ; and to
transfer a subject well adapted to the latter to the former
site, would be to misapply qualities, which are so extremely

* Note I.

153

valuable, as well as to abridge Uic range of tlic planter's
operations. As the protecting properties, therefore, must of
course be more rare in all wooillands, than the non-
protecting, one of the most difficult tasks, which the planter
has to perform, is judiciously to husband the application of
the former. He should always bear in mind, that if he put
down but one tree in any given spot, in that tree the protect-
ing properties should exist in a greater degree, than if he put
down ten trees, and still more than if twenty were put down.
Even by means of the loosest dispositions, and the most
scattered groups of wood on an open surface, the force of
the wind is sensibly broken, and hindered from exerting its
entire violence on any individual tree. In creating real
landscape, climate is not always to be regarded absolutely,
but relatively. Absolute elevation may be considerable, but
relative mildness in the climate of a place may be as great,
from the number and richness of its woody accompaniments.
Hence, poverty of clothing on the surface of a park, if we
can command the subjects, should always be avoided ; for
that is as inconsistent with the richness of the picture, as
with the health and success of the trees of which it is com-
posed.

As the modifying of the effect of heat and cold on woods,
and especially on parks and pleasure-grounds, is a subject not
generally understood, it may be worth while, in this place, to
say a few words respecting it, and also respecting the prin-
ciples on which it is founded, as being connected with the
subject immediately under discussion. Air, in several re-
spects, resembles, and is governed by the same laws as an-
other element, namely, water, although the effects of the
former are less cognizable by the eye. If you erect powerful
abutments on the banks of a river, you may forcibly turn the
stream from its course ; but it will break with tenfold vio
lence on the opposite side. In the same way, if by close and

continued plantations you endeavour altogether to exclude

20

154

the wind, it w ill contrive to assail you in some quarter, and
rushing in with fury at the first opening it can find, do
incalculable mischief. The art, therefore, of controlling
either element, consists in judiciously breaking it into parts,
and thereby dividing, and consequently weakening its
force.

It is on this simple principle, when fine landscape effect
is produced on the surface of a park, by means of large open
dispositions of wood, and of groups and scattered trees, crea-
ting a succession of rich and varied pictures, that the climate
is best ameliorated, and the most effectual defence against
the elements is procured, whether for plants or animals, or
for the comfort and accommodation of man. In this instance
we see, that beauty and utility entirely coincide : for where-
ever park-scenery is most successfully cultivated, there heat
and cold are best modified on woods. It is under such
circumstances, that trees uniformly develop themselves in
their most natural and most perfect proportions, and display
the fullest luxuriance of health. Thus the places, which
are planted in the best style, are always the most effectively
sheltered ; and thus good sense and good taste will be found
here, as in most other things, to unite in the same object,
and mutually to strengthen and confirm each other.

Obvious and satisfactory as this doctrine may appear, its
soundness is not universally admitted, even by men of dis-
cernment and understanding. There is a very intelligent
and worthy friend of mine, who reasons in a very different
way from this, on the best method of defending himself from
cold. Wherever, says he, the wind enters, I immediately
stop the gap ; and the more gaps I stop, the less the wind
will enter : hence it follows, that in time I shall be complete-
ly secured against both wind and cold. — This gentleman's
place, though it stands high, is in many respects a noble one.
It has picturesque features of a striking sort ; and it is more-
over well covered with deep masses of full grown wood,

155

arranged in all the rectilinear dignity of a former day, it\
which here and there was an open and cheerful vista, from
which we may suppose his ancestors delighted to look out.
All these, however, from a rooted abhorrence of wind, he
some years since diligently planted up; so that his mansion,
when viewed from without, is rather like a bird's nest in a
thicket, than the grand and central object, in an extensive
and well wooded park.

It was in vain that I pressed on my friend the necessity of
his freely, but gradually thinning and opening up his woods.
It was in vain that I expatiated on the striking similarity
of the two kindred elements of air and water, and on the
extreme caution that is requisite, in the management of
trees nearly at their best, so as to break and dissipate the
wind, thereby not only improving the trees, but making a
beneficial use of so uncertain an element. It was to no
purpose that I explained to him the wise economy which
nature displays, in modifying the influence of heat and cold
on the vegetable kingdom, and that if heat, during the in-
fancy of trees, is necessary to the full development of their
parts, cold in a due proportion is just as necessary, at an
after period. That, therefore, it must follow, in all large
masses of wood, where heat is superabundant, and light
insufficiently supplied, that a progressive elongation of stem,
and a progressive delicacy of constitution, must be the con-
sequence, and in time all admission of air be rendered dan-
gerous or impossible. That, in these circumstances, were so
unnatural a state of things suflfered to continue, and were
he to persist in an unavaihng warfare with his old enemy
the wind, instead of prudently conciliating that boisterous
element; it was clear, that erelong it would find, or make
for itself more than one entrance into his premises, however
closely secured, and to a certainty blow down his woods.
Yet notwithstanding, I am sorry to observe, that these dense
masses and barricades are still continued, and that his woods

156

are graLliially approaching to a state utterly hopeless and
irremediable. — I fear that my worthy friend is not a solitary
instance of want of skill, or rather want of resolution, in con-
ducting this important department.

Having said so much about trees, it may be proper, in this
place, to add a few observations on the selection of subjects
for underwood. Copse or underwood for removal is of two
kinds: the one is that intended to mass up with grove-
wood, and to form close and mixed plantations: the other
is what is meant as subjects for bush-planting in the park.
Of the properties which the former sort should possess, little
need be said, as it is evident, that they may be all quite
properly of the non-protecting description, and that any other
sort of plants would be thrown away upon it. Of the latter
kind it is equally plain, that it must have properties suited to
exposures, although not in the same degree as trees ; be-
cause trees, on account of their height, and other circum-
stances, can less easily withstand the elements.

As to bush-planting in the park or open field, it seems to
be something new, both in the conception, and the execu-
tion. Mr. Pontey speaks of the thing in his late useful
treatise on laying-out grounds, but he justly doubts the
possibility of protecting such underwood as he recommends
for the purpose, until it get to a proper size. It is extremely
difficulty and in a park where deer, black cattle, or horses
are kept, probably impossible, to succeed in bush-planting,
whatever may be thought, by those who have never made
the experiment, on the perusal of Mr. Pontey's late work.*
Even with sheep as the only stock, the mmierous small and
dotted clumps, of only a few yards square, and fenced with
wire, such as he proposes, must be ten times more offensive
to the fastidiousness of modern taste, than the unfortunate
clumps of brown, which were gigantic in comparison, if the

* Rural Improver, pp. 149, 253, et. seq.

157

latter now, in spite of the severe interdiction of Messrs. Price
and Knight, were once more to hft up thoir heads, ('ut
with niiddlc-sizcd plants, and a machine of wniall dimen-
sions (as shall be described in the sequel,) the entire effect
of bush-planting may be obtained, and, I am certain, at a
fourth part of the expense and trouble of Mr. Pontey's
clumps.

To select subjects for this purpose will be a matter of little
difficulty, if the rules already explained be sufficiently appre-
hended ; and they must, of course, have the principal pro-
tecting properties, in as far as the degree of exposure may
require, especially numerous roots. As bushes also, these
plants must obviously be low, from four to eight or nine feet
high, with broad tops, headed down from time to time, and
branches as near the ground, as the sheep will permit them
to grow, that is, within about three feet and a half: For on
this last mentioned circumstance their effect mainly depends.
They must, moreover, have only one stem, or as few as pos-
sible for the open ground, in order to admit of their being
fenced with facility, and at a small expense. In this way,
many have been planted here, which are desirable as accom-
paniments to water. Likewise they are useful in massing
up with tall trees; in the formation of low skreens, while dis-
tant objects may be seen over their heads ; and occasionally
in breaking a hard outline, which should always be fringed
with both trees and bushes.

Before taking leave of so important a discussion, as the
Selection of Subjects, it may be asked, what in point of
size are to be regarded as the best subjects for removal, in ac-
cordance with the principle above enunciated ? To this it
may be replied, that, if ordinary judgment be exercised, and
flagrant errors avoided, preference will greatly depend on the
choice and circumstances of the planter. Size offers to suc-
cessful removal no actual impediment further than increased
expenditure. The same principles apply to the largest trees

158

just as well as to the least. But it is material to notice, that
size implies greater labour and contingency, and, by conse-
quence, more powerful machinery ; and both rise in a ratio
far more accelerated, than might at first be conceived to cor-
respond with the increased dimensions of the trees. My
own operations as to size having been of a limited sort (the
subjects seldom exceeding thirty -five or thirty-six feet high,
and in the stem from fifteen to eighteen inches in diameter)
I do not presume to prescribe to what height others should
go, because it is altogether arbitrary : but I may with confi-
dence recommend below what height they should never
descend. No subject, in my jvidgment, should be selected
for removal, of which the girth of stem is less than from
eighteen inches to two feet, or, in other words, whose diam-
eter does not extend to six or eight inches at the least, reck-
oning at a foot from the ground : the height of the tree
being supposed from fifteen to eighteen feet. Any subject,
possessing a lesser magnitude, and lesser proportional stout-
ness than this, I consider as unfit for judicious removal, in
exposed situations, and destitute of proper stamina to resist
the elements. To this injunction I may add, that in the
above, as in every case, we should labour to acquire, by ob-
servation and study, a knowledge of that nice and adequate
adaptation to circumstances of the protecting properties, which
nature displays in her more or less open dispositions of Wood,
and learn to follow her provident example. All that the best
preceptive efforts can do, is to point out and illustrate the prin-
ciple in its general bearings : it is judgment and experience
only, that can give the practice.

159

SECTION VI.

PREPARATION OF THE SOIL FOR OPEN DISPOSITIONS OF
TREES AND CLOSE PLANTATIONS.

Having sufficiently illustrated the New Theory suggested
for Transplantation, the first branch of practice, that claims
attention, is the Preparation of the Soil.

The substances which constitute Soils, as Sir H. Davy
states, are certain compounds of the earths, silica, lime,
alumina, magnesia, and of oxides of iron and manganesum ;
also animal and vegetable matters in a decomposing state ;
and saline, acid, or alkaline combinations.* Soils afford to
plants a fixed abode, and the medium only of their nourish-
ment. Earths, exclusively of organized matter and water,
as the best phytologists admit, are of no other use to woody
plants, than to fix them in the ground, and support them :
they act merely as mechanical, or as chemical agents : but
earth and organic matter united constitute what is properly
called Soils, and furnish to plants at once support and nour-
ishment. The true food of plants, as the same instructive
writer observes, is water and decomposing organic matter.
The earthy particles are useful in retaining the water, so as to
supply it in due proportions to the roots of vegetables ; and
they likewise act, in producing a proper distribution of the
animal or vegetable matter. When equally mixed with it,

* Elements of Agricultural Chemistry.

160

they prevent it from too rapid u decomposition ; and they
also supply tlic soluble parts in their due proportions.

Kirwan, in his Geological Essays, has shown, that the
fertility of a soil in a great measure depends on its capacity
to retain water. The power of the soil to absorb water by
cohesive attraction, depends, in a considerable degree, on the
division of its parts. The more these are divided, the greater
their absorbent power. Hence the great importance of fria-
bility or looseness of texture ; so that moisture may have free
access to the fibres of the roots, that heat may be readily con-
veyed to them, and that evaporation may proceed without
obstruction. These benefits are usually attained by the
presence of sand. As alumina possesses, in an eminent de-
gree, all the powers of adhesiveness, and silex those of fria-
bility, it is obvious, that a mixture of those earths in suitable
proportions, would furnish every thing that could be wanted
in the most perfect soil. In a soil so constituted, water would
be presented to the roots by capillary attraction. It would
be suspended in it, says Griesenthwaite, in the same way as
in a sponge, that is, in a state not of aggregation, but of mi-
nute division, so that every part might be moist, but not
wet.* Hence the best soil, whether for wood or agricultural
crops, obviously is one that is at once loose and deep, con-
taining the most alumina and carbonate of lime, so as to act
with the greatest chemical energy, in the preservation of
manures.t

Trees, far more than agricultural crops, require depth of
soil, to raise them to perfection: the effect of climate ap-
pears much less necessary, in giving them their greatest
magnitude. Accordingly, notwithstanding the insularity of
our situation, which naturally tends to the equalization of
climates, little park-timber is found in Scotland, or the north
of England, approaching in size and grandeur to the great

* New Theory of Agriculture. f Note I

161

trees in the niidUiud and southern counties, owing probably
to the superior soil, which exists in the latter districts. Of
these, the Swilcar, Shelton, Chandos, and Fredville oaks, the
Tortworth, Burleigh, and Cobham chestnuts, the Chipstead
and Tutbury elms, the Woburn ash, the Knowle beech, and
the Cobham lime and sycamore are eminent examples, as
may be seen in Mr. Sturt's late elegant delineations.* A
more powerful delineator than Sturt says, of the King's Oak
at Blenheim, that "although scathed and gnarled in its
branches, the immense trunk still showed, to what gigantic
size the monarch of the forest can attain in the groves of
merry England."t As it appears plain, from these and other
instances, both in the north and south, that the size of wood
will be mainly in proportion to the depth of the soil on which
it grows, it should be the chief study of the planter, to pro-
mote that capital object. It is a sound maxim, as old as
Theophrastus, and repeated by Columella and Pliny, as
familiar to the Roman husbandman, to transfer no tree to a
worse soil than that in which it had previously stood :t and
whatever in this respect holds true of young plants, must, a
fortiori, hold more decidedly true of large subjects, such as
are intended for removal. If in transplanting we must
often increase the cold, and other circumstances adverse to
trees, it becomes us the more diligently to study, that the soil
be rendered as rich and deep as possible, in order in some
sort to counterbalance those disadvantages.

There are few persons so happily situated, as to be able to
command much animal or vegetable manure, for the use of
trees. Such artificial modes of enrichment or improvement
must therefore be resorted to, as science or experience has

* See Sturt's elegant Portraits of British Forest Trees, with respect-
able letterpress description. Lend. 1826.

t Sir Walter Scott, Woodstock, Vol. I. p. 68.
t Note II.

21

162

pointed out. By following sriich guides, we may often learn
so to alter the constituent parts of soils, as to increase their
fertility, by the addition of ingredients, in which they are
deficient, and in some cases, by the subtraction of such as
too copiously abound in them ; or else, by effecting chemical
changes of some constituent part by incineration, or by the
application of mineral manures. Soils, considered as agents
of vegetable culture, are subjected to operations, which effect
changes on them, either mechanically or chemically. Of
the former description there are none so important for the
use of trees, as deepening and pulverizing. Deepening can
be executed with eflfect, only by trenching or double-digging
(for the plough can do little in such a business), and pulver-
izing is naturally combined with that process. The depth
of pulverization, as Sir H. Davy well observes, must depend
on the nature of the soil and subsoil. In rich clayey soils,
it can scarcely be too deep ; and even in sands, unless the
subsoil contain some principle noxious to vegetables, deep
comminution should be practised. When the roots are deep,
they are less liable to be injured by excessive rain, or exces-
sive drought, and the radicles are shot forth into every part
of the soil.* In a word, nothing but water stagnating under
the trench, in consequence of a clayey bottom, and the risk
of the roots being thereby chilled, should prevent trenching
from being always executed as deep as possible.

The surprising changes worked on all soils, in consequence
of a minute comminution of their parts, and the various
ways in which it increases fertility, have only of late years
been communicated to agriculture, by chemical analysis and
investigation ; so that there is the less wonder that they
should, in a great measure, have escaped the planter's notice.
If the process be important in general to woody plants, it
must be greatly more important to subjects meant for removal ;

* Elements of Agricul. Chemist.

163

and I earnestly request the reader's atleiitiou, wliile I take
a rapid view of it.

Pulverization, or the mechanical division of parts, is appli-
cable to all soils, in proportion to their adhesive texture ; as
even the most silicious, if not duly stirred, will become too
compact and dense for the admission of air, rain, and heat,
and, by consequence, for the free growth of plants. Strong
upland clays, not submitted to the plough, or the spade, will
in a few years be found in the possession of fibrous-rooted
perennial grasses, which form a clothing on their surface, or
of strong taprooted trees, such as the oak, which force their
way through the interior of the mass. For these reasons,
the first and great object should be, to give scope to the young
roots and fibres ; because, without fibres in abundance, no
woody plant can shoot freely, and develop its parts, whatever
be the richness of the soil. The fibrous roots, as has been
shown in Section IV., absorb the juices by means of intro-
susception ; but the quantity absorbed does not depend alone
on the quantity existing in the soil, but on the number of
the absorbing fibres. The more we can comminuate the
soil, the more those fibres will be increased, the more this
nourishment will be absorbed, and the more vigorous and
healthy tjie plant will become.

Further : Comminution of parts increases capillary attrac-
tion, or the sponge-like property of soils, by which their hu-
midity is rendered more uniform, and more effective. It is
evident, that where the particles of earth are the most mi-
nutely divided, capillary attraction must be the greatest ; for
gravels and sands hardly retain water, while clays, not
opened by pulverization, either do not absorb water at all,
or, when by long action it is absorbed in a superabundant
quantity, it is not readily discharged. Water is necessary to
the growth of plants : it is essential to the juices or extract
of the vegetable matter which they contain ; and unless the
soil, by means of comminution, be fitted to retain the quan-

164

tity of water requisite to produce those juices, the addition of
manure will be useless. Manure is ineffectual towards
vegetation, until it become soluble in water ; and it would
remain useless in a state of solution, if it so abounded as
utterly to exclude air ; for in that case, the fibres or mouths
of plants would be unable to perform their functions, and
they would soon drop off by decay.

The temperature of soils, which few planters take into
their consideration, is singularly improved by their being pul-
verized. Earths, as Griesenthwaite remarks, are among the
worst conductors of heat which we know ; consequently, it
would require a considerable time, ere the gradually increas-
ing temperature of spring could communicate its genial
warmth to the roots of plants, if their lower parts were not
heated by other means. To remove this defect, which al-
ways belongs to a close or dense soil, it is essentially neces-
sary to have the land open, so that there may be a free in-
gress to the genial air, and tepid rains of spring.

Water, moreover, is known to be a condenser and solvent
of carbonic acid gas, which, when the ground is open, can
be carried immediately to the roots of vegetables, and prob-
ably contributes to their growth. But if the land be close,
and the water lie on, or near the surface, then the carbonic
acid gas, which always exists in the atmosphere, and is
carried down by the rains, will soon be dissipated. Let it be
observed also, that an open soil, besides being favourable to
the transmission of nutriment to the roots of plants, is like-
wise favourable to their extension, and thereby enlarges the
field whence nutriment is derived. Nor are these the only
benefits resulting from a friable soil : for, in addition to its
being the best adapted to supply the vegetables with food, it
is always most suitable for effecting those changes in the
manure itself, which are equally necessary to the prepara-
tion of such food ; and animal and vegetable substances, ex-
posed to the alternate action of heat, moisture, light and air,

165

undergo spontaneous decompositions, wliich, independently
of it, would not take place.

Soils are surpiisini^ly benefited by aeration, and the free
admission of the weather into their interior parts. This is
generally considered as the principal use of fallowing ; and
its importance in gardening is proved by compost heaps, and
both winter and summer ridging up. The precise advanta-
ges, however, of exposure to the aii-, independently of the
concurrent influence of water, heat, and the other eflects
above mentioned, as resulting from pulverization, do not
seem at present to be fully ascertained. It is admitted on all
hands, that carbonic acid gas is absorbed by calcareous
earths ; and Dr. Thomson, who is among the ablest of our
chemical writers, is of opinion, that the earths alone may
thus, in all likelihood, administer food to plants. Sir H.
Davy seems to consider mere exposure to the atmosphere as
of no benefit whatever to soils: he, therefore, condemns
fallowing as useless and unprofitable. But the reasons given
for such an opinion are merely speculative, and founded on
nothing experimental or conclusive ; accordingly, they will
convince no skilful agriculturist, nor no practical planter.

To these facts and observations we may add a suggestion
of Darwin's, respecting temperature, which though fanciful,
is ingenious, namely, that a certain portion of atmospheric
air being always taken down into the soil, at the time of
pulverization, its internal heat is thereby promoted, and its
fertility increased. The confinement of the air occasions
decomposition, by means of the moisture in the earthy por-
tions. Ammonia is formed, by the union of the hydrogen
of the water, with the nitrogen of the atmosphere, and nitre,
by the union of oxygen and nitrogen. The oxygen hke-
wise probably unites with the carbon contained in the soil,
and forms carbonic acid gas, and carburetted hydrogen.
Hence the heat given out, during these processes.

Such is a short, and very imperfect view of the manifold

166

beneficial changes, which deepening and pulverizing effect
in soils, according to the ingenious researches of Davy,
Thomson, Griesenthwaite, and others, who have usefully
laboured to render chemical researches subservient to rural
purposes. Had Tull, who flourished about a century ago
been acquainted with chemistry, as at present improved, he
would not have missed that permanent fame, to w4iich his
ingenuity so well entitled him. Tull was unquestionably
the first practical advocate for the powers of pulverization ;
but he was deceived by its astonishing and various effects,
Avithout being able to perceive its limits. Hence he w^as led
into the erroneous belief, that pulverization could even supply
the place of manures, in farm management. Modern science,
however, would have enabled him to discover, that, although
the comminuating of soils incredibly multiplies the fibrous
roots, or mouths of plants ; although it also facilitates the
speedy and perfect preparation of their food, and conducts the
food so prepared more regularly to the roots, yet of food itself
it does not communicate the smallest supply or portion, beyond
w'hat the soil actually possesses. As we cannot, in these times,
fall into the error of Tull, let us not omit, for our present pur-
pose, to put a due value on pulverization (which in husbandry
of late, as connected with deepening, seems to be rather un-
dervalued), while we endeavour, by the methods already
pointed out, to add as much as possible to the vigour and
food of woody plants.

Soils, then, may be most effectually improved by the plan-
ter, by altering their constituent parts, as has been above
shown, either by the addition of ingredients, in which they
are deficient, or by the subtraction of others, that too much
abound in them ; but in ordinary cases, chiefly in the former
way, by admixture with other soils, and by the application
of mineral manures. The best natural soils are certainly
those, of which the materials have been derived from different
strata ; that have been, minutely divided by air and water,

167

and are intimately blended together. On this account, in
improving soils by artificial methods, the husbandman or the
arboriculturist cannot steer in so safe a course, as by study-
ing the eflects of intermixture, and imitating the chemistry
of nature.

In preparing soils on these principles, for the removal of
trees, the materials cannot often lie at a distance. In this
quarter of the island, there is no man, possessing grounds of
any extent, who has not the command of more, than one
sort of soil, especially in the mineral districts. In the Park
here, three different species are found, namely, tenacious clay,
strong loam, and light sand ; and fortunately also, peat-moss
in abundance near at hand. My practice, therefore, has
been diligently to collect and make up masses or heaps of
compost, in different parts of the grounds, adjacent to where
the trees might be wanted, and to have them always ready
for use, of not less than six months old. These masses are
compounded usually in the following manner : First, quick-
lime recently burnt (called in Scotland " lime shells") with
clayey matter, for the light land ; Secondly, mild lime with
sandy soil, for the aluminous ; and Thirdly, quicklime with
peat-moss, for the loamy. To each of the two soils first men-
tioned, I usually give an addition of about a third part of
the peat compost ; and by procuring the peat in rather an
advanced state of decomposition, its speedy preparation is
more easily brought about.

In this way, I conceive, I have succeeded, with the least
possible expense of manure and labour, in preparing mate-
rials for improving the different soils, for the reception of the
fibrous roots of trees. The clay compost, by means of the
lime, being brought into a state of decomposition, surpris-
ingly improves the silicious soil, by giving it greater consis-
tency, in the same way that the same soil is benefited by
marl, or calcareous matter. The sand compost, in hke
manner, still more powerfully acts on the aluminous soil.

168

As all soils aie meliorated by lime, that do not effervesce with
acids, and sands most remarkablVj so the hard and adhesive
qualities of the clay are subdued, by the action of the sand
and lime united, its parts are comminuated, and the inert
vegetable matter is brought into operation. The peat com-
post, for similar reasons, and by means of the lime which it
contains, is well calculated to stimulate, and add vegetable
matter to the loamy soil.

But the peat compost, for general application to all soils, I
have found the most extensively useful of the whole, if pre-
pared with a third part of animal manure, or fresh farm-
yard dung, according to the fermenting process, discovered
by the late Lord Meadowbank, whose memory will be im-
mortal wdth both the husbandman and the arboriculturist.
For thin gravelly soil, where a considerable quantity of car-
bonaceous matter is required to supply its wants, this com-
post, if properly made, will be found even preferable to
ordinary animal manure, as containing much more carbon,
and continuing its action longer on the ground. Even w'hen
prepared with quicklime only, recently burnt and slacked,
that is, hydrate of lime, one-fifth part of lime to four-fifths
of peat, it is extremely valuable, from its loose and friable
properties, and the fine state of comminution, to which it
may be readily brought. Gluicklime, when it becomes mild,
operates in the same way as chalk ; but, in the act of becom-
ing mild, it has the power of preparing soluble out of insolu-
ble matter. Hence its great effect on peat, and on all soils
containing an excess of vegetable insoluble matter. But for
peat compost of either species to operate fully in preparing the
soil for the fibrous roots of plants, it should l^e mixed in the
ground, for at least a twelvemonth before the trees are re-
moved, so that, on opening the pits for the second time, it
shall have nearly disappeared, in consequence of its com-
plete and perfect incorporation with the soil.

This last method of decomposing peat, we owe to a very

169

ingenious and scientific nobleman, tlic Earl of Dundonald,
whose memory will also be long held in grateful remembrance
by his countrymen. This distinguished chemist was the
first writer, who, nearly half a century ago, pointed out the
means of rendering agriculture a new art, by the aid of
chemistry, in which he has been since followed by Kirwan,
by Sir H. Davy, and other ingenious authors. The general
error then and still committed, in the making up of hme
compost, is the use of the lime in far too great a proportion,
thereby reducing the peat to charcoal, and dissipating in a
gaseous state its most useful component parts. Thus, the
lime is rendered nearly effete and powerless, and brought
back to the state of mere challc, instead of forming such a
combination with the peat, and the gas generated in the
process, as, on being applied to the soil, should promote the
growth of plants.

In the same way, a want of success not less remarkable
has been experienced, in preparing dung compost, according
to the fermenting process discovered by Lord Meadowbank.
This, I conceive, has proceeded chiefly from two causes ;
first, the want of skill in providing peat of a proper quality,
and in a state fitted to undergo the fermenting process with
effect ; and secondly, in applying the dung in too exhausted
a condition ; both of which tend to prevent the antiseptic
quahties of the moss from being counteracted, and the peat
from being rendered soluble. For the methods, which have
been suggested by experience, for the improvement of both
of these valuable composts, the agricultural reader, as well
as the planter, is referred to the notes, which may probably
be found interesting to both.*

There is one circumstance, which deserves particular at-
tention, in preparing this valuable compost. It is observable
in the southern, as well as in the northern division of the

* Note III.
22

170

island, lliat peat-moss is found of very dilFerent qualities, and
has frequently some portion of iron combined with it, united
w ith sulphuric acid. This is a mixture, which in excess is
pernicious to vegetation and to the growth of woody plants
It therefore becomes necessary to destroy or neutralize it, by
admixture with other substances. The respectable judge
above mentioned says, that all his peat at Meadowbank was
so contaminated. Some part of the peat at this place is un-
fortunately of the same species, and many of my crops, as
well as trees, were injured by it, before the cause was dis-
covered. When the peat is taken from the pit, and laid out
to dry in the heap, the sulphate of iron is easily distin-
guished, by an efflorescence of small white crystals of an
astringent taste appearing on the surface, and also a strong
sulphureous smell, on its being burnt, or exposed to the rays
of the sun.

The remedy suggested by the learned judge I have found
perfectly eflectual, in attenuating or counteracting these per-
nicious ingredients, namely, to add to the dunghill or com-
post, in preparing it for fermentation, a certain proportion of
coal, wood, or peat ashes ; he says, a twenty-eighth part ; or,
in default of these, half the quantity of slacked lime. Lime
is the substance, which has been used here, but in a rather
larger proportion than that which Lord Meadowbank re-
commends.* It gives me, however, particular satisfaction to
find, that I am borne out in my partiality to peat compost,
as a general cmd useful 7nanure, by the practice as well as
the opinion of a writer, who was himself a skilful planter,
and a chemist of considerable experience.

The transplanting of large trees and underwood is prac-
tised for two difierent purposes ; First, for procuring Single
Trees, and Open dispositions of Wood in the park ; and
Secondly, for raising at once Close Woods or Plantations, for

* Diii'dioiis lor preparintr Maiiuic from I'eal, j). 'i'A.

171

slielter or ornament,, llcncc tlic preparation of tlie soil is lo
be considered, in reference to those two separate purposes or
heads, which shall be examined in their order. And here,
as in may instances, which occur in tlic seciuel, I entertain
great doubt of ])cing able to make myself distinctly under-
stood. It is one thing to be acquainted with a series of daily
practices and manual operations, and another to render a mi-
nute detail of them, of their causes, and consequences, and
various application intelligible to the reader. Language from
its nature often treats more clearly of abstract ideas, and gen-
eral truths, than of sensible or material objects ; and there
are processes in all arts, which a single glance of the eye
will more fully explain, than whole pages of description.
On this account, I stand greatly in need of the indulgence of
the reader ; and I shall endeavour to deserve it, by studying
perspicuity in the delineations which are to follow, in this and
other sections, and conciseness also, in as far as the peculiar-
ities of a new subject will admit.

First, then, as to the preparation of the soil for single
trees, and open dispositions of wood. It has been said
above, that no trees of magnitude can be raised, without
very considerable depth of soil. No tree transplanted should
have less than from eighteen inches to two feet deep of
mould, prepared and enriched according to the above princi-
ples, to some distance round the plant. If park-planting be
intended, the first thing to be done is, to mark out with stakes
the site or position of the single and scattered trees, or groups
of two, three, or more ; a work of no small nicety and diffi-
culty in any case, and which, where the prominent parts of
a place are concerned, cannot be trusted to inferior hands.
Here an art is in requisition of a far higher and more difficult
class than the mere planting of trees, I mean the art of de-
signing real landscape, or landscape composed of nature's
own materials : for, as these open or loose dispositions of
wood form often the principal features of the picture, or its

172

accessories, to disperse them with skill and effect, implies no
mean acquaintance with this superior art.

As single trees, in respect to site, are wholly unconnected
with one another, the pits for them are to be made separately.
For this purpose, the ground, supposing it to be tolerably rich
and deep, with a porous subsoil (that is, a subsoil of sand,
gravel, or rock, or combinations of them), is to be trenched
to the depth of nearly two feet ; which depth is six inches
more than common gardeners' trenching. The latter is
usually executed two spits deep, with two intermediate shov-
ellings ; but in the work in question, we should go down
between three and four spit?, without any shovellings. The
method last mentioned tends to increase pulverization, and
especially a more general intermixture of the different por-
tions of the soil, without increasing the expense of the work.*
For a pit of this description, two, or at most three cart-loads
of the proper compost, are sufficient (I mean single carts,
or carts drawn by one horse), if mixed according to the prin-
ciples above laid down. If the soil be sandy or gravelly, the
clay compost should be used ; if clayey, the sand compost ;
with the addition of one third-part of the peat, or general
compost, which, as said above, is applicable to all soils.
Should the soil be deep and loamy, the last mentioned is
probably the compost best suited to divide into parts the fiesh
mould brought up, and to excite a general chemical action
throughout the mass.

In executing the trenching, if the pit be to stand for a
twelvemonth or more, before transplanting, the compost is to
be laid down in half-loads round the stake, which marks out
the site of the pit, and at such a distance, as not to obstruct
the workmen. The dimensions are then to be marked out
for middle-sized trees, of from five-and-twenty to eight-and-
t wonfy feet high, in a circular form, and at two " spades" and

* Note IV.

173

a half distant from the stake, or about eighteen feet diame-
ter. This is the mode of measuring usual among our work-
men ; the spade being that superior and efficient implement,
about three feet eight inches long, called the " Scotch spade,"
with an iron handle at the upper end of the shaft, and not
the common garden spade, which is of little use, except for
stirring loose mould.

Supposing the subsoil to be sand or gravel, and of a suffi-
cient depth to admit of the pit prescribed, the next thing to
be done is, to wheel away, from the side at which you are to
begin, as much earth as will close in the last trench, and to
lay it down for the purpose, on the opposite side of the pit.
The compost being of two kinds, clayey and peaty, as already
described, should be dashed on, or scattered like lime upon a
field, as the trenching proceeds, over the entire surface of the
work, so as to mix the whole in the completest manner; and
when the trench is closed in at the further side, it should lie
for a twelvemonth, as before stated.

Supposing, on the other hand, that the soil be deficient in
the competent depth (a thing which has unfortunately too
often happened at this place,) there is no remedy but to sup-
ply the want with earth brought from some other quarter. A
few cart-loads are all, that in most instances are required ; and
a little practice will teach the planter to procure it, from the
cleanings of drains or ditches, from natural hollows in woods,
and such like places, where calcareous earth is sure to be col-
lected. The best way is, to take it out in strips or lines of
only one spit wide, and of the same depth ; by which means,
no material injury will be done to the ground by the opera-
tion.

In supplying such earth, let it be remembered that rich
mould is not essentially necessary, and that soil even of a
very inferior quality will answer the purpose. Every one
must have observed the readiness with which the roots of
trees find their way into a mound of earth of any quality

174

whatever, that has been stirred, and consequently comminu-
ated, by being forced up beyond the natural level of the sur-
face ; a fact, which demonstrates in a striking manner the
justness of the principle, that to render any soil pervious to
air and water, and to render it fertile, are almost synonymous
terms. With a mass of earth so prepared, and to between
eighteen inches and two feet out beyond the length of the
roots, both roots and branches will soon be stimulated to
greater multiplicity and more vigorous extension ; and the
former may be then safely trusted to seek food for themselves,
over the natural surface of the ground. Should a still great-
er range of pabulum, or of deepened soil be requisite for
particular trees, it will be easy to provide it, after the trees are
transplanted ; as such masses of earth, as these pits contain,
can be extended at pleasure, and both the shape and the
quality of the ground at the same time be improved.

Supposing the soil and subsoil to be clayey and tenacious,
particular caution must be observed in trenching, to leave the
substratum untouched ; and the safest method in all cases is,
to penetrate no deeper than the improved and friable mould
extends, which is always permeable by moisture. But,
should the workmen unfortunately, through ignorance or
inattention, penetrate such a subsoil, a pool of water would be
formed by the fust rains that fell, of the size of the pit,
where, being held as in a cup, the roots of the tree would be
chilled on its removal, and the tree itself probably killed, in
the first season.

Supposing further, that from necessity, or perhaps from
choice, the planter cannot wait the prescribed space of a
twelvemonth, for the most propitious time for removal, and
will be content with a less perfect comminution, and a less
intimate incorporation of the materials, let him proceed as
follows. Having maked out the pit and its dimensions, and
laid the compost, or extra earth, or both, as the case may be,
round the outside, let the workmen, in the first place, spade

175

the whole into the centre at the stake ; and mixing it an
much as possible by that operation, form a liigh and narrow
heap round the stake. Let them next open the pit to the
depth wanted, as before noticed ; but, instead of trenching or
double-digging, they must turn out the contents to the out-
side edges ; throwing over, for every stratum of a spit deep, a
corresponding stratum of the mixed mass from the centre, till
the pit is thus excavated to the proper depth. As soon as the
stake is driven down, the workmen begin, each at a different
part of the mound thrown out, and work round the pit, so as
to give a sort of half-trenching or turning over to the mound,
by tossing it to and fro, throughout its whole extent. The
contents being in the loosest possible state, this can be done
with great rapidity ; and when the workmen meet in the
half-trenching, the business is completed. The pit is then
ready for the immediate planting of the tree. Thus, the
greatest comminution of these mingled ingredients is ob-
tained with the least labour, and by only once throwing out ;
but the most intimate mixture is absolutely necessary. It is
true, that the process, however compendious, is an imperfect
succedaneum to the slower maceration or preparation by na-
ture: but an entire year is saved by adopting this method,
which at times may be of consequence to the owner of a
place ; while there are not perhaps many gardeners, who
can boast of their hothouse mould being of a texture more
perfect than that which has been produced by it.

Next, as to groups and larger masses. By a group of trees
is to be understood any number from two (which is the
smallest group) to ten, or more, in the lawn or park, intended
for some particular effect. As the distances between the
trees are generally from sixteen to twenty feet, according to
the ground, it is obvious, that, after trenching as many large
spaces or circles as there are trees in the group, not more than
a third part of the whole space or area occupied will remain
solid or untouched, between the circles. In all caaes of this

176

sort, I should much recommend, that the entire area, com-
prising all the trees of the group, be trenched at once, and
reaching to at least five yards beyond the stakes, which mark
the outside plants. Thus, the labour of wheeling earth, to
close in the work at each particular space or circle, is saved,
and a much wider range given to the roots to extend freely.
In fact, the number of additional or extra poles of ground to
be turned over is trifling, whilst a considerable saving is
made, in the lesser depth of the trench required, particularly
on stiff land, and a great additional value conferred on the
ground itself.

There is no soil, of which the produce, whether in grain-
crops or in pasture, will not be increased by the one half, in
consequence of such stirring and deepening; and there are
many soils, those of a thin quality in particular, on which
these processes will double the produce, if the new earth
brought lip be properly pulverized, and manured with com-
post. Besides, from poor clays, and lands inclined to mois-
ture it will banish rushes effectually (if rushes be produced by
surface causes,) one of the most troublesome weeds which
we have to eradicate. It is unnecessary to pursue the sub-
ject further in this place, although it has hitherto attracted no
general notice. But, as it rises greatly in the scale of inte-
rest and consequence, from its importance to both husbandry
and arboriculture, it may be worth while to give the details
and explanations in a Note below, to which I refer the in-
quisitive reader.*

In trenching entire spaces or areas for groups, moreover,
two important savings are made in the execution of the
work. First, in the trenching itself; as not more than eight-
een inches are necessary for the deepening a light soil, and
one that is heavy, not more than twenty inches. This sa-
ving obviously results from the far greater and more uni-

* Note V.

177

form scope, that is given for tlie elongation of the roots, on a
space of ground of such increased magnitude. The second
saving is, that on such a space, it is very seldom that any ex-
tra earth can be wanted, in order to supply a deficiency of
soil, as must sometimes happen with single trees. On clayey
land, you may freely go down, and procure the depth re-
quired ; because no water can stagnate, where there is no pit
to hold it, but where the entire bottom of the space, or area
trenched, is worked to a uniform level, that is, a slope-level,
so as to carry off the water collected from the surface ; and
hence the great excellence of deep trenching in every case.
The only case which can require an aid of extra earth to the
soil, is where pure sand or gravel, as on small eminences,
rises nearly to the surface, and where there is next to no-
thing to form the nourishment of plants.

During the trenching of the spaces, it is advisable to give
the work a good dressing of compost of a quality directly op-
posite to the quaUty of the soil, and to be dashed on, thinly
and frequently, over the face or front of the new earth
thrown up. If this be abundantly done, one extra cart-load
of compost (I mean a single cart) for each tree is sufficient,
not omitting a third part more of the peaty or general com-
post, to finish the preparation. The inexperienced planter
may rely upon it, that there is no improvement more cer-
tain than this of trenching at once the whole area which a
group comprises, instead of the preparation of pits for indi-
vidual trees. It is not always that the best style of work
proves the cheapest in the begimiing, however it may in
general turn out in the eiid. But in the present instance,
the most perfect economy is united with the most perfect effi-
ciency, and the success of the trees, and the improvement of
the ground are equally consulted.

It is to be noticed, that the work of preparation, in every
situation where it is convenient, should be done a year at
least before the removal of the trees. This is a maxim fully

23

178

as important and deserving of consideration, as any one that
has been delivered in the present Section. Although some-
what may be lost, in missing the carbonic acid gas, and the
genial influence of the atmosphere, which are introduced
during the work, in order to excite vegetation, yet a superior
object is gained, by a fuller incorporation of the compost with
the soil, during the renewed comminution of the whole, when
the planting takes place. No doubt, an excellent soil, as has
been already seen, may be obtained at the moment, ancf un-
der tlie pressure of circumstances, by ingenuity and skill.
But it W'ill be found by experience, that there is no case, in
which a little time and patience is better laid out than in the
present, as may be proved by the relative progress of trees
that have been planted in the one way, and in the other.
I can speak from repeated experience as to the fact, during
the last twenty years, when from haste, or impatience, or
other motive, I have been induced to sacrifice science to con-
venience, and to work the pits, and remove the trees at one
and the same time. On one and all of those occasions, I felt,
as in many other things, that I was following the worse
course, with the better all the while before my eyes.

In planting new approaches, in wooding the banks of
lakes or rivers, by means of the transplanting machine ; in
giving additional woody features to grounds near the man-
sion-house ; and, in a word, wherever numerous groups or
scattered trees are wanted for immediate effect, I earnestly
recommend this method to be followed. In an approach, for
example, fifty or sixty yards broad, or more, as circumstances
may require, should be trenched and prepared, as above, on
each side the carriage-way ; and a similar space on the bank
of a lake or river. In any less space, there would not be
room to group and scatter the trees with a due regard to
landscape effect. As to the returning of the ground to grass,
although the rest of the park be in pasture at the time, it is
not u very formidable task. It may be fenced with hurdles

179

for three months, after being properly dressed, and sown
down with grass-seeds, if the space or area of the ground
trenclied be large ; and if it be trifling, it needs not to be
fenced at all, where sheep are the stock upon the ground.
The superior chance, which is by this system given to trees
to rise speedily to great timber, and the increased facility to
^ the work of removal, ought to be sufficient inducements to
the owner of a place, particularly in new designs, to adopt
the system. But when it is considered, that the extra ex-
pense of trenching an acre, or two acres at once, for these
objects, is repaid more than twofold, by the additional yearly
value of the ground, there must be gain rather than loss, by
following the culture recommended.

We now come to the second head, namely, close woods and
plantations. Close plantations, raised by means of the
transplanting machine, may be desirable, whether at old pla-
ces or new, for various purposes, where the immediate effect
of wood is wanted, for concealing objects, for example, that
require concealment ; for adding features to the foreground of
the landscape ; or for giving accompaniments to water, and
the Hke. These plantations consist of standard or grove
wood, at from eighteen to twenty feet from tree to tree, with
copse or underwood at five or six feet, occupying the inter-
vals.

When the plantation is marked out, the first thing to be
done is, soon after the autumn, to trench or double-dig the
ground, eighteen inches deep, in light or silicious soils, and
twenty inches at least, in clayey or aluminous. During the
course of the trenching, if a manuring of compost can be
spared, it is an obvious improvement to dash it on, over the
slope of the earth thrown up, in order to promote a comminu-
tion of, and to give an incitement to the new earth, which
had never before been exposed to the air. But that is not
essentially necessary in this stage of the business.

By the month of April, the winter frosts will have mel-

180

lowed and made friable the new soil, especially if aluminous ;
which greatly assists the pulverization or comminution of its
parts. The ground is next well dunged for a potatoe-crop,
with ordinary animal manure, or better, peat compost, made
with farm-yard dung, according to the fermenting process of
Lord Meadowbank, and twice heated and turned. In de-
fault of compost during the trenching, particularly if the sub-
soil be clay, it is advisable, soon after the potatoes are planted,
to hoe into the drills as much slacked lime, in fine powder, as
is generally used to a wheat crop, that is, about a hundred
and fifty or sixty bushels per acre. This treatment surpri-
singly tends to comminuate the subsoil turned up ; it brings
the hard or inert substances contained in it into a state of de-
composition or solution, and renders them the proper food of
plants. If the process be conducted with common judgment,
the value of the potatoe-crop cannot be less than from 201. to
25/. per Scotch acre (I have myself drawn 30Z. under fa-
vourable circumstances;) and it fully pays the labour and
manure laid out, and perhaps some rent besides. By the
succeeding season, the ground will be in a good condition to
be planted ; after which, it should be kept with the hoe for
three years.

In so far, then, the mode of preparing the ground for close
plantations is superior, in point of economical arrangement,
to the preparation for open dispositions of wood, as it is clear
that it may be prepared without expense to the owner. By
the directions here given, the soil in the latter is more pul-
verized, and approaches, if well managed, to the state of fine
dark-coloured mould, such as is used for a vinery, and supe-
rior to that of most vineries. In the former, what is deficient
in fineness is often compensated by variety, and by the
extensive scope, which it gives to the roots to search for their
food.

On considering these various methods of improving soils.

181

for the use of woody plants, the great, and indeed paramount
importance of subsoils cannot fail to strike the reader. In
fact, the latter may be said, in a great measure, to command
and render subordinate the actual properties of the former,
rendering them favourable or unfavourable, according to
their own peculiar character. The first question that is
asked by a skilful planter, on surveying a place for the first
time, is not respecting the soil, but the subsoil. If that be
propitious, he is comparatively indiflerent as to the superin-
cumbent strata. All soils are susceptible of melioration, from
the most silicious to the most argillaceous. Their pernicious
ingredients can often be modified, if they cannot be altered,
as we have already seen ; but subsoils are the gift of nature,
for evil or for good, and always lie beyond the reach of our
improvement. In order that the reader may form a right
judgment of both their favourable and unfavourable proper-
ties, for the growth of wood, the following short view is sub-
joined of the merits of both.

The most favourable subsoils are those, through which
the excess of water, received in rainy seasons, is allowed
slowly to percolate, and which retain moisture suflBcient for
the sustenance of plants. First, close-lying strata ; in which
a considerable proportion of sand and fine gravel is intimately
mixed. Secondly, free-stone ; provided a bed of hard and
impermeable clay do not intervene between it and the soil,
which sometimes happens. And thirdly, a kind of green-
stone (Scottice, rotten whin,) which is the most favourable
of all, when there is over it a sufficient depth of mould, for
the above purposes. Such, for example, are the soil and
subsoil of that favourite tract of country, at the foot of the
Ochill and other hills in Stirlingshire and Perthshire, so well
known for the growth of its timber. Here it descends in a
gradual slope, from the hills towards the river Forth, both
east and west of the town of Stirling, while the river slowlv

182

winds through the ricli, but alluvial plain below. In this
sort of subsoil, the excess of the water collected from the
sky, and the heights above, passes through the fissures, and
is received and retained in its subterraneous cavities ; by
which means the rock, being always damp, and never exsic-
cated, can communicate its moisture to the soil above, in
seasons of drought. It is true, this rock sends out frequent
springs, from its internal reservoirs, to the surface : but they
are often useful, instead of being pernicious ; and they may
generally be carried olT, by drains of inconsiderable depth, if
cut across the outcropping extremity of the rock.

The subsoils of an unfavourable quality are, First, such as
are composed of dense and argillaceous substances, through
which no water can pass, it being retained stagnant at the
bottom of the soil. In this situation, it has the most inju-
rious effects, not only by chilling the roots that reach it, but
by disabling the soil from exerting that sort of repulsive
force, which, as has been seen, is necessary to fertility. Se-
condly, those open beds of loose stones and sand, froiii the
bottom of which water is readily drawn off, by subterraneous
outlets. These strata are sometimes continuous, but they
oftener occur in narrow lines or strips ; they are named
" scalds" by the Norfolk farmers, and are as injurious to crops
in a wet, as in a dry season. Thirdly, there may be added
those extensive ranges, or strata of dry rocks, of a hard
texture, composed of slate, sometimes granite, but most com-
monly of gneiss, accompanied in some districts with a con-
siderable proportion of iron, proljably in the state of orange
oxide. These rocks run in long ridges through the districts
where they lie, sometimes narrow, and sometimes of a con-
siderable breadth. They are dry to a great breadth, and
full of fissures, through which the Avater quickly passes. The
orange oxide always appears in thin lamina among the
fissures. As thcv are, like the sandy bottoms, not retentive

183

of water, all vegetation is destroyed in dry seasons, on the
soils which cover them, and woods, were they planted there,
would share the same fate. When these rocks are near the
surface, the oxide with which they abound is generally inju-
rious to vegetable life, and trees die, as soon as their roots
come in contact with it. Of these rocky strata the greater
part of the Western Highlands and islands of Scotland fur-
nish remarkable examples, excluding, of course, in most
districts, the ingredient of iron. But it is from a want of soil,
and not of climate, that woods of any given extent cannot
be got up in those unsheltered, but romantic regions. Nature
is every where impartial in her gifts. Where wood abounds,
the character of a district is often tame and uninteresting.
Were the grand scenery of these " high-featured countries,"
their sublime mountains, and blue lakes crowned with the
forests of the south, they would in point of picturesque
beauty be the paradise of the earth.

Happy, then, is the planter, who has none of these dry
rocks for his subsoil ; for it clearly appears that neither
general planting, nor removal of trees is possible, of whatever
size, where they are present. Still happier is he, who, with
clay and sand intermingled beneath his surface, or even
with those untoward substances separately composing his
soils, can by industry and skill prepare them for his purpose.
But happiest certainly of all is the man, who can boast the
possession of that enviable greenstone or rotten whin, with
the deep, friable, and dark-coloured mould of the Ochills
superincumbent on it ; for then he may plant or remove
whatever trees he pleases, and without preparation either
chemical or mechanical.

In conclusion, I have to observe, that there is perhaps
some reason to claim the indulgence of the general reader,
for the seemingly elaborate manner in which I have been
obliged to point out the chemical and scientific principles,

184

on which soils shovild be improved, and rendered proper for
the food of plants. It has been said above, and it cannot be
too often repeated, or too earnestly enforced, that it is by
principles drawn from nature, and elucidated by science, that
any real progress can be made in an art hke the one under
discussion, where nature and science must unite in regulating
the process, and art must follow in the track which they
prescribe.

i85

SECTION VII.

PREPARATION OF THE TREES FOR REMOVAL.

It has been said above, that the removal of large trees is
appUcable to two different objects, namely, single trees, or
open dispositions of wood, and to close plantations ; which
last consist of grove and underwood intermixed. Now, as
the former much more frequently occur in practice than the
latter, so transplanting may be generally said, as has been
already noticed, to imply increased exposure.

By the wise economy of nature, it has been provided, that
trees in open situations, in order to thrive, must possess cer-
tain external conditions, which have been designated the
protecting properties. Therefore, the principle of transplant-
ing lies, in adopting such subjects as possess those properties,
wherever they can be found, and in communicating them
to others, in which they may be deficient. It is obvious that
trees, endued with the protecting properties or prerequisites,
require no preparation at all ; and that those trees, which
possess them partially or inadequately, require it precisely in
the ratio or degree of that inadequate possession. Further,
it is apparent, as these properties must be either protecting
or non-protecting, or a modification of the one or the other,
so the complete presence of the one class of properties neces-
sarily implies the absence of the other class. But both may
nevertheless exist at one and the same time, in different parts
of the same tree. For the purpose of removal, for example,

24

186

^uch II plant may possess fibrous roots, and spreading branches
(two of the protecting properties, whicli are generally con-
comitant,) yet it may be deficient in both bark and stem.
In like manner, it may have desirable stem and bark (two
properties likewise, which usually go together,) and yet fail
in branches and roots.

It is a great error to imagine, with the early planters, and
as is still done by many, that the business of preparation
applies solely to roots. As well might it be imagined, that
the roots carry up the sap to the top ; that they elaborate it
in the leaves ; that they transmit it to the stem and branches ;
and, in a woid, that this single organ performs all the various
functions whicli exist in a complicated system. When the
ingenious Lord Fitzharding,aswe learnfrom Evelyn, thought
of cutting round the roots of trees, in order to multiply their
lateral fibres, it cannot be deemed surprising, that he should
have been unaware how small a part of the work of prepa-
ration he had effected by that invention. But it is much
more extraordinary, that, during the many years that my
practice has been open to general inspection, it should never
occur to any one, that its success did not depend merely on
the roots, but must be governed by some general and fixed
principles : for, to this day, when the roots of trees are cut
round, as is often done, they are said to be "fully jjiepared
according to my method ;" while the planter, who so prepares
them, does not suspect, that he is merely fulfilling one of
frmr conditions, which arc pointed out by that method. But
perhaps it w^as not supposed that a process, seemingly so
simple as transplanting appeared to be, in the hands of my
workmen, required any |)rinciple at all to regulate it.

it has been stated in a foregoing Section, that the perfect
and internal development of woody plants is dependent on
certain external conditions ; and thai, when those conditions
arc imperfectly supplied, this development cannot lake place.
It has been turther observed, that the most perfect develop-

187

ment in all cases appears manifest., where the protecting
properties are most fully displayed. If these things be true,
it will follow, that to prepare trees for removal only means,
to allow nature, if I may so speak, to do her own work : and
that we shall always best accomplish, by clearing away those
accidental obstacles, and mechanical impediments, which
are sometimes thrown in her way ; as they obstruct and
misdirect the simple, but efficient methods which she employs,
towards the accompHshment of one of the most beautiful,
as well as complicated of her processes. The difficulty lies
in administering to nature discreetly ; neither officiously
directing her on the one hand, nor rudely controlling her on
the other.

The main obstacle or impediment to the acquisition of the
protecting properties in trees, is shelter and closeness, or the
want of a sufficient action of the atmosphere around them.
Vegetable, like animal life, is dependent for its existence on
the external conditions of food, air, water, and heat, while
light is a condition more peculiar to plants. Where trees,
as in unthinned plantations, press too closely on one another,
the range which the roots require for their food, is circum-
scribed. Wind being in a great degree excluded, and eva-
poration prevented, heat is by consequence generated in an
undue degree. In the same way, light is nearly shut out
from such plantations, except from the top, and a dispropor-
tioned elongation of the stem is occasioned, by the efforts
which each individual makes to gain the hght. By these
means, the bark becomes thinner and more delicate, the roots
more scanty, and the spray and branches more open and
sparing, than when there is a greater action of the atmos-
phere, and a freer access of light. Thus, by the law of
nature, by which trees accommodate themselves to the cir-
cumstances in which they are placed, as the possession of
the non -protecting properties does not constitute the most
natural, or most perfect state of trees, but is superinduced by

188

circumstances ; so that statQ must be improved by the alter-
ation of such circumstances, and the possession of the oppo-
site or protecting' properties be substituted in its stead. The
planter therefore, in ordinary cases, if he act with judgment,
has little more to do, than to bring about a gradual, a salu-
tary, and in the end a. free exposure of trees to the elements,
and their own native energies and plastic powers will do
every thing else for themselves.

Having explained as distinctly as I can the trae principle,
on which the preparation of trees should be made, I will
now proceed to point out the practice. Subjects for removal
may be prepared in two different ways, or, more properly
speaking, in two different classes, namely, as single trees,
each independently of the other ; or as masses, especially
trained and disciphned for the purpose.

And first, as to single or individual trees. It has been
already noticed, that many trees stand in need of no prepa-
ration at all, but may immediately be taken up, and removed
to where they are wanted. If what has been said above,
on the selection of subjects, be fully apprehended by the
reader, he will have little difficulty in regulating his choice,
and determining what subjects really possess the four essen-
tial prerequisites, or protecting properties : because proper
preparation, and the possession of those properties, may be
considered as nearly convertible terms. About every place,
great or small, such subjects are always to be found in pretty
open dispositions, in old grass-plots or avenues, in woodlands
near the flower or kitchen garden, and the like, where the
ground is usually kept under the sythe. Here, if the soil
be loose and deep, that is, if it afford good rooting-ground,
you are sure to find tolerable subjects, which may be imme-
diately taken up, in the manner hereafter to be described.
Even subjects drawn from hedge-rows may be pressed into
the service, provided their roots have not too deeply pene-
trated the mound, on which the hedge is planted, or provided

189

you have a soil of suitable depth to receive them. It is not
necessary, as already explained in Sect. V., that every sub-
ject fit for immediate transplantation should be endued in
the fullest manner with the protecting properties. They
need only to possess such a proportion of them, as is suffi-
cient for the exposure, in which the tree is to he placed. By
a sound judgment exercised in this particular, and by the
help of an experienced eye, much useful work may be done
with trees taken up at once, and the most surprising improve-
ments made, at a small expense. This, 1 find, is a part of
the business, which has not been at all understood, as indis-
criininate preparation is generally conceived to be necessary;
a supposition implying needless expense, and quite contrary
to judicious practice.

To prepare single or individual trees, is often a work of
difficulty, as well as time. It frequently happens, that they
may be found in a free exposure, and have good bark and
stems ; but in such an exposure, they are frequently defect-
ive in branches or roots, or both, in consequence of mechan-
ical injury suffered from other trees. If the branches be
tolerable, but the roots deficient, by being long and scraggy,
they are to be cut round, according to Lord Fitzharding's
method, with some improvements, which have been made
on that operation. If the deficiency lie in both branches and
roots, a different method must be adopted ; as it is plain that
branches and roots, being relative and correlative, the former
could not possibly be got to extend, were so severe a disci-
pline to be practised on the latter.

To meet this difficulty with any counteracting effect, I
have found but one method, which, although opposite to
gardener's practice, is deserving of the notice of the planter.
Instead of digging among, and disturbing the roots for the
introduction of manure, let about a cart-load of peat-compost
be taken, carefully prepared, as above,^ and in the most per-
fect state of pulverization, or coal ashes of a like quantity,

190

for a tree five-antl-twenty feet high ; to which let four or five
cart-loads of any tolerable soil be added, of an opposite quality
if possible to that of the ground ; and let the whole be laid
down round the tree, and about four feet out from it. Let
three workmen proceed to throw these materials close to the
stem, two throwing the earth, and one throwing the compost
in a regular manner, and scattering the whole in the way of
lime on a field of fallow. Let the workmen next half-trench
the heap, as directed above in the foregoing section, and inti-
mately mix and toss it backwards and forwards, for the same
purpose. Lastly, let them spread it in a sloping direction
outwards, to the extent of the roots ; keeping it at the ex-
tremities four inches thick, and at the stem about three
times that thickness. Should there not be materials
enough to accomplish this, an additional quantity must be
procured. Into this loose and friable mould the genial rains
of spring will readily enter, and, carrying with them the car-
bonic acid gas of the atmosphere, render the whole the most
desirable food for plants. Thus excited, the fibrous roots,
which always strike upwards, will, during the first year,
nearly pervade the mass; by which means, both the roots
and the branches will soon be improved, and the tree itself
be in a proper condition for taking up, after the third or
fourth season.

On the other hand, should the branches be tolerable, at
least for a spiral tree, and the roots defective, in consequence
of tenacity of soil, or mechanical injury done by other trees,
let the following improved method of cutting round be fol-
lowed.

In the first place, supposing the plant to be five-and-twenty
feet high, as before, let a trench thirty inches wide be opened
round it, at the distance of three feet and a half, if you mean
to let it stand for four years, or more, after the operation, and
at the distance of six or seven feet, if you mean to let it stand
only two years. For, let it be remembered, that no tree can

191

willi j)io|)iioty be taken up, on a single yeiii's growtli, after
cutting round ; because, in that case, the fresh shoots of the
fibres being nearly as tender as the roots of an onion or
a cabbage, can neither be extricated nor handled, without
sensible injury.

Supposing the first case, and that the tree be to stand for
four or more years, the operation is simple. Let the trench
be cut fully to tlie depth of the subsoil, rather excavating the
bank, in order to get somewhat underneath the roots ; or, in
the case of taprooted plants (as the oak or elm,) going down
nearly a foot deeper still, and opening a drain or outlet on the
lower side, to prevent a stagnation of water, if the subsoil be
tenacious. After this, the earth may be returned well broken
down into the trench ; taking care to put in the surface-
mould first, in order to afford the best pabulum or nourish-
ment to the young fibres, which may be expected at once to
strike into it. Previously to the last mentioned operation, it
would certainly be an improvement, if a little compost could
be spared, to mix through the mass ; but thqt is an im-
provement which I have seldom had time to practise.

Supposing the second case, and that the tree be to stand
only two years, the same method may be followed, but with
this difference, that on the south and southwest sides, two, or
perhaps three of the strongest roots should be left uncut, and
allowed to pass entire through the trench ; so that, when
taken up at their full length, they can act as stays against
the winds, which may assail it from those quarters. Some-
thing like this, as Evelyn informs us, was done in his time
by Lord Fitzharding.* As to "forcing down trees upon
their sides," so as to cut the taproot, which seems to have
been practised by that nobleman, it may answer with sub-
jects such as his, which were of the " bigness only of his
thigh :" but, with heavy trees, besides endangering their

* Silva, Vol. 1. p. 102.

192

stability, it woukl be iiniMiulcnl too severely to reduce their
strength, by cutting at one and the same time their down-
ward, and their lateral roots. As to the taproot, my practice
always has been to leave it untouched, until the tree be
taken up. The power of renovation which it unquestiona-
bly possesses, and the erroneous opinions of some respecting
it, are points that have been sufficiently illustrated, in Sec-
tion IV. and the Notes, so as to satisfy any phytologist of
the striking analogy, which subsists between the branches
and the roots, and that if shortening may be safely practised
on the one, it cannot be injurious to the other.

Before we quit the subject of preparing individual trees, it
may be proper to repeat what has been already stated, that it
is an error to imagine, as is done by many, that cutting round
is an operation which should ahcays be resorted to. When
advisable, however, two good consequences result from it.
In the first place, it gives superior facihty both in the taking
up, and the replanting of the tree ; and in the second place,
it furnishes a vast multiplicity of fibrous roots, far more nu-
merous than could be furnished by unassisted nature ; and
these act as so many superadded mouths, to take up, by
means of introsusception, the food proper for the nourish-
ment of the plant. This, we should reflect, is the more
peculiarly needful in a process so violent as transplanting,
however carefully performed and scientifically directed, must
imply.

Next, as to the preparation of trees in large masses. In
executing designs of any extent, where many subjects are
wanted, this comes to be a work of necessity as well us im-
portance, because materials for such designs could not be
furnished by individual trees. It is therefore proper, that it
should be done with the least possible expense and labour.
For any design great or small, a separate spot, which I have
called a transplanting nursery, is extremely desirable, as con-
tributing in an eminent degree to the facility, not less than

193

10 the accuracy of the work. Here subjects of all denomina-
tions may be most conveniently trained and disciplined.
From a muscry like this, as from a great repository of mate-
rials, high and low, light and massive, spreading and spiral
trees may be brought forth at pleasure, as may best suit the
planter's design; and without throwing away or misapply-
ing the prerequisites for success, he may have the power of
wooding the highest, as well as the lowest parts of his
grounds. The fact is, that all grove-wood from about twenty
to forty years' growth, if properly thinned and pruned, after
the first ten or twelve years, so as that the tops are never af-
ter aliflKured to touch one another, may be esteemed the best
transplanting nurseries of any, provided that the soil be loose
and friable ; but there is no necessity for its being extremely
deep. On the contrary, a thin clay, or peaty loam is a desir-
able soil for training various trees, such as the oak, the beech,
and the birch, as it gives great facilities, both in the preparing
and taking up. Woody glades, or small forest lawns, left
open in the original planting of a place, are likewise most
commodious as sites for nursery-ground. But to find woods
or plantations so trained, for a series of years, to wide distan-
ces, is extremely rare, although valuable when they are
found. I know but one example, in this part of the country,
to the extent of from fifteen to twenty acres. But there may
easily be others that have escaped my notice. A depart-
ment, however, of the woodland of a place, of the age just
now mentioned, retired from the view, but little sheltered by
surrounding objects, is the most favourable situation, both
for the convenience, and the efficiency of the nursery-

1 once more entreat the forgiveness of the reader, for here
obtruding some further account of my own practice. But
should he have any extent of grounds to be planted for im-
mediate eflect, and fortunately possess, as I do, a remnant of
the old belt of Brown and his followers, or what would be
still more valuable, any of the circular or oval clumps of that

25

194

celebrated artist, which have sufl'eiecl so much obloquy, he
may rely upon it, that he is possessed of a treasure, which
cannot be too highly prized, for the purpose in question.
With his permission, then, I will beg leave to give a cursory
idea of my own transplanting nurseries, and of the superior
materials, out of which they were formed.

About forty years since, when the style of Brown was in
high fashion and repute, tliis place was modernized and laid
out by an eminent landscape gardener, well known in Scot-
land, namely, Mr. Thomas White, one of the most ingenious
of his pupils. With a better education than his master
could boast, with a more correct taste, and a more vivid
fancy. White had a juster discernment of the true style, in
which the principles of artificial should be applied to the im-
provement of real landscape. He was a superior draughts-
man, and possessed a thorough knowledge of the principles
of design ; and had it not been for the professional trammels,
by which he was confined, he probably Avould have antici-
pated, as well as illustrated in his own designs, those more
correct notions of park-scenery which Sir Uvedale Price and
Mr. Knight afterwards had the merit of bringing into no-
tice.* As it was. White rather yielded to, than approved of
the fashion of the day : accordingly, he gave a belt and
clumps to all the new places he laid out, and sometimes to
the old ones, whicli he so ingeniously improved.

Although my little Park was not deficient in these neces-
sary appendages, it must not be imagined, that such formal
plantations, and especially the clumps, were ever intended to
be permanetit, by this able artist. On the contrary, they
were meant to act as kindly and sheltering masses to a very
open subject, and as the only means of protecting and getting
up good single trees, and loose dispositions of wood. I
therefore trenched the ground by his advice, and took from

* Note I.

195

it a potatoe cioj) (after tlie maiinei directed in the foregoing
Section), before being planted. About the twelfth or fifteenth
year after the clumps were planted, I began to cut away the
larch and spruce-firs. These had been introduced merely as
nurses to the deciduous trees ; and from the warmth and
shelter they had afforded, and the previous double-digging,
the whole had rushed up with singular rapidity. The next
thing I did was, to thin out the trees to single distance, so as
that the tops could not touch one another, and to cut away the
side branches, within about three, or three-and-a-half feet of
the surface. By this treatment it will be perceived, that a
considerable deal of air was admitted into the plantations.
The hght, which before had had access only at the top, was
now equally diffused on all sides ; and the trees, although
for a few years they advanced but httle in height, made sur-
prising efforts towards a full development of their most im-
portant properties. They acquired greater strength of stem,
greater thickness of bark, and extension of roots, together
with a corresponding amplitude of top and branches.

But at this time it was apparent, that the clumps had a
remarkable advantage over the belt, or continuous plantation.
While in no part so deep as to impede the salutary action of
the atmosphere, the circular or oval figure of the clumps, and
their free exposure to the elements, furnished them with a
far greater proportion of good outside trees ; and these,
having acquired from the beginning a considerable share of
the protecting properties, were in a situation to shelter the
rest, and also to prevent the violence of the wind from inju-
riously acting on the interior of the mass. It therefore be-
came necessary to thin the belt for the second time, which
was now done to double distance ; that is to say, to such a
distance, as would have admitted of a similar number of
trees to stand between the existing plants. Thus, within
four or five years jafter the first thinning, I began to have
tolerable subjects for removal, to situations of moderate ex-

196

posiire ; while every succeeding season added fresh beauty
and vigour to these thriving nurseries, and made a visible
accession to all the desirable prerequisites.

It is deserving of remark in this place, that no second
thinning of these clumps was necessary, although on ordi-
nary occasions it would have been indispensable, for the free
admission of air among the plants. At this period, I hap-
pened to have a good deal of transplanting work upon my
hands ; by which means, the original trenching, and the
successive removals that were made from the clumps, not
only served this salutary purpose, but operated as a complete
preparation of the roots, as well as of every other part of the
trees, which were left behind : for I found, that, how severely
soever they might be cut, I could always return to them after
two years, with renewed advantage. The clumps, as it
fortunately happened, were pretty numerous. They had
been planted in various soils, from the most tenacious clay,
to the lightest sand ; therefore, no better opportunity could
be figured, for raising forest trees of almost every description
with success. The clumps for the most part, by the above
operations, were soon reduced to open dispositions of wood,
and in some instances, to mere groups of six and seven
plants. But some still remained as nurseries for subjects,
which, at this moment, are of great size and beauty, and
endued in the most eminent degree with all the protecting
properties.

Although few planters may be so fortunate, as to possess
such valuable remains of the former school of design, yet
no one, I trust, will find nuich difliculty, from the statement
just now made, in forming, out of the ordinary plantations
of a place, a transplanting nursery for himself. The main
object, in such a view, is to select a plantation, which has
friable mould for the development of the roots, and, if possi-
ble, a dry subsoil ; and such a plantation likewise, as has
been the least neglected in proper thinning. The first point

197

towards obtaining a good nursery, is to cut away the spruce
firs and larches, whicli have been planted as nurses. But if
any Scotch firs appear, with tolerable heads (a rare thing to
be seen under such circumstances), they are well deserving
of preservation. Such fine picturesque pines are sometimes
susceptible of removal on the principles already laid down ;
and they always form noble park-wood, particularly when of
that species which throws out its branches horizontally from
the stem. The next object is, to clear away the most drawn-
up and unsightly plants, by at once grubbing them up, so
that their roots may not continue to exhaust the soil unpro-
fitably, and that the best plants may be left free, and at single
distance from one another. Last of all, the ground is to be
trenched over, eighteen inches deep at the least, that is, sup-
posing it never to have been trenched before ; leaving open
drains deeper than the trench, for the surface water to run
off properly.

During this operation, a few of the handsomest plants, and
such as possess the desirable prerequisites in the greatest de-
gree, must have about five feet broad of solid ground left
round them, and two or three roots also entire and untouched
on the stormy side. The rest of the trees may have three
feet and a half of solid ground left entire during the trench-
ing ; also two or three roots, in the same way, towards the
west and southwest, and so passing through the trench.
During the execution of this work, some tolerable mould, to
the depth of a foot or better near the stem, and not less than
six or eight inches at the extremity of the solid ground,
should be thrown up, in order that the roots may send out
new fibres into that friable superaddition to the soil. More-
over, in respect to injury from wind, should the nursery be
formed at, or near the outskirts of a plantation (which is
rather an advantage), care must be taken for the three first
years, to leave the two outside rows unthinned, and as close
as may be, both in respect to underwood and standard plants.

198

the better to break the force of any sudden tempest. All
these measures are to be taken at some convenient time
between November and April ; but in situations of particu-
lar exposure, it would be prudent, on account of the winds
at the vernal equinox, to postpone the trenching until that
trying season be past.

In the month of April the whole surface must be well
dunged for a potatoe crop, if possible with fermented peat
compost, which is the best ; or, if that cannot be commanded,
with good farm-yard manure ; and this, with a crop of flax,
or barley, or early oats, and with one of hay immediately
following, will more than cover the entire expense of grubbing
up, trenching, and otherwise preparing the nursery. By the
end of the fourth year, the trees that were considered as the
handsomest, and were left with the largest sohd spaces round
them, and the longest roots, may now be removed, and
others in succession, as they are found to acquire the neces-
sary prerequisites. Should there be then regular transplant-
ing-work going forward, it will supersede the necessity of the
second thinning.

But in any transplanting nursery judiciously formed, it is
not to the spade only that trees are to be indebted for complete
preparation. The axe and the hedge-bill must likewise do
their office ; and both are advantageously to be employed in
fashioning the tops to whatever shape or character may be
desirable. Most trees growing freely are disposed to assume
the conical form. To render them tall and spiral, so as that
distant objects may be shown between, or under their boughs,
it will be proper to cut away all the lowermost branches, or
such others as seem from their luxuriance to rival the lead-
ing stem, leaving one stout or main leader preeminent above
the rest. It will be advisable also, to displace the branches
of the sides in general, and suffer no more to remain than
are judged necessary to contain proper vessels in sufficient
number, in order to convey down the descending sap. In

199

the same manner, if low and spreading subjects l)e reciuired
to crown, for example, some bold eminence, or clothe its
sloping sides, the leader or leaders of the top may be headed
down, for that or similar o])jects ; and by skilfully repeating
the operation from time to time, we shall produce or continue
what has been called the clump-headed character. Let it not,
however, be imagined that the mutilating, or what is usually
called the " lightening" of the tops of trees is by any means
intended. The system here recommended is radically and
characteristically Preservative ; and one of its striking
merits consists in carefully seconding, not counteracting the
laws of nature. Her exuberant efforts, indeed, may be
sometimes discreetly restrained, or specially directed, without
producing those unhappy consequences, which never fail
to flow from undue violence, under whatever name it may
be allowed to operate. It is by the former method alone,
that the scientific planter will communicate to his trees that
particular character, which best suits his purpose, and thus
be enabled to confer both intricacy and variety on his land-
scapes.

In ordering the useful nurseries here attempted to be de-
scribed, the size will, of course, depend on the scale of the
place, and the wants of the owner. Two acres, or three at
most, would probably suffice as a repository of transplanting
materials for pretty large places, with the addition of such
single trees, as may always be found in plantations of extent.
But it is not necessary, nor would it at all times be practicable,
to set apart such a space of woodland in one spot. More
divisions, however, of this sort of training-ground are just as
good as fewer, if the requisite quantity be obtained on the
whole, and be the extent what it may, provided a competent
degree of healthful exposure, but likewise relative shelter,
can be commanded at pleasure. The great point of judg-
ment and difficulty lies in the opening up. A slow and
gradual, yet ultimately a full eoeposure should be given to

200

the plantation ; but we should neither chill the trees, by too
sudden a transition to cold, from the former temperature of
the wood, nor yet by too timid a style of thinning, continue
the existence of the non-protecting properties.

Perhaps it may appear a recommendation to some, should
they be persuaded to undertake this novel cultivation of
woodland, that the benefits resulting from it are not wholly
confined to the removal of trees. If the extent of the tree-
nursery thus formed be two or three acres, and the trees
themselves of from twenty to thirty years' growth, then there
will stand on the ground probably more than three hundred
plants per acre, after the first thinning. Now, supposing
that the land-owner, who had formed the nursery, should
change his mind as to transplanting, and wish to dedicate
the space to ordinary woodland purposes, it is to be observed
that he has as yet put himself to little or no expense, by this
arboricultural improvement. The culture, which he has
bestowed upon the plantation, has already made its return
by ample remunerating crops ; and to whatever purpose he
may think proper to turn it, the ground will still give him
tolerable crops of hay, for some years to come. But after all,
on comparing it with his plantations of a corresponding age,
it will be found, that he has strikingly benefited, not deteri-
orated the trees ; for they will yield him more vigorous and
valuable wood, than he could have obtained by any other
given method.

201

SECTION VIII.

TAKING-UP, AND TRANSPORTATION OF THE TREES.

If there be any one thing more than another in the re-
moval of trees, that places the superiority of the preservative
system in a striking point of view, it is the management of
the roots. Few planters, in the taking-up of trees, make
much account of roots, provided that a large mass or ball of
earth only adhere to them. Marshall, one of the most ju-
dicious writers who has treated the subject, in giving direc-
tions on this point, says, that the length of the roots, properly
speaking, should not be less than the fourth part of the
whole height of the tree ; although probably, from a want
of the means of extricating them from the soil, he did not
contemplate the possibility of applying the rule to trees of
any magnitude. Had he been better acquainted with vege-
table physiology, he would have seen, that by the law of
nature, roots and branches must, in every case, be relative
and correlative, and that the standard of judging with re-
spect to roots is not the height of the plant, but the actual
length of the side-branches. If we mean that our subjects
should fully possess the protecting properties, in respect to
those two important conservative organs, they must possess
them relatively in such proportions, as nature confers on all
trees, which are found to thrive in open exposures.

Roots spread themselves in the ground, in a way nearly

* See Rural Ornament, Vol. I. p. 367.
26

202

analogous to tliat, in which branches spread themselves in
the air, but with a far greater multiphcity of ramification.
From the principal root proceed the buds, that give rise to
the primary rootlets ; and these again give off finer ramifi-
cations, which are the true absorbents of the root. To take
up such minute and diminutive shoots on the preservative
principle, in any thing like an entire state, is obviously im-
possible, wnth the arboricultural implements now generally
in use. Hence it became necessary to have something more
effective ; and the tree-picker was some years since invented
for this purpose, and is now used in Scotland by many per-
sons, who have witnessed its extraordinary utility in my
practice. This implement is of very simple structure, re-
sembling the pick used by miners, but with only one point
or prong, which forms an angle somewhat more acute with
the handle, than in the miner's pick. See Plate, Fig.
4. The head, which is of iron, and fifteen inches long in the
prong, is made extremely light, as also the wooden handle.
The length of the latter is two feet and a half, the entire
implement weighing no more than about four-and-a-half
pounds. In fact, it can scarcely be made too light, for the
purpose in question.

From what has been said in the foregoing Section respec-
ting the preparation of trees, it is apparent, that those which
have been cut round arc more easily taken up than those
that have never been so prepared. The trench, made dur-
ing this operation, serves as a sure guide to show the point,
to which the fibrous elongation has extended ; whereas, in
subjects which have undergone no such preparation, the
roots must be judged of from other, and sometimes more un-
certain circumstances. Every experienced workman is aware,
in examining a tree, that has never been prepared for the
purpose of taking it up, that in any tolerable rooting-ground,
he will find the points of the roots, if not mechanically pre-
vented, running out to the full extent of the branches, and

203

sometimes still farther out. Hence, he should begin cau-
tiously to try with the spade and picker, in order to discover
the extreme points of the rootlets. Whether the roots he
may lay bare belong to the plant, or to some other tree of
the same species, he will at a glance perceive, from what
the workmen call " the feathering," that is, the position of
the capillary rootlets upon the primary rootlets or branches,
which are always found pointing outwards from the body of
the tree.

Having ascertained where the extremities lie, the next
step to be taken is, to open a trench two, or two-and-a-half
feet wide, and cut down to the subsoil or deeper, should the
roots have penetrated so far. The bank is then to be under-
mined, in which the roots seem to lie, to the extent of eight
or ten inches, in order to facilitate the operation of the picker.
Two workmen are next to extricate or scratch up the roots,
while one is sufficient to throw out the mould, which in con-
sequence falls down into the trench ; and thus the workmen
are distributed three and three together, according to the
number employed, over the whole extent of the excavation.
As every effort must be made to preserve the minutest fibres
and capillary rootlets entire, the difference between an expe-
rienced and an inexperienced workman is very striking, in
an operation of so much nicety ; and the surprising dexterity
which some men of ingenuity and attention acquire in this
department, is as valuable to the employer, as it is beautiful
and interesting to the spectator who examines it. The main
thing, which the pickman has here to study, is never to strike
across the roots, but as much as possible in the line of their
elongation, always standing in the right line of divergence
from the tree as a centre ; that is, in such a line or lines, as
the rays of the sun are represented to describe, in emanating
from that luminous body. In striking the picker into the
ground, which must sometimes be done pretty deeply, there
is a certain dexterous shake, more easily understood than

204

described, which a superior workman knows how to give
with the implement ; and that, when properly applied, will
more efficaciously and speedily discover and disengage the
various bearings and ramifications of the root, than any
other method.

By thus continuing to extricate the roots, and to shovel
away the mould that falls into the trench, at one and the
same time, an immense body, amounting to thousands, and
sometimes to millions of roots great and small, will ere long
be disengaged, and which must be carefully laid aside, or
bundled up, so as to make room for the workmen^ and also
to avoid the strokes of their implements, as well as injury
from their feet. In like manner, the stiffer roots must be
cautiously put aside and disposed of, and any that are broken
or lacerated cut off. Ere long the pickmen from all sides
nearly meet in the centre, by approaching to within three,
four, or five feet of the stem, in proportion to its size ; and at
this point the process of extrication ceases, as it would be
imprudent to advance too near the collar of the tree. A ball
of earth round the stem, as large as can be got according to
the nature of the soil, with two or three feet broad of the
original sward adhering to it, should now, if possible, be left
undisturbed at that place.

The above, as the reader will perceive, is a very compli-
cated and delicate process, although probably more compli-
cated in the description than in the execution. It is no easy
matter, even in the freest soils, so to disengage the fibrous
and capillary roots of trees, as not to lacerate or disbark a
considerable number of them, and yet perform the work with
any tolerable dispatch. But it is the process of all others
which will the least bear to be hurHed. There are some
departments of rural labour, in which dispatch and economy
are nearly allied, and almost convertible terms, and where
every one, of course, will study to promote the former as far
as lies in his power. But in the one in question, the greatest

205 1

\-
deliberation, or at least the greatest caution, is the truest sav-
ing that can be made : for here the well-known adage, Fes-
tina lente, is the golden rule which should regulate the
process. It is well known to the vegetable anatonnist, who
can discern with his microscope the flattened extremities of
the capillary rootlets (Capillameyita), how well fitted they
are to perform the office of absorption, and that it is to those
effective organs chiefly, that plants are indebted for the in-
trosusception of their food. Hence, when disbarked or
lacerated, or what is worse, cut away, the severe, and often
ineffectual efforts made by plants, to restore or replace them.
The planter cannot too earnestly reflect, that the greater
roots do little more than serve as canals or channels, to trans-
mit the sap to the trunk, where it ascends by the tubes of the
wood to the branches, and ultimately to the leaves ; on which
account it is evident, that the failure and decay of the top
(the great opprobrium of transplanters) is primarily to be as-
cribed to the entire want of skill in the preservation of these
fibrous roots, on which the tree mainly depends, for a suita-
ble supply of sap during the first season. He, therefore, who
can most successfully vanquish this difficulty, is the greatest
master of his art.

But to return to the business of the field. As soon as the
workmen have completed the task of extrication, within
three or four feet of the stem, as already explained, it becomes
necessary to take measures for pulling down the tree. Ac-
cording to circumstances, its roots are now either to be cov-
ered up, in order to be planted out with others at a future
period, or it is immediately to be raised from the pit and
removed by itself. On the supposition that the roots are to
be covered up, it is of some importance, that that work be
done properly and carefully, so as not to injure the tender
fibres. After trying various substances for this purpose, I
have found nothing to answer so well as the smaller branches
of the spruce or silver fir, which unite closeness with elasti-

206

city : for straw, or turf, or moss {Scottice fog), are all apt to
intermingle with the fibres, and cannot be separated from
ihem, without much mischief ensuing. The roots, for
obvious reasons (as their time of lying covered must always
be uncertain), are not now to be put up in bundles or masses,
but stretched out at their full length in the pit. The branches
and twigs of spruce or silver fir are then laid over them, in
at least two rows or strata in thickness ; next, eight or nine
inches of fine mould follow ; and last of all, sods of common
turf are here and there added, to increase the pressure. If
the subsoil be retentive of moisture, a deep cut is at the
same time made, at the lower edge of the excavation, in
order that the water may not stagnate in any part.

In this way, I have often found the roots of the soft-wooded
trees, such as the lime and the horse-chestnut, lie safely in
the ground for a month or six weeks, or more, when severe
frost happened to supervene, and stop the work of planting.
But as the hard-wooded kinds, especially the oak and the
beech, are extremely sensitive of cold or drought, it is always
desirable to plant them, within a week or ten days after the
roots have been loosened in the ground. If this be not done,
the latter often become discoloured by the action of the air,
and when blackness appears, it is a symptom oftentimes fatal
to the success of the plants.

On the supposition that the tree is to be immediately re-
moved, it must be raised at once from the pit. It cannot
have escaped the intelligent reader, that if it be a subject of
any magnitude, say eight-and-twenty feet high, what with
the actual thickness of its mass of roots and earth, which
cannot be less than two feet, and what with the contents of
the trench, that have been thrown out round the bank, the
pit so formed must in any case be from three to four feet
deep. In order to bring up from the pit so heavy a load, I
used, some years since, to employ five and six horses, and
even a greater number. At present, it is done usually with

207

one horse, and never more than two, by tlie following simple
contrivance; which certainly nothing but the most extraor-
dinary want of reflection could have prevented from being
seen in the beginning. This suflficiently proves, if any
proof were wanting, how strikingly men will often pursue a
more circuitous route to their object, when a nearer and more
direct one lies open before their eyes.

With the view, thpn, of effecting the two purposes in
question, namely, the pulling down of the tree, and the
getting it out of the pit, a strong but soft rope, of perhaps
four inches in girth, is fixed as near to the top of the tree as
a man can safely climb, so as to furnish the longest possible
lever to bear upon the roots ; taking care, at the same time,
to interpose two or three folds of mat, m order to prevent
the chafing of the bark. Eight or nine workmen (the
greatest number I usually employ in the department in ques-
tion,) are then set to draw the tree down on one side. Or it
is a good way, if you have an old and steady pulhng horse,
to employ him in this business : for it is plain, that one stout
horse, acting forcibly on the rope, will do more than twenty
men, even if so great a number could get about it ; and
moreover, he will save some manual labour in excavating,
by giving an effectual pull, at a much earlier period of the
work. The tree being drawn down, it is next forcibly held
in that position, until earth be raised to the height of a foot
or more, on the opposite side of the pit, so that, as soon as it
is Uberated, it springs up, and stops against the bank thus
formed. On this, the workmen proceed to lighten the mass
of earth with the picker, laying bare the roots as httle as
possible, but still necessarily reducing the mass to manage-
able dimensions. The tree is then pulled down on the
opposite side, and a foot of earth forced up, in a similar
manner ; and the same thing being repeated once or twice,
it is gradually raised to even a higher level than that of the
adjoining surface. In this manner, by a method extremely

208

simple, and not less expeditious, hoWfever it may appear in
tlie nariative, it becomes quite an easy, instead of a formi-
dable undertaking, to draw the tree from the pit.

Before the tree is pulled down, as just now described, there
is one thing more, which must not be omitted. Almost all
trees, as stated in Section IV., are ill balanced in point of
ramification, and towards the stormy quarter, usually the
southwest, they exhibit a " w^eather side ;" which side, ac-
cordingly, is on removal to be reversed, as shall be directed
in the sequel. Therefore, while the tree retains its upright
position, is the only certain time to ascertain the side where
the longest branches have been thrown out. This is now
accurately done by the director of the work, and the side in
question marked on the stem wnth chalk, or very slightly
with a knife, care being taken not to penetrate beyond the
epidermis. After which, the tree is ready to be put upon
the machine, and drawn out of the pit.

In giving the history of the progress of the art during the
last century, it was stated above, that Brown, the celebrated
landscape gardener, was the inventor of the best and simplest
transplanting machine now known. It consists of a strong
pole and two wheels, with a smaller wheel occasionally used,
which is fixed at the extremity of the pole, and turns on a
pivot. The pole operates both as a powerful lever, to bring
down the trees to the horizontal position, and in conjunction
with the wheels, as a still more powerful conveyance, to re-
move them to their new situation. Various, however, are
the machines, which the caprice of fashion, the love of
novelty, and in some instances the ambition of attempting
a stupendous scale of work, have introduced into both France
and England, within the last century and a half. Among
these are the great machine of Versailles, constructed by
order of Louis XIV., with its broad and powerful wheels and
platforms ; the high three-wheeled machine of England
during the last century, of ponderous make, with its platform

209

also, for transferring trees of vast size and wcigiit in an up-
right position ; the oblong machine of the same period, with
four) and sometimes six low wheels, for the same gigantic
purpose : these, and such like costly implements, more fitted
for show than daily use, it were needless to enumerate, and
still more needless to describe. My sole object being a park-
practice, to which dispatch and success are the chief recom-
mendations, I prefer the simple machine of Brown, with
some improvements which I have made upon it, to all other
contrivances. It is to that machine, therefore, that the direc-
tions for the transportation about to be given, are understood
to refer.

The tree being in readiness, as above described, for re-
moval to its new site, the machining of it (if I may be per-
mitted the expression,) is a work deserving of the particular
attention of the planter.* On the skill of the person, who
conducts this department, and whom I have ventured to
denominate the machiner, much depends, in providing against
the various accidents, to which branches, not less than roots
are exposed in an operation, always implying much violence,
and sometimes unforeseen contingency. The first step to be
taken is, to bring the wheels of the machine close up to the
body of the tree ; and should the protuberance of the nucleus,
or mass of roots under the collar stand in the way, as some-
times happens, the wheels must be forcibly approximated,
until they be quite close. While this is about to be pei-
formed, the machiner darts an experienced eye over the
stem, and whole style of the ramification, and at once ascer-
tains the side, upon which the tree can be best laid along
the pole, and also the particular opening among the boughs,
into which the pole can be most safely introduced. If there
be the smallest bend in the stem, as almost always happens,
the convex side must lie uppermost on the machine ; other-

* Note I.
27

210

wise, were the concave side to be so placed, the great weiglil
of both the root and top, acting at once on so narrow and
unstable a surface as the stem presents, would cause the
fastenings to slip, on the first movement of the wheels, and
in consequence of the tree turning suddenly round, the most
shocking havoc might be committed, among both branches
and roots.

However easy all this may appear to the looker-on, who
views the work, there is much judgment and nicety in ascer-
taining such adaptations, and there is a considerable saving
of time, and consequently of expense, in at once ascertaining
them, without those tedious consultations, and vexatious
delays, in which the best workmen are apt to indulge, in
this stage of the business. For such an evil there is no
remedy, but in the useful principle of the subdivision of
labour, or, in other words, in making the machiner's a dis-
tinct office, of which the duty is committed to the sagacity
and dispatch of a single individual. Besides these arrange-
ments, it is a material consideration so to machine the tree,
as that its lee-side branches, which are always the stoutest
and longest, should, if possible, be uppermost on the pole,
when the tree is laid horizontally ; because no branch or
root of considerable length should be suffered to sweep the
ground, during the time of transportation. But other cir-
cumstances may occur to render this desirable position of
the roots and branches impracticable, such as a decided and
untoward bend in the stem, in an adverse direction : in which
case, the machiner must adopt the next best arrangement,
and that which will do the least injury.

As soon as the machiner has adjusted these thingS; and
directed the proper introduction of the pole among the boughs,
an active workman is sent up, to lash the stem and the pole
as firmly together as possible, taking care, by redoubled folds
of mat, to secure the bark against the damage it might
suflfer, from the iron ring at the point of the pole. A double

211

rope of the stoutesl kind (which is greatly preferable to the
chain used by some planters,) is then passed under the root,
so as to seize it firmly, and balance it on the upper stage of
the crossbar between the wheels ; which rope is then drawn
tight, by means of bracing or rackpins, such as waggoners
generally use, and secured in the ordinary manner. Last
of all, the tree is drawn down, by the united strength of the
workmen, or by a steady horse, if at hand, bearing on the
pole-rope ; and the tree, being in this way left suspended
horizontally on the crossbar, is ready to be drawn away, root
foremost, to its intended destination.

Before the horse or horses are put to, a simple but very
material matter requires attention, and that is, to secure the
boughs and roots from all friction with the wheels, or with
the ground, which would greatly chafe and injure both : for
all the boughs, which appear under the pole, unless very
slender and pliant, must be bound up by means of cords
cautiously passed under them, so as to compress this part of
the top, but without fracturing the parts, into the narrowest
compass. And the same care must be taken to bundle up
all the flexible parts of the roots, so as to prevent their com-
ing in contact with the ground, or with the wheels. If the
forced-up surface also of the pit be too soft and sinky, it will
be expedient to form a path for the wheels, by a close line
of hedge stakes laid transversely to the path, so that they
may easily pass upon it to the firmer ground. These things
being done, the horses are put to, in the same manner as to
a plough, but with much stronger draughtbars, at least the
main one. An iron chain of great strength attaches them
to the machine ; and stout ropes are employed instead of
plough-chains, which are ill calculated to withstand the
sudden pulls and jerks, incident to this species of work. As
to the horses, it is of the utmost importance that none but
quiet and steady-pulling animals be admitted to this service,
such as are not hot and fiery, however true to the draught,

212

otherwise the most fatal accidents may ensue, to both branches
and roots.

As soon as the horses are put to, the machiner seizes the
end of the pole-rope, in order to act as steersman, the most
important functionary in this part of the business, and the
person, on \vhom the safety of the transmission entirely
depends. For this purpose, he takes post two or three yards
in the rear, with a stout assistant, or two if necessary, in
order to manage the top of the tree ; it being understood
that the root, as already mentioned, is in front, or is drawn
foremost. One or two able-bodied workmen are then sta-
tioned under the pole, to bear up the top, at first starting, on
their shoulders, at the same time that all the others, who are
unoccupied, apply their strength to the wheels ; when, on a
signal given by the steersman, or other person directing the
work, the men and horses acting simultaneovisly, the tree is
drawn at once beyond the limits of the pit.

When advanced a few yards upon firm and level ground,
it is prudent to halt the horses, in order to examine, if every
thing be well ordered and secure ; especially if the equili-
brium between root and top have been accurately obtained.
If the root be found too light, it is proper to make it heavier,
by loosening the cords of the bracers or rack-pins, and allow-
ing it to drop down. If it be found too heavy (which is the
lesser evil of the two,) the easiest method of counteracting
it is, by sending up a couple of balancemen to the top ; who,
by shifting their position as circumstances may require, serve
as movable makeweights, and maintain the equipoise. If
these things be truly adjusted, the tree will proceed in the
transportation, with perfect safety to all its parts, the pole
beautifully playing on the axle and crossbar, hke the beam
of a well-constructed weighing machine, which many times
vibrates, before settling in the equilibrium.

In order that the reader may form a competent idea of
the machine itself, as used here, and of the transportation of

Wii'' \' •'■■''"

til 3

the tree, on \\\c balancing principle, a " view of the machine
in motion" will be found in the engraving, as taken on the spot
by an ingenious artist. The tree delineated is a beech of
about eight-and-twenty feet high, with a stout stem, a beau-
tiful top, and with roots more than twelve feet long ; so that
the whole is calculated to form a load of considerable weight.
The mode of maintaining the balance, of bundling up the
roots, of compressing and preserving the branches ; as also
the various functions of the steersman, the balancemen, and
their assistants, may all probably be better apprehended in
this view of their united efforts, than by any verbal descrip-
tion. The reader, however, may compare the two, as they
will be found greatly to aid each other.

It is easy to apprehend, that, with a machine so constructed,
the person stationed at the end of the pole, possesses the
same complete power over the direction of it, as the steersman
over that of a boat ; but with this disadvantage on the side
of the former, that the machine is far more difficult to manage
than the boat in the water, owing to the greater unevenness
of the surface of ground, and the extraordinary length of
the pole, as compared with the rudder, thereby causing a
much more sudden impulse to be communicated to the ma-
chine than to the boat. The steersman of the machine has,
for that reason, a far more difficult part to perform, in which
much judgment as well as strength is called forth, and where
one assistant, and sometimes two or three, are requisite to
aid him in so laborious a task.

The above mode of balancing the tree between the axle,
which is the centre of gravity, and the extremity of the pole,
I greatly prefer, on every occasion where it can be adopted,
to that of having recourse to the third wheel. This addition
to the machine could seldom be made, with such extensive
tops as the park-trees removed here usually have, without,
severe injury to the branches. But it will be found useful
with long-stemmed, or very heavy subjects of any sort, espe-

214

cially when they are to be brought from the distance of lialf
a mile or more, as must often happen. I have, however, by
bringing the third wheel closer to the two others, endeavoured
to render this less objectionable.

In a system of transportation, regulated by the above
principles, it will be perceived, that the driver of the horses
cannot proceed too slowly. The rate of between two and
three miles an hour on level ground, implies the quickest
pace that should ever be attempted. By heights and hollows,
and narrow passes, by roughness or unevenness of ground,
accidents enow will happen, without aggravating them by
carelessness, or needless haste. In going up an acclivity,
how gradual soever it may be, it is obvious, that with a load
so nicely balanced, a proportional depression of the top must
take place, and in descending, a like depression of the root.
But by the attention of the steersman, and particularly of
the two balancemen above, or the efforts of both united,
much undue pressure on either roots or branches may be
avoided. If the declivity be steep, approaching to a fall of
one foot in twenty, foresight will suggest the expediency of
taking off the horses, so as to prevent the possibility of their
being overrun by the machine ; for, in such a case, it will
be found to descend with sufficient velocity, and little aid
from the men, in consequence of the impetus given to it by
its own vv^eight.

There is, however, one species of accident, against which
it may be proper to caution the inexperienced planter, as it
has happened at this place. As it did happen, it was pro-
ductive only of merriment, instead of the loss of life or limb ;
although such an issue was far more " owing to good luck
than to good guiding" (as the national proverb has it,) or to
any claim to vigilance, or prudent management. In pro-
ceeding with the machine down a gentle slope of some
length, at an accelerated pace, on which occasion both the
balancemen had gained the top with their usual agility, it so

215

fell out, that the cords, which secured the rack-pins of tjie
root, unfortunately gave way. This happened so suddenly,
that the root at once struck the ground, with a force equal to
the united weight of the mass, and the momentum of the
movement, and pitched the balancemen (now suddenly lifted
to an elevation of nearly thirty feet,) like two shuttle-cocks,
to many yards distance, over the heads of the horses and the
driver, who stood in amazement at their sudden and aerial
flight ! Luckily for the men, there was no frost upon the
ground, so that, instead of breaking their bones, they fell only
on the soft turf of the park ; from which soon getting up and
shaking themselves, they heartily joined in the laughter of
their companions, at the extraordinary length of the leap
which they had taken. Fortunately also, the driver and the
horses escaped a worse fate, which had impended them : for
the steersman and his assistants, with great presence of
mind, never quitted their hold ; and their weight, added to
the weight of a ponderous mass of roots and earth, kept the
tree upright, and prevented it from overwhelming both the
team and the driver. This accident, which was at once
dangerous and ludicrous, made us extremely cautious
afterwards, in securing the bracers ; but the imagination of
the balancemen was forcibly impressed by it ; and it proved
impossible to persuade them to resume their elevated func-
tions for many months after.

It now only remains to say something of the nature and
dimensions of the transplanting machines which have been
employed, in order that those, who set a value on lightness
and efficiency in such implements, may not be without a
guide, whereby to provide similar machines for themselves.
Planters, however, residing within a moderate distance,
would do well to procure them from Thomas Nesbit, Carpen-
ter near this place, a very ingenious man, who has been
much in the habit of making them for some years.

It appears hitherto to have been the opinion of the con-

216

sliuctois of transplanting machines, tliat their vakie in a
great measure hes, in the weight of wood and iron they con-
tain. My conception of it, on the other hand, is precisely the
reverse ; as I believe, that the smaller the quantity of those
materials, the greater the utility of the implement. If it be
true, that the greatest success, and the greatest despatch
united, form the character of the most perfect transplanting-
work, it follows, that heavy implements of this sort, unless for
work of uncommon magnitude, are doubly inexpedient;
first, on account of the expense which they cost in the
beginning ; and secondly, on account of the still greater
expense, which it erelong costs to use them ; for time need-
lessly lost is money improvidently thrown away. Better that
a machine should break down twice in your life, from being
somewhat too light for its work, than that it should cost you
three times its price in labour, in dragging a superfluous load
of wood and iron about your park ; for thus there would be a
loss of both time and money. This, however, is a style of
estimate, which only practical persons will understand, and
only economists of time will duly appreciate. If a man
remove only three trees in a twelvemonth, it signifies little
w^hat sort of machine he happens to use. But if he remove
sixty or a hundred trees, twenty or thirty times the cost makes
a great figure in the calculation. Now, supposing that he
executed but a third part of the work last mentioned, I am
satisfied that there would be economy in having two ma-
chines, calculated to the scale of his work ; the machine for
the lesser trees being light, and possessing small power, the
other for the greater trees being weighty, and possessing
much greater power. In this way, power (which, as the best
philosophers have agreed, is nearly the synonyme of money)
would never be idly employed, but judiciously suited to,
though never suffered to transcend the immediate object of
the planter.

As this reasoning appears to be conclusive, I shall now

217

{)rocccd to give a delineation of the larger and smaller ma-
chines, used at this place ; to which shall be added one of an
intermediate size, chiefly intended for the use of such planters,
as do not choose to put themselves to the expense of more
than one sucli implement, and who do not mean to remove
trees beyond thirty feet high, and from twelve to fourteen
inches in diameter, at a foot from the ground ; which trees
this machine should be capable of managing. See engraving-
The diagiam here given relates to the pole, axle, and frame-
work of the machine, that is, to every part of it excepting the
wheels. The latter it was considered as unnecessary to de-
lineate in the diagram, as the entire " machine in motion" is
given in the view ; and any good carpenter can make the
wheels, on the dimensions being furnished to him. The
main difficulty in constructing an effective machine, lies in
proportioning the different parts to one another, and so adapt-
ing the whole to the style of work to be executed, that despatch
shall be promoted in the highest degree, and that the heaviest
work shall be executed, by means of the smallest possible
weight of wood and iron.

These machines, as already said, are of the simplest
structure, and evidently borrowed from the Janker of the
wood-merchant.* The pole is made of the best oak, the
axle of iron, the wheels of oak, elm, and ash, as also the
subordinate parts. To the original implement I have add-
ed, among the other improvements, three stages strongly
bolted to the crossbar, or axle-bed, (as our workmen term it,)
and to one another, of which the upper stage is movable at
pleasure, as the extent of roots or branches may require ele-
vation from the ground. The third wheel, which according
to Brown's plan was diminutive, is enlarged, and adapted to
a different part of the pole. The specification is as follows :
See engraving.

* Note II.
28

218

LARGE-SIZED MACHINE.

The pole AB (Fig. 1.) is 15 feet long, including the iron
ring at the point ; 6 inches broad, tapering to 3^ at top )
and 5 inches thick. The iron ring at A is 4 In. in diam-
eter. At the top there is a small bend EC (Fig. 2.,) 3 In,
off the straight, in order to prevent the bark from being
chafed by the ring. Immediately at the point, but clear of
the ring, is fixed a small block of iron at C. with rounded
edges, 4 In. long, by 14 In. thick, well steeled, so as to trail
along the ground, and to prevent the point of the pole, when
the machine is not loaded, from cutting up the surface.

There is likewise, on one side of the pole, a plate of iron
DC, extending from D, within 18 In. of the axle, to nearly
the top at E, for the purpose of strengthening the pole. It is
2^ In. broad, f In. thick, and sunk into the wood. This
plate for the sake of greater power, should be in one piece.
Its entire length is not visible in the diagram, owing to the
intervening delineation of one of the side-stays.

The iron axle FG (Fig. 1.,) and also IK (Fig. 3.,^ is 5^
F. long between the washers (but is nearly covered by the
case,) and 3 In. square; with a curve of 3 In. at H, for the
purpose of giving greater strength. It would not be conve-
nient, however it might suit large roots or branches, to make
the axle longer than the above dimension, on account of
gates, and other narrow passes, through which the machine
might be taken, and that seldom exceed 9 or 10 F. wide.
The heads of the axle WW are 14 In. long, and fitted to the
bushes of the wheels. The dust-hoops are 1 In. broad each.
The wooden case IK (or, as it is called, the axle-bed) is 6 In.
square, covering the iron 2 In., and consequently showing
only 1 In. of it. To the axle-bed are fixed two strong hooks
of iron ZZ, 6^ In. long, and strongly bolted to it, to which
the horses are attached, for drawing the machine.

219

The two side-stays FLGL {Fig. 1.) are made as short as
possible, ill order to prevent interference with the branches,
being 5 F. long, 3^ In. broad, and 4 In. deep or thick, and
strongly bolted to the axle-bed and pole. The upper stay
MN (Fig. 2.,) which rests upon the first stage at M, is 5^ F.
long, 3^ In. broad, and 4^ In. thick, and is in like manner
bolted to the pole.

The first stage OP (Fig. 3.) rises 4 In. in the centre above
the axle-bed, and is bolted to it. This stage is .5 F. 5 In.
long, 6 In. broad, and 4 In. thick. The second stage Q.R
rises 6 In. above the first, and is in the same way bolted to
the latter. It is also 5 F. 5 In. long, 10 In. broad, and 3 In,
thick. The third stage ST rises 6 In. above the second. It
is only 3 F. 10 In. long, 10 In. broad, and 3 In. thick, and is
similarly bolted to the stage last mentioned. The third stage
is movable, as occasion may require ; and the machine can
be used either with or without it, according to the extent of
the roots and branches of the trees to be removed. On the
stage which happens to be uppermost, there is fixed a firm
bolstering of double mat SVT, filled with hay or straw, of at
least 6 In. in thickness, so that the bark of the stem can sus-
tain no injury.

The blocks UUUUU between these two stages, are 10 In.
long, 4 In. broad, and 6 In. high. The end of the upper stay
at X (or at M. Fig. 2.,) resting on the first stage, represents,
in the end view of the machine, another block in that posi-
tion ; and the end of the pole at Y is seen in the same way,
and for the same object. Wherever it can be done, the bolts,
for the various purposes above mentioned, are shown in the
diagram.

220

LARGE.SIZED WHEELS.

These wheels arc made of the very best materials, 5^ feet
high, and nearly upright; the dishing (as the workmen
term it) being only 1 i inches.

The naves are Hi In. long, exclusively of the nave-
bands, and 13 In. thick. The spokes are 3| In. broad, and
li In. thick ; the Fellies -5 In. broad, and 3 In. thick ; tlie
iron rims ^ In. thick, and usually made in two pieces, 2i In.
broad each.

The third wheel, having no great w^eight to bear, is made
light. It is 3i F. high, and entirely upright, without any
dishing. The naves are 9 In. long, exclusively of the bands,
and 9 In. thick. The spokes are 2i In. broad, and 1| In.
thick ; the Fellies 4 In. broad, and 2 In. thick ; the iron
rim \ In. thick. The wheel is fixed to the pole by a strong
pivot, on which it turns as the steersman may direct, in the
same way as the wheel of a plough.

This wheel, when used, is generally from 2 to 3 F. high,
and placed about 3 F. from the point of the pole, at b (Fig. 2.)
But I should much recommend a different position (in order
to elevate the point of the pole, and, by consequence, the
branches from the ground,) namely, at a, 5 F. nearer the
axle, and within 18 In. or 2 F. of the end of the upper stay ;
from which it can be removed at pleasure, as may suit the
magnitude of the tree.

The entire weight of the machine, when mounted on its
two wheels, is nearly 11 cwt. avoirdupois.

This, it will be perceived, is a pow^erful though rather a
ponderous implement, and cannot be worked with fewer
than two, and sometimes three horses. It is meant for trees
not less than from five-and-thirty to five-and-forty feet high,
or more, and from fourteen to eighteen inches in diameter,
that is, from three-and-a-half to four feet in girth.

221

From the above statement it is apparent, that considerable
improvements have been made on the machine, since the
time of Brown, and from the rude delineation of it as intro-
duced into Ireland, about threescore years since, by his in-
genious pupil Robertson.* Some persons approve of the
uniform use of the third wheel, within 2i or 3 F. of the point
of the pole : but that cannot be necessary, as already men-
tioned, but with subjects of extraordinary length or weight ;
and it is quite inadmissible in any case, in this position, unless
where the tops have been severely lightened or mutilated.
Others, in some of the northern districts of this kingdom,
where both the soil and climate are extremely propitious,
have added what they denominate a " heel-beam," 1 8 In.
out from the axle or crossbar. But, as it appears, this should
much rather have been called a fore-beam, as it is placed
immediately in front of the axle, and next to the draughtbar,
to which the horses are put. In other words, the side-stays
are lengthened out, making them between 7 and 8 F. long,
by which means they must often interfere with low-spreading
branches ; and the position of the axle being altered, it
causes the frame to project about 18 In. beyond it. A
machine so constructed they call an " Alleviator ;" but on
what principle or analogy, does not appear very evident. Of
this sort of machine I have no experience : but I cannot per-
ceive any good reason for making such a change so near the
centre of gravity, which must always be in the axle ; as it
seems apparent, that in practice it must make the tree more
difficult to be drawn down, and more troublesome to be
balanced during the transportation, thus multiplying, instead
of " alleviating" the planter's difficulties.

* See Hayes's Treatise on Planting, and the Management of Woods,
p. 42 — 47. Also Sect. II. anteh.

222

SMALL-SIZED MACHINE.

In conveying to the reader an idea of this and the following
machine, it appears unnecessary to repeat the diagram, with
reduced dimensions, as he will be able, without the assistance
of the capital letters, readily to apply the sizes about to be
given to the parts just now minutely described, so that he may
construct all, or any one of the three machines, according to
his fancy. The description and uses of the different parts of
the two lesser machines, however, shall be repeated nearly in
the same terms as above, in order to prevent any intricacy of
reference from one to another.

The specification and dimensions of the small-sized
machine are the following. The pole is only 12 feet long
(including the iron ring at the point,) 3i inches broad, and 4
In. thick, tapering to 2| at top. The ring is for the purpose of
receiving the pole-rope, and is 3 In. in diameter. At the top
of the pole there is a small bend, 3 In. off the straight, in
order to prevent the bark from being chafed, or stripped off
by the ring. Under the point of the pole there is a block of
iron, with rounded edges, 3 In. long, by 1 In. thick, and well
steeled; so that, whenever the point of the pole happens to
be trailed along the ground, it may withstand the friction,
without injuring the surface. There is likewise, on one side
of the pole, a plate of iron, extending from within 18 In. of
the axle nearly to the top, for strengthening the pole. It is
1^ In. broad, i In. thick, and sunk into the wood. This
plate, in order to render it more powerful, should be in one
piece.

The iron axle is 4i F. long between the washers (exclu-
sively of a head at each end, Hi In. long, which is fitted to
the bushes of the wheels,) and2i In. square, with a curve in
the centre of 2 In., for the sake of greater strength. The
dust-hoops are 1 In. broad. The wooden case, or axle-bed,

223

is 4 In. bioad, and 3 In. deep, covering the iron H l^^-j and
showing, of course, only 1 In. of it. To the axle-bed are
fixed two strong hooks, 4 In. long, to which the horse is at-
tached, for drawing the machine.

The two side-stays are each 3 F. 10 In. long, 2i In.
square, and strongly bolted to the pole. The upper stay rests
on the first stage, and is 4 F. 4 In. long, 2i broad, and 3 In.
thick, tapering to 2i In., and bolted to the pole in like
manner.

The first stage rises in the centre 2i In. above the axle-
bed, and is firmly bolted to it. It is 4 F. 5 In. long, 4 In.
broad, and 3 In thick. The second stage rises 4i In. above
the first, and is bolted to the latter. It is also 4 F. 5 In. long,
9 In. broad, and 2 In. thick. The third stage rises 4^ In.
above the second, and is in the same manner bolted to it.
It is 3 F. 4 In. long, 9 In. broad, and 2 In. thick. The
third stage is movable at pleasure, and the machine is used
either with or without it, according to the style of the subjects,
and of the work. On whichever stage happens to be
uppermost there is fixed a bolstering of double mat, filled with
hay or straw, 6 In. thick, so that no injury can be sustained
by the bark of the stem.

The blocks between the stages are 9 In. long, 2i In. broad,
and 41 In. deep. The end of the upper stay, as it rests on
the first stage, shows itself, in the end view (Fig. 3.,) like a
block in that situation ; and the end of the pole has the same
appearance from the same point, as resting on the axle-bed.
— Wherever it can be done, the bolts, used for all of the above
purposes, are shown in the diagram.

SMALL-SIZED WHEELS.

These wheels are 5 feet high, made of the best materials,
nearly upright, and the dishing only 1 inch.

The naves are 10 In. long, exclusively of the nave bands,

224

aud 10^ In. tliick. The s^pokes are 2^ In. broad, and 1| In.
thick ; the fellies 4 In. broad, and 1^ In. thick ; the iron
rims I In. thick. As to a third wheel, it cannot be necessary
for a machine of the small size, nor for such trees as are
removed by it.

The weight of this machine, with its wheels, is about 5^
cwt. avoirdupois.

The above machine, it will be perceived, is far less weighty
than the foregoing. It is capable of removing subjects of
from eighteen to about eight-and-twenty feet high, and of
proportional girth ; and in fact, a good part of my trans-
planted trees have been removed by means of this light and
efficient implement.

MACHINE OF THE INTERMEDIATE SIZE.

The pole of this machine is 13^ feet long, including the
iron ring at the point, 3^ inches broad, and 5 In. thick,
tapering to 3 In. at top. This ring is for receiving the pole-
rope, and is 4 In. in diameter. At the top there is a bend
3 In. off the straight, in order to prevent any chafing of the
bark by the ring. Under the point of the pole, close to the
ring, there is a small iron block 3^ In. square. It is rounded
at the edges, and well steeled for defending the point of the
pole, when trailing along the ground, and so formed as to
withstand the friction, and cause little or no injury to the
surface. There is also on one side of the pole a plate of
iron, extending from within 18 In. of the axle nearly to the
top for the purpose of strengthening the pole. It is 2 In.
broad, and \ In. thick, and is sunk into the wood. This, in
order to give greater power, should be in one piece.

The iron axle is 4 F. 9 In. long between the washers,
and 2i In. square, with a curve in the centre of 2 In., for
the sake of greater strength. The wooden cover, or axle-
bed, is 4 F. 8 In. long, and 5 In. square, covering the iron

225

1^ In., and showing only 1 In. of it. The heads of the
axle, to which the bushes of the wheels are fitted, are 12 In.
long ; and the sand-washers are 1 In. broad each. To the
axle-bed are fixed two strong iron hooks 3 In. long, to
which the horse or horses arc attached, for drawing the
machine.

The two side-stays are 4 F. 2 In. long, 3 In. square, and
strongly bolted to the pole. The upper stay rests on the
first stage, and is 4 F. 4 In. long, 3 In. broad, 3^ In. thick,
and tapering to 2^ In. at the pole, to which it is in like
manner bolted.

The first stage rises in the centre 2^ In., and at the sides
6 In. above the axle-bed, and is bolted to it. The stage is
4 F. 8 In. long, 5 In. broad, and 3^ In. thick. The second
stage rises 4^ In. above the first, and is bolted to the latter.
It is 4 F. 8 In. long, 9 In. broad, and 2^ In. thick. The
third stage rises 4^ In. above the second, and is in the same
way bolted to it. It is 3 F. 6 In. long, 9 In. broad, and 2
In. thick. The third stage is movable at pleasure, and the
machine is used either with or without it, according to the
magnitude of the subjects to be removed. On the stage,
which is uppermost, there is always a strong bolstering of
double mat, filled with hay or straw, 6 In. thick, so that the
bark of the stem may not be injured by the pressure.

The blocks between the two uppermost stages are 9 In.
long, 3 In. broad, and 4^ In. thick, that is, deep. The end,
of the upper stay, by resting on the first stage, shows itself
Uke a block, in the end view of the machine (Fig. 3.) ; and
the end of the pole presents a similar appearance, when
seen in the same manner, as it rests upon the axle-bed. —
Wherever it is possible, the bolts used for all of the above
purposes, are shown in the diagram.

29

226

WHEELS OF THE INTERMEDIATE SIZE.

These wlieels are 5 F. 2 In. high, made of the best ma-
terials, nearly upright, and the dishing only about 1 In.

The naves are 10^ In. long, and llj In. thick. The
spokes are 3 In. broad, and \i In. thick ; the fellies 4 In.
broad, and 2 In. thick ; the iron rims f In. thick, and in
one piece.

In using a machine like this, it may, on extraordinary
occasions, be proper to add a third wheel ; in which case, the
one above described might answer the purpose. But, were
a third wheel to be made for this particular machine, it would
be in better proportion at 6 In. lower.

The weight of the Intermediate Machine is considerably
greater than that of the Small-sized one, being about 61
cwt. avoirdupois ; and it is calculated for trees of from eigh-
teen to more than five-and-thirty feet high.

For underwood, large shrubs, or the like, of which the
roots and branches are not extensive, I have sometimes
made use of a machine still lighter, and more manageable
than any of the three above delineated. It consists of the
pole of the Small-sized Machine, as already described,
mounted on a pair of old coach wheels, from 4 to 4^ F.
high, with one stage only upon the crossbar. To these
have been added fellies 4 In. broad, with an iron rim i In.
thick. Such a machine may be drawn by a small pony
and is admirably adapted to light work. Whether with or
without a horse, it can be conveniently introduced into
woods and plantations, where a larger implement would not
be productive of the same dispatch, and where the latter
could not by any means be brought to operate.

As to the taking-up of underwood, little needs to be said
on that head. He who attends to the directions above given

227

for tlic removal of large trees, will fiiiil no diflTiculty with
bushes or underwood. Excepting in very particular cases,
I have not been in the habit of preparing them, by cutting
round their roots. The chief preparation I have given, is
to allow them to stand free and open in plantations or
woods, for a certain period, in order that they may acquire
that expansion of roots, and that share of the other protect-
ing properties, which, according to the law of nature, may fit
them for the situation which they are intended to occupy.
As to transplantation, the branches of most bushes being
tougher and more elastic than those of large trees, three or
four, or even a greater number of plants can be carried
away at one time by the smallest machine. It is only for
the open park, that much nicety is required in any part of
these processes.

On considering these different machines, the planter will
find that they possess advantages, not at first sight apparent,
but which will fully develop themselves in practice. The
breadth of the stages, which are movable at pleasure ; the
shortness of the stays ; the curvature of the axle ; the iron
sunk into the pole, &c ; the position of the third wheel ; the
relative proportions and adaptations of the different parts to
one another ; all these tend in the most eminenrt degree to
combine lightness with strength, and accuracy and dispatch
with a due preservation of the roots and branches, during
the transportation.

It is particularly to be noticed, that these implements, as
well as the trees recommended to be removed by them, are
of very moderate dimensions, and intended solely for the
meridian of Scotland. In England, I am aware, that far
larger operations are carried on, and it is possible that far
greater success may be attained, than any we can here boast
of. But the scale in question is perhaps highly enough es-
timated for a country, whose power, according to the philo-
sophical notion of it above mentioned, is of such inconsidera-

228

ble extent. In England, where that power is vast, I had
ahnost said unlimited, a much larger scale may very properly
be adopted. Size of subjects, as has been already observed,
offers no material impediment to successful removal, except
increased expenditure. If the true principles of the art be
once fully established, and clearly understood, it will be easy
to apply them to any scale of operations, from the least to
the greatest.

229

SECTION IX.

PLANTING OF THE TREES, IN THEIR NEW SITUATION.

In the foregoing- Section, we have seen the method, by
which the tree is taken up, and transported on the machine.
Let us now follow it to its destination in the open park.

It has been above observed, that for the safety and success
of the operation, the rate of moving along the ground cannot
be too slow. At that already pointed out of two miles and
a half an hour, the difference between travelling a mile, and'
half a mile, does not very materially increase the labour of
transportation. If the pit have been prepared a twelvemonth
beforehand, the opening of it now is an easy business ; and
for that purpose, should it not have been done previously to
the taking-up, two or three workmen should be sent forward,
to throw out the earth regularly on all sides, to the depth of
fourteen or fifteen inches at first, leaving, next to the inside
edge, a space of eighteen inches, or two feet clear ; so that
the excavation can be enlarged, if requisite, without the
necessity of removing the mound thrown up.

When the machine has got within forty or fifty yards of
the place, it is proper to halt the horses, in order to make
two necessary arrangements, the one in which the root, and
the other in which the top is concerned. The director of the
work first rapidly measures with his eye the depth of the
root (that is, the thickness of the mass of roots and earth
together, from the upper part of the collar, to the underbed

230

of the roots,) in order to ascertain, if the excavation be of
the proper depth? Supposing the depth of the root to be
fourteen or fifteen inches (which in a beech is very suppo-
sable,) and the whole depth of the prepared soil of the pit to
be two feet ; then he directs the workmen to prepare a bed
in the centre somewhat deeper, say three or four inches, to
receive the taproots, should they be prominent, which with
the beech seldom happens ; sloping the pit upwards in the
cup-fashion, but leaving it at the sides as high as before.

It is a matter of first-rate importance to get the tree set in
the pit as shalloio as possible, and to allow suflicient pabulum
for the downright roots, on the one hand, and a sufficient
cover at top, upon the other. If the subsoil be dry, the
director may give and take a little in making his estimate ;
but, if it be tenacious of moisture, better that you should
have a cart-load or two of earth to add to the mound after-
wards, than that the roots should be deprived of the full
influence of the sun and air, by being insufficiently raised
up. No stagnation of water can ever occur in the prepared
soil of the pit, if the directions given in the last Section as
to judicious excavation, be properly apprehended and followed
out.

The second thing he has to advert to is, to ascertain the
position of the mark previously made upon the stem, w^hile
the tree stood upright, for designating the side where the
longest boughs are thrown out, so that, in moving towards
the pit, such a course may be steered, as to bring those
boughs to the stormy quarter, which generally is the west
or southwest. Almost all trees, as already stated in Section
IV., are unequally balanced, and show in their tops more or
less of w^hat is called " a weather-side." This in many cases
is a striking deformity, especially in situations on the western
coasts, and is -often seen to mar the eflfect of trees otherwise
beautiful. It proceeds from the tendency, which they gene-
rally have, to throw out longer and stouter branches on the

231

lee-sidc, and shorlcr and closer brandies and spray on that,
from wliich tlic blast assails tlicni.

By the law of nature we find, that wiiercver the action of
the air is the greatest, there the greatest evolution of buda
appears, and the thickest, but weakest growth of boughs
and spray takes place. And this dilTcrence is so remarkable,
that any one conversant with wood, can at once point out
an old tree (especially a sycamore,) that has been more, and
one that has been less exposed, at the distance of two or
three hundred yards ; and in winter, when there is no foliage
to conceal the difierence in the ramification, the thing is the
most striking. Hence the effect produced on trees, by bring-
ing this decided tendency to elongation of the boughs on
the lee-side, to act on the windward or deficient side. In
fact, it is almost the only way, in which art can bring about
any remarkable improvement on the symmetry and beauty
of the tops of woody plants. It is true, the practice might
at first sight appear rather a misdirection of the protecting
properties : but experience has shown, that nature in this,
as in the case of judicious pruning, or retrenchment of super-
fluous branches, bears with extraordinary patience such dis-
creet control exerted over her exuberant powers, and in their
subsequent development displays a vigour, even superior to
what is observed in subjects which have not been so disci-
plined.— I believe, as already noticed, that I am the first
planter, who, more than five-and thirty years since, thought
of turning this natural deformity to purposes of beauty or
utility, in the face of prejudices both ancient and modern.*

The director having thus ascertained, that the mark made
on the stem is uppermost (which it will always be, when not
prevented by other circumstances,) he directs the driver to
make such a circuit, as to go right in towards the southeast
side of the pit ; by which means, as the intelligent reader

* See Sect. IV., and Note.

232

will perceive, the tree being drawn root foremost, the marked
side will directly face the opposite quarter.

While this arrangement is proceeding, which does not
occupy above a few moments, two workmen rapidly ascertain,
or fix the exact site of the tree, in its new situation, which
till now has been marked out, only by a single stake driven
into the ground. This is a still speedier process than the
foregoing, and is called " setting off the tree." The two
workmen, each %vith a stake in his hand, place themselves
in different quarters, about five or six yards from the pit, the
one, we shall say, on the north, and the other on the west
side, so as to be able to describe two lines at right angles
with each other, and to keep clear of the path or direction
of the machine. Then, according to the military way of
taking objects to move upon in the field, they assume the
stake in the pit as a mutual centre, and some tree, or other
object at no great distance, as a second object ; and putting
down their own stakes as a third, they describe a right line
with each of the three. Thus, the two lines, marked out
by these offsets, will intersect each other at right angles, or
nearly so, in the pit, and the point of intersection will be the
position of the tree. The stake in the pit may then be re-
moved, for the admission of the machine, and a small piece
of greensward put down in its stead, so that the tree may
be dropped, with mathematical precision, on the spot intended.

With single trees in the park, this sort of accuracy may
sometimes be of small moment : but, where a particular
effect is to be produced by one tree, or by the combination of
several trees as a group, it maybe of considerable consequence ;
and, as it takes up only a moment, the workmen should
always be made to practise it. It tends to give them habits
of accuracy in their work, and teaches them the value and
importance of juxtaposition, when it becomes necessary to
study it.

Meanwhile the driver, as directed, makes the proper circuit

233

with the horses (See Plate), and brings up tlic machine,
as nearly as possible to the northeast side of the pit, running
the wheels up against the bank, or mound of eartli thrown
out. Here it is prudent to take oH' the horses ; as it is always
safer and better to wheel in the machine, for the two or
three last yards, by manual exertion ; an object, which is
readily accomplished, by cutting down the mound of earth
in front of each wheel, and thereby forming an inclined
plane, for the descent of the tree into the pit.

On this occasion, it is indispensably necessary that the
macliine should advance right upon the centre, or piece of
greensward deposited in the pit, but without overrunning
that point. Two persons, the director and another, then
station themselves on the outside of the pit, transversely to
each other, the one, we shall say, on the southwest side,
opposite the machine, and the other on the northwest, or
southeast side, whichever may be most convenient ; because
the line of sight, at both of the last mentioned points, is
equally at right angles with the machine's direction. The
workman who is placed immediately opposite the machine,
now directs the advance of each wheel, or of both, as he
sees necessary ; by which means he is enabled to bring the
root of the tree right upon the centre ; while, at the same
time, the director, occupying the transverse station, which is
the more important of the two, orders a halt to be made at
the proper moment (for both cannot see the same objects) ;
and in this manner the stem is brought directly to the centre,
without being permitted to overshoot the mark. Two stakes,
or stones, or other stays are now put to the wheels, in order
to prevent their further advancement, and to get every thing
in readiness for dropping the tree on the spot intended. —
These arrangements, how complex soever they may appear
in the narrative, are simple in reality, and, barring accidents,
do not occupy above a few minutes.

Preparation is now made for dropping the tree into the pit.

30

234

The bundles of roots arc every where loosened, and the
roots freed from the wheels. The cords which confine the
top, are removed, and the branches suffered to gain their
natural position. Meanwhile, an active workman is sent to
the top, to fix two ropes transversely to each other, in order
to steady it, when set up ; while another gets under the axle
of the machine, and bringing out the roots of the under side,
pulls them right towards the rear, in order to save them from
being broken by the great weight of the descending mass ;
when, on a signal being given, the steersman and his assist-
ants, together wdth the balancemen, as the case may be, quit
their stations and their hold of the pole-rope and branches,
and the tree suddenly rises to the upright position. All this
may be readily apprehended, by considering its actual situa-
tion on the machine, as represented in the engraving.

If the longest branches have not been accurately brought
to the stormy quarter, it is now the time to correct that error.
The tree, if it be requisite, is again pulled down, and the
machine wheeled round to the proper point ; taking care, at
the same time, if the root be heavy, to ascertain, by means
of the offsets, that it is accurately deposited in the centre of
the pit. It is then allowed to gain the erect position, as
before. Instead of this, should the root be of no great weight,
it may be turned round on its bottom or underbed in the pit,
by manual strength, the workmen being careful to lay hold
of great handfuls of roots and fibres, so that as httle breakage
as possible may take place. When these things are accom-
phshed, the bracers of the root, and the pole-rope, are detached
from the machine, and it is wheeled out of the pit. By
common management, however, and attention to the direc-
tions already given, the whole of the above extra labour,
which creates considerable delay, may be avoided, and the
proper aspect for the heavy side of the tree obtained at once.
All that is necessary in ordinary cases is, an inspection of the
offsets, if great accuracy in the position of the tree be wanted.

235

We have now arrived at that part of the process of plant-
ing, which, as it is the most difficult to execute, so it is also
the most difficult to render intelligible to the reader. It
comprises the whole of the setting up, balancing, and sup-
porting the plant ; the distributing of the roots in a proper
manner in the ground ; and, in a word, every other precau-
tion, on which its stabiUty and success mainly depend.
These operations, therefore, should never be performed,
except under the eye of the director of the work, who should
be every way competent to superintend them. — And here I
cannot refrain from earnestly recommending it to gentlemen
to make themselves fully masters of the practice, as well as
the principles of these various processes, so that they may
be enabled to take upon themselves the useful office in ques-
tion, as often as it may be convenient. I need scarcely add,
that, in all rural work, the superintending eye of the owner
furnishes the surest earnest of success, especially where any
thing like science is united with accuracy of execution.

As soon as the tree is properly placed, in respect to the
position of the branches, and the machine wheeled off, the
two transverse ropes (which should be ten or twelve yards
long at least,) are instantly stretched out to their utmost
extent, by putting one or two stout hands to each, as the
balancing of the tree, and setting it straight may require.
The director has then to settle the interesting point of depth,
and to determine, whether it have been rightly judged, by
the first cursory estimate. From what has been said above,
it is evident, that if the tree be set too shallow in the ground,
it has this advantage, that it is tantamount to deepening the
soil, to the extent of the error committed : hence, it is pos-
sible to remedy the error, by bringing earth from some other
quarter, to make up the deficiency. If the tree be set too
deep, it is without a remedy, unless by planting it over again ;
which, were the business finished, besides the extra labour
required, would considerably injure the tree. The director,

236

if he have an accurate eye, now determines the matter, ere
it be too late, at a single glance. Should the tree be too
deep, he orders it to be pulled half way down, first on the
one side, and then on the other, the transverse rope support-
ing it in the opposite direction. While in the heeling posi-
tion, earth is then mounded on either side, as diiected above
for raising the tree in the pit, and it is soon got up to the
height wanted. Should it be two shallow, it is in like man-
ner pulled down, and lowered by alternate excavation on
either side, to the proper depth ; but whether in the one case
or the other, without altering the aspect of the tree, or the
position of the branches.

The next point, and the most important of the whole, is
to steady and set straight the tree, in order that it may please
the eye of taste, on the one hand, and be firmly secured
against wind, on the other. For this purpose, the first thing
to be done is, to separate the workmen into divisions of three
and three together, as before. Of these one workman seizes
with both his hands as many as he can of the lateral roots,
that are long and flexible, and holding them carefully aside,
opens a view into the underbed of the roots. The passage
being cleared, the second workman throws in mould of the
finest sort he can find, in such a way as to form a bank
sloping outwards against the roots so held up, find treads it
firmly with his feet. He then carefully fills in and equalizes
all the chasms or vacancies that appear ; while the third,
with a small blunt pointed stake or rammer, about three feet
long, pushes in the mould, and makes it firm in the cavities,
which the foot cannot reach. But it is to be observed, that
the workman, who throws in the earth, must by no means
spade it at random. He must patiently wait for the co-
operation of his two companions, neither hurrying the first,
until every visible root is gathered up; nor the second, until
the earth thrown in has, by decalcation, or by the rammer,
obtained the utmost compactness and consistency.

237

In tlius diligently and firmly bolstering up round tlie
nucleus, but yet underneath, and quite clear of the great
body of the roots and fibres, the different divisions of the
workmen continue going round the tree, until they meet one
another, forming a sort of circular retaining-bank, of the
shape of a china saucer, of which the sides are of the depth
of one half at least of the whole nucleus, or mass of roots
and earth under the collar, whatever that may be, so as to
compose a bank sufficient to support it. Hence the bank
raised, if properly executed, will furnish such resistance to
the action of the top, that a stout man, on applying himself
to the transverse ropes, will find some difficulty in displacing
the root, even with such a lever as the stem must afford him,
and sometimes he will be altogether unable to displace it.
When the resistance is found uniform on all sides (which
should be often and carefully tried,) and particularly on the
northeast or lee quarter, httle more can be done for the stabi-
hty of the plant. If roots of such stiffness and strength inter-
fere, as cannot be put aside during the above process, the
best way is, to bolster and ram them separately underneath,
and especially at that part, where they issue from the nucleus
of the mass.

It has been directed in the foregoing Section, that a ball
of earth, as large as can be procured round the stem, shall
always be left undisturbed, in the taking up. Should the
Aveight not be excessive, and that it can be got to extend, so
as nearly to meet the retaining-bank, the work may be con-
sidered as very perfectly executed ; because then no intersti-
tial vacuities will exist, in a region of the root of all the
most liable to suffer from drought, during the first season.
Should that prove impossible, from the lightness of the soil,
or the want of adhesiveness in the greensward, mould finely
pulverized, and in as dry a state as possible, should, in large
subjects, be let fall into such vacuities as appear, until, by a
repeated supply of the mould and water alternately, the in-

238

terstices be filled up. By this mode of management, while
the completest solidity is given to the whole, the finer rami-
fications of the root round the nucleus are little injured or
cramped up, notwithstanding the retaining-bank.

While this business is going forward, the director accu-
rately examines the position of the tree, first on the one side,
and then on the other, from the two offsets (which is tanta-
mount to his making the entire circuit of the tree,) and takes
care that it be perfectly upright ; making a due allowance
for any bends, or natural sweeps in the outhne of the stem
or top. For accomplishing this, the transverse ropes, with
five or six stout hands put to them, will still be able to com-
mand the tree ; and it is necessary that its adjustment be at
this time effected, in order to obviate the possibility of injur-
ing the roots by dragging, and consequently displacing them,
at a later period. By the above method of giving stability
to the tree, before any cover whatever is laid upon the roots
(which, I believe, is new, and peculiar to my practice,) the
discerning reader will see, that a complete safeguard against
wind is provided, without injury to the growth of the plant.
This is truly the j)lantitig of the tree : all else belongs to
the distribution, and the covering of the roots.

The distribution, though secondary in point of consequence
to the securing of them, is a process involving much nicety
and difficulty, and it is the business of the director, in the
next place, to attend to its execution. The roots having
been indiscriminately bundled up in the transportation, and
merely untied during the fixing of the tree, are now, as may
be imagined, in a state of great disorder, which the process
of bolstering up rather tends to aggravate than improve.
Accordingly, all the workmen are employed to disentangle
them, and to stretch them out in the most regular manner
from the centre. The tree, as already supposed, being a
beech of more than eight-and-twenty feet high, with a spread-
ing top, the roots must be from twelve to fourteen feet long,

239

at least on the side placed to windward, and the minute
fibres, and capillary rootlets not fewer than some thousands
in number. (Sec engraving.) As soon as they arc care-
fully extricated, separated, and as it were combed out with
the fingers, so as to cover the ground with regularity, and
as nearly as may be, in the same order m which they were
taken up, it is nature that must teach us how to arrange
them in their new bed. For tiiis purpose, the director dis-
poses the workmen, in divisions of three and three, as before.
Of these one workman immediately divides or separates the
roots, and prepares to distribute them : another assists in the
laying and distribution ; and the third throws in the mould
in such quantities, as the two others stand in need of.

Whoever examines the beauty and regularity, with which
the boughs and spray of trees, not mechanically prevented,
are spread out in the air, and reflects, that it is an accurate
transcript of the ramification (if I may so speak) of the
roots under ground, will admire the remarkable analogy,
that subsists between both of these organs, and the uncom-
mon beauty and symmetry of both. The former is a matter
of daily observation : the latter falls in the way only of gar-
deners and arboriculturists ; but it is fully known to every
one, who has seen, and can witness the extraordinary effects
of the tree picker at this place. To give, in the replanting,
any thing like an accurate imitation of such regular, but
intricate network, requires no ordinary skill and attention in
the operators : and yet we are aware, as nature orders no-
thing in vain, that in proportion as we fail or succeed in this
object, we shall attain, or fall short of the purposes of vege-
tation, and of giving due vigour to the plant. An ingenious
friend of mine, who, some years since, was struck with the
dexterity of the process, in the hands of the workmen here,
very appropriately called it " the handling" of the roots, and
by that name it has since been distinguished.

The two handlers, then, of each division proceed to ar-

240

range and distribute the roots in their order, higher or lower,
as they proceed from the mass or nucleus ; stretching them
out over the bolstering of the nucleus, to their full length,
for which the pit must, if necessary, be enlarged. The great
principle in this business being to follow nature, the roots
must, like the branches of trees, be equally spread out.
Nothing like crowding or confining must take place, but all
must have competent spaces in which to extend, and ample
scope to search for the food of the plant. For this purpose
the minutest fibres, as well as the strongest roots, must be
evenly embedded in the fine mould of the pit, neither knead-
ing nor pounding it too firmly (as recommended by some),
nor leaving what is technically called false filling, or inter-
stitial vacuities. But the whole must gently consolidate into
a mass sufiiciently compact, yet porous, through which heat
as well as moisture, as has been already observed, may have
free access to the fibres, and where evaporation may proceed
without obstruction.

To effect such a distribution and ordering of the roots, the
first thing that the principal handler has to do is, to seize
with one hand a parcel of the roots, and to divide them with
the other hand into as many tiers as can conveniently be laid
in the depth of the pit, allowing the strata of earth between
the tiers to be an inch and a half or more in thickness. He
then, in conjunction with his assistant, extends the larger
roots of the first tier to wide distances, stretching out all the
minor ramifications and rootlets intermediately, in the posi-
tion in which they should lie, so that no one shall, if possible,
touch another. The handlers having extended these, with
their various inflections, to the breadtli of six or seven inches,
or as far as their fingers can reach, the coverer, immediately
fixes them down, and secures that space with a little fine
mould thrown upon it the reverse way, that is, in the direc-
tion of the points of the fibres ; which mould is immediately
spread and worked in, by the hands of the workmen or

241

liaiullcis, 111 tiucli a maiinci, a.s thai neither tile mould can
(lisphice the minutest fibres, nor exceed the thickness of a
proper stratum. After which, they go through the same
process witii the next tier, and so on with the others, till
they exhaust the parcel of roots, with which they began.

It sometimes happens, that masses of roots occur, not far
from the collar, branching out into small and numerous
stems of no great length, which it is much more troublesome
to deal with. With these the only way is, to divide them
into tiers, and work them in the vertical, instead of the
horizontal position. A quantity of the finest and most fria-
ble mould must be shaken in among the shortest, and least
extricable fibres of these masses, so that the whole may
have an opportunity of absorbing nourishment from the
soil. If the pit be upon uneven ground, and still more, if
on a steep bank, as sometimes happens, it presents consider-
able difficulty to inexperienced planters. In this case,
especial care must be had to lay the roots in a direction corre-
spondmg to the slope, level in no part, but rising from the
centre on the one side, and falling from it on the other.
Hence, when the last tier on each side is finished, it has from
six to eight inches of cover over it, at the general level of
the ground. This, on the side of a hill of any steepness, it
requires considerable skill to accompUsh, so that the main
body of the roots be brought within an equal distance from
the surface, and receive proper benefit from the sun and air.
In the manner just now attempted to be described, the
workmen, three and three together, in divisions or parties,
proceed round the tree, treating one parcel of roots after
another in the same style in succession, and as soon as they
meet, the work of distribution is completed.

At this stage pf the process, it cannot have escaped the
discerning reader, that contrary to the general practice, no
decalcation or consolidating of the earth has as yet been
directed, except in the execution of the retaining-bank round

31

242

the nucleus ol the root: antl y(!i the entire oideiiug of tlie
roots and fibres is supjwsed to be finished. But 1 have found
by long experience, that an anxiety for immediate consoli-
dation, which most planters possess, is not favourable to the
fibrous roots of woody plants, small or great. That equa-
bility of pressure of the soil, which gradual subsidence
alone can give, is not to be attained by any artificial means
yet known, and least of all, by treading and pounding, by
the feet of workmen. It is otie thing to fill in mould firmly
round the nucleus, and to compact it with the rammer, as
above mentioned, where there is free room to operate ; and
another, to tread down with the feet layer after layer of the
tenderest fibres, and finest capillary rootlets, as recommended
by Marshall and others ; a mode of treatment which cannot
fail, after the critical period of removal, to be extremely pre-
judicial to what must be considered as the true absorbents
of the plant. As to the final consolidation of the surface, it
shall be treated of in the sequel.

After the covering of the roots, the only thing that remains
to be performed is, to fill in the rest of the earth into the pit,
so that at the stem it shall be from twelve to fourteen inches
deep. If it be wintertime, that is, between November and
February (in this climate including the latter itionth), a
slight treading over the whole, by the workmen, is suflficient
to bring about gradually, but eflfectually, the work of conso-
lidation for the time, and that gentle and equable pressure,
which excludes drought, and yet admits of the roots striking
freely. If it be spring, that is, between February and May,
Pontey's useful method of pouring on water is adopted,*
namely, to do it (as he says), with " a watering-pan with the
rose taken olT," or with common pails, from the height of
five or six feet, as soon as the covering of mould is half fin-
ished ; dashing it down, with as much force as possible, hi

* Rural Improver, pp. 88, 8!>.

243

order (o wash in the inoiiUI uinoni? tlio roots of (he plant.
On this, the remaining earth is filled in, as al)ove, taking
care to begin witli the green sward, if tliere be any, and
hand-laying it in regular strata, so as in the greatest degree
to retain moisture, while it promotes solidity. Another
plentiful watering is next given, in the same way ; the
whole is left for a day to subside ; and then, when it will
bear the workmen's feet, it is ultimately finished, by a com-
plete decalcation of the surface. I have been the more par-
ticular in dwelling on this part of the planting, as it is a
subject not understood by the generality of either overseers
or workmen.

It is wonderfid what dexterity the workmen will acquire
in these various processes, by attention and practice, under
an able and active director, particularly in that of distri-
buting and ordering the roots. Yet probably the greatest
difiiculty, that such a person will experience, is to get them
to perform the handling, and to fill in the mouid leisurely
enough^ without haste or confusion, or the slurring over of
any part. He will also find it a difficult matter so to arrange
the different departments of work round the pit, as that the
whole of the workmen are constantly carrying forward the
business in hand, and that the whole never have to wait for
what must be done, and perhaps oftener than once, by only
one or two individuals ; such as adjusting the position of the
tree, ascertaining the depth of the root, disengaging the pole
of the machine, fixing or loosening the bracing-ropes, and
the like, by which means much time is often lost, and, of
course, unnecessary expense incurred.

In respect to those difficult and important processes, the
securing of the tree against wind, and the ordering of the
roots, I sensibly feel the inadequacy of the foregoing account
of both. In order to be fully apprehended, they should be
seen in the hands of dexterous workmen, when the efficiency

244*

t)f the one, and tlie beauty and nicety of the other would be
fully appreciated. The description, as attempted above, is
necessarily long, and for that reason, it may seem to many
both complicated and tedious ; but the processes themselves
are as simple as they are effective, as has been acknowledged
by all who have examined them at this place.

Some of the chief advantages attendant on the preserva-
tive sytcm, obviously result from this useful method of
securing, by a kind of cup like embankment underground,
the central mass or nucleus of the root, and rendering the
tree steadfast and immovable, in spite of the utmost violence
of the wind, from whatever quarter it may blow. The con-
sequence is, that the roots being of great length, and con-
sisting of innumerable and minute ramifications, instead of
being crowded and cramped up in the ordinary manner,
have as good and ample a range of pasturage, on the fine
mould which has been prepared for them, as they had in
their original situations, and in many cases a great deal
better. What is of most moment of all is, that, from the
singular steadfastness of the stem, they soon naturalize
themselves to the spot, and go in search of their food ; with-
out suffering agitation at a period, when an undishirhed
state of the fibres affords the best hope of continued stability,
and therefore the best earnest of success. Thus, what is
planted now on this principle, gives the Immediate Effect
OF Wood in the present day, together with the best prospect
of becoming timber of as great magnitude as the soil and
climate will admit, for the succeeding generation.

That the success of park-wood, planted here on the sys-
tem in question, has been extraordinary, will be admitted
from this fact alone, that although I never prop or support a
tree after removal, yet not one has been blown down in this
park in (he course of thirty years: and as to deaths, one
in from forty to forty-five being the average number, con-

245

tingency may in some soil be said to be excluded from an
art, which has, in all ages, j)cen proverbially unsuccessful
and fortuitous.

As to the taking-up, and transporting of trees and under-
wood for close plantations, the very same directions may be
given for them as for park-wood, only that far less care and
nicety are necessary in the management of the former, far
fewer and shorter roots and branches, and in a word, the
possession of the non-protecting, instead of the protecting
properties. In respect to underwood for such plantations, as
they are wholly out of the reach of sheep and cattle, per-
haps something may be done towards giving a greater
variety of effect to it, than has usually been attempted, for
ornamental purposes, especially on the sides of walks, ap-
proaches, and the like.

Underwood or bushes being thick shrubby plants of low
growth, from four to ten feet high, are procured in various
ways, but chiefly by selecting such plants as grow in this
style in woods and plantations ; or by heading down, or
cutting over trees of any sort that stole, or shoot out again,
after being cut. In the way last mentioned, bushes maybe
formed of any species, as of oak, elm, chestnut, and the
like, and of which the growth or foliage best suits the
views of the planter. But in default of these, and for the
purpose of procuring Immediate Effect, I have practised a
new method, which it may be worth while to lay before the
reader. This method I have called " the Composing of
Copse-wood," by which, we certainly have it in our power to
command, as well as to compose it.

By the Composing of Copse-w^ood, I mean the making up
into one set or stool separate plants of the same species, from
three to four or five in number, and in that process combin-
ing the high and the low, the spreading and (he spiral, the
straight and the crooked, in one pleasing group or assem-
blage. With a little practice, guided by anything like taste

246

and judgment, bushes and stools of copse-wood mny be thus
composed, not only naturally and beautifully, but sometimes
they may turn out more beautiful than what are found in
nature. This is on the same principle of selection, that is
adopted by the painter, when he assembles many separate
beauties in one design, and thereby excels the beauty of any
existing individual of the same species.

The materials of these compounds generally occur in
young plantations of seven or eight years' growth, or more,
in which the plants have not been overshadowed or unduly
drawn up, but have had some room to expand. The art
lies in properly working up these, so as to produce various
effects ; and chiefly in studying good contrasts ; in letting
the principal members of your group be tall and stemmy,
while the accessories are low and spreading ; and in a word,
in so blending the whole, as to attain, at once gracefulness
and variety.

The two plants first put into the ground should be set
somewhat deeper than the others, and nearly upright. The
two or three next should have their roots crossed over to the
opposite sides of the pit in which they are planted, so as to
give them such an inclination outwards, as if they naturally
sprang in opposite directions, from one centre or stem which
had been headed down. This, if skilfully executed, will in
a surprising degree promote verisimilitude. And in order to
give the last finish to the group, small plants may here and
there be set in, or redundant branches pruned away, that un-
naturally cross or destroy the leading character of the rami-
fication. But as the business of composing copse is to make
a practical use of nature's own colours, it is as impossible
minutely to direct the work, as to direct the painter who
copies her, in giving the minutest touches of his pencil.
One rule more I may in a general way suggest, and that is,
never to overload the groups ; never copying nature in her
richer masses, but rather in her more simple combinations of

247

foliage. In ihis, as in nil other dcpailn units in wliicli art is
called ill to the aid of nature, those efiforts will always seem
the happiest, and please the longest, where ornament is kept
down, and where it is made suhservient to the severer graces
of composition.

In this, and the foregoing two Sections, I have now given
as clear an account as I could of the Preparing, Taking-
up, Transporting and Planting of Large Trees and Un-
derwood. From the novelty of the subject, and the difficulty
of making manual operations intelligible by words, the whole
account has unavoidably been drawn more into length than
might have been expected. Some apology, therefore, on the
score of tediousness and cucumstantial detail, is due to those
who may open the book from mere curiosity. To those, on
the other hand, who read for information, and whose object is
real practice, the case is considerably different, as they per-
haps may be of opinion that the detail, long as it is, has not
been given circumstantially enough.

248

SECTION X.

TREATMENT OF THE TREES SUBSEQUENTLY TO
REMOVAL.

It is with the removal of large trees, as with the execu-
tion of ordinary plantations. As soon as the plants are
fairly put into the ground, the planter usually conceives his
labour to be at an end, and that all after-cultivation is super-
erogatory or superfluous. This, although a common, is a
very pernicious error, and is not less injurious in its effects,
in the one case than in the other. Perhaps there is nothing
in the course of this Treatise, that is calculated to be more in-
teresting, or more practically useful to the young planter,
than what is to be stated respecting Afterwork, in the few
following pages.

In the foregoing three Sections, the Preparing and Taking-
up, the Transportation and Planting have been treated as
applicable, first, to Single Trees, and Open Dispositions of
Wood ; and secondly, to Close Plantations ; therefore, in
pointing out the Afterwork, the same order shall be followed,
beginning, as before, with the former department.

First, as to Open Dispositions of Wood. In the end of
April, or beginning of May, as soon as the removal of the
last trees of the year (usually the lime, the horse chestnut,
and the oak) is over, is then the time to examine the whole,
and see how they stand as to covering for the roots. For
that purpose, after trying various substances, 1 have found
nothing so completely efficacious as the refuse of a flaxmill,

249

called, ill this part of the country, " shows," which, when
they accumulate in the mill-yard, arc generally thrown into
the river, and carried away by the next flood.* During the
scutching season, which commences in autumn, and extends
frequently to the following spring, it is prudent to lay in a
stock of shows, sufficient for the extent of your work ; and,
by stacking them up in a dry state, they will not heat, but
keep well for nearly a twelvemonth. In parts of the coun-
try where there are no flax-mills, and where shows conse-
quently cannot be procured, I should recommend moss
{Scottice Fog), which is every where to be had, and is the
best succedaneum.

But before this valuable covering is applied, it is expedient,
with late planted trees, to go over the entire surface of the
pit with a wooden beater, made in the fashion of the beater
used by pavers, but greatly larger, ten or twelve inches broad
at bottom, and furnished with a double handle, in order that
two men may work it. In working the beater, it must be
raised as high as three feet or more from the ground, so as
to descend with the utmost force on the loose mould of the
surface ; which surprisingly promotes consolidation, and, by
consequence, the retention of moisture. For all trees, how-
ever, this mode of consolidating is not essentially necessary ;
neither is it indispensable for such as are planted early ; but
with the beech, the oak, the birch, and such others as are
most sensitive of drought, it acts as a powerful preservative
during the first season : and as it is at the nucleus of the
root, immediately under the collar, that the fatal effects of
drought are most to be apprehended, so it becomes the
more important to provide the best mode of protection, in
that quarter.

It was directed in the last section, that, on the planting
being finished, the cover of earth at the stem should be from

* Note I.
32

250

a foot to fourteen inches deep, and at the extremity of the
roots from six to eight inches. If by subsidence or the
beater, somewhat should be lost of those dimensions, it is
now proper to supply them. The next thing to be done is
to level and dress the surface, and prepare it for grass seeds.
Supposing the tree to stand, as often happens, upon a
mound or hillock forced up by the earth or compost, which
has been added to the original soil, the handsomest way of
uniting it with the ground is, first to flatten it a little at top,
and then to shape the mound in the fashion of the ogee in
architecture, a well-known figure, consisting of a round and
a hollow : for it is according to that pleasing figure, or some
modification of it, that the most beautiful aad elegant forms in
nature, whether animate or inanimate, (for example in the
female figure,) are always found to be fashioned : In fact,
they are the forms, on which every eye delights to dwell,
and every artist is studious to introduce into his works.

In wooding a new, or improving an old place, by means
of the transplanting machine, it is to be observed, that on
the sides of approaches, or other principal parts of the
grounds, where foreground trees are scattered with profu-
sion, it is of some importance, that these hillocks should al-
ways appear easy and natural swells, which belong to the
ground, on which they have been superinduced. Above all
things, they should be well " tailed out," as the workmen
call it, beyond the dimensions of the pit, letting their hard
outline imperceptibly disappear, and, as it were, die away in
the outline of the adjoining surface. This is a business,
which good taste suggests, and a good eye will readily
direct. These hillocks, if handsomely shaped, give dignity to
the trees that crown their summits, instead of seeming artifi-
cial and unsightly protuberances.

For this purpose, the director of the work should take a
view of the surface on every side, at teji or fifteen paces ofT,
as the work proceeds, and there give his orders for the execu-

251

tion, wliicli will also strikingly expedite the labourof finishing.
As soon as the figure pleases the eye from every side, the
shows are put on round the stem, and nearly two yards out
from it (that is, for trees of five-and-twenty and thirty feet
high,) to the thickness of six inches at the centre, and four
at the extremities ; beating down the shows with the spade,
to prevent the wind from taking hold of them ; after which,
they will soon consolidate, and completely exclude drought.
The grass-seeds are then sown and raked in, over the re-
mainder of the prepared surface, and of more than ordinary
thickness ; and these, on the roller being passed over them,
will rapidly spring up, and greatly assist in retaining mois-
ture. To turf such considerable spaces, as is done by some,
would be an intolerable labour, without being either so effec-
tive, or so handsome in the execution.

By the above directions it is not meant that the shows
shall remain longer on the surface, than during the first
season. No tree, treated according to the preservative system,
is known to die after the first year, if during that year it
carry a healthy though small leaf, the oak and the beech
perhaps excepted ; which two species (from causes not yet
fully ascertained, but probably owing to a peculiar sensitive-
ness of drought) sometimes fail in the second year. In the
course of the second year, then, the circular spaces round
the stem, which have been covered with shows, are to be
lightly pointed over with the spade, and kept with the hoe
for four or five years, until the trees shoot freely. It would
be extremely injudicious to allow the spade to be used at all,
after the first season ; as the minute and capillary absorbents
of the root immediately rise to the surface, and must suffer
more or less even from the hoe, whatever caution may be
employed. In respect to the oak and the beech, it would be
prudent to allow the shows to remain upon those trees for
two years complete, and delay all stirring of the earth round
them, until the third summer.

252

The shows used for this sort of work are generally the
short kind, the longer sort being reserved for the roofs of
houses, in this district of the country. The former kind
after one year, and still more after two years, greatly decays.
By the second summer, when dug down, as directed above,
they will serve to open and meliorate a clayey or loamy soil.
Should the land be very light, they may be thrown off, pre-
viously to the pointing with the spade.

As the stirring of the mould round newly planted trees is
more or less injurious, as just now stated, to the minute and
capillary rootlets, there is another way, in which I have
sometimes treated trees, and which it may be worth while
to mention in this place. By those planters, who have large
designs to execute, it may be considered as less laborious,
than hoeing round the plants for several years ; and to others,
whose taste has been formed on the w^orks of the great mas-
ters of landscape, and who, for that reason, would reject
whatever seems frittered into detail, or what they might term
spotty in the picture, the appearance of circular hoed spaces
round trees, might at all events be displeasing. To such
planters I would recommend, when the shows are no longer
necessary, instead of pointing over these spaces with the
spade, immediately to sow them down with grass seeds, that
is, after the first or second season, according to the species of
the trees planted. As soon as they are properly established
in the ground, which, situation and circumstances considered,
may be by the fourth, or fifth, or sixth year, a topdressing
should be applied, consisting of earth and coal-ashes, such
as has been described at p. 189., of which the ingredients
are thoroughly mixed, and the surface should then be ulti-
mately laid down with grass seeds. Thus, a general che-
mical action being excited throughout the compost, the most
propitious period will be seized, for giving an extraordinary
stimulus to plants just recovering from the process of removal ;
and there are few trees so treated, that from thenceforward

253

will not l)egin to shoot forth with a vigour, which the most
sanguine planter could scarcely have anticipated.

The next object, after attending to their cover, is to secure
the trees against injury from sheep and cattle. That rub-
bing, by either the one or the other, can affect the stability
of trees, or in any wise displace them, after being planted
in the manner described above, is out of the question. But
there is in the coats of those animals an oily substance, which
by continual friction is apt to stop up the minute pores of the.
bark, and prevent the admission of the sun and air, before
the epidermis has had time to be fortified, by age and expo-
sure, against its influence. Without entering into the inge-
nious speculations of Marsham, 'who found, that repeated
washings surprisingly forwarded the growth of all woody
plants, we are warranted in believing, that those owners of
parks, who continue to defend their trees aAdr sixty and
seventy years' growth (and there are some perflp who incur
that labour,) perform a work of supererogation : at all events,
it is a work of considerable expense, and of very little utility.

The best, the most pleasing, and in many situations the
most profitable stock for a park, consisting of forty or fifty
acres, and upwards, is unquestionably sheep. Sheep love a
wide range of pasturage, and are not found fully to thrive,
or to be kept with facility, within a less extensive circuit
than the one just now specified. Unless your w^ood be of
considerable age, deer, independently of the great difficulty
of restraining them, prove extremely troublesome ; and black
cattle and horses, from their height, and uncommon fondness
for the tender shoots of most woody plants, would shockingly
disfigure the generality of removed trees, of which the effect
chiefly results from the beauty of their spreading boughs, at
from about four to seven and eight feet from the ground.
The browsing-line of the blackfaced sheep seldom reaches
to more than three, or three feet and a half above the sur-
face ; a height, which gives lightness rather than otherwise

254

to park scenery, while the fonnahty, which the browsing-
hne is thought to occasion, is very easily done away, by any
one acquainted with the commonest arrangements in real
landscape. To protect trees effectually, however, from the
rubbing of sheep is a work which we seldom see well exe-
cuted ; because to do it well, both neatness and utiUty should
be combined in the execution.

The guards generally in use for protecting trees, are well
known ; hurdles and cordage of different kinds ; three-cor-
nered, four-cornered, and circular palings, and the like ; black
or whitethorn branches ; wrappings of straw or mat, and
even of painted sailcloth, have been all employed on various
occasions. Of these contrivances, the thorns are injurious
to the wool of the sheep, and the different wrappings to the
trees ; and both act in excluding the sun and air from the
stem. In respect to the hurdles and palings, they appear
always cumbersome, and, if numerous, form too prominent
a feature in a park. When a man, however, has planted
his lawn with trees like his thumb, or at most like his wrist
in thickness, he is apt to fancy, that he has covered the sur-
face with fine wood, when he has only disfigured it with
hedgestakes and railings, which are at least as unsightly to
behold, as they are expensive to keep up, and show a com-
plete absence of both taste and skill. The example which
has been quoted in Section V., of the effect of this sort of
wooding, by no means presents an overcharged picture of
the system.

Perhaps the most perfect of all guards would be an iron
collar, of about an inch and a half broad, with a hinge in
the middle of it; together with sharp-pointed uprights of
the same material, three feet three inches high, and three
quarters of an inch in thickness, for running into the ground.
The uprights might bo placed about two inches asunder ;
and to the whole might be added a hasp, with notches in
the collar, in order to accommodate it to the progressive

255

enlai'genicnt of the stem. But tlic expense of such an
apparatus, for trees of moderate size, including painting of
the colour of the bark, could not be less than from twelve
to fifteen shillings each, which would completely preclude
its general adoption. A guard, therefore, which should be
at once neat, cheap, and durable, seems still to be a deside-
ratum in park economy.

There being between seven and eight hundred trans-
planted trees and bushes in loose dispositions in the Park
here, it was necessary to construct sometliing less hideous,
and less costly, than seven or eight hundred hurdles or
palings of four feet square ; as no features of landscape nor
richness of foliage could have redeemed so overwhelming a
deformity. In Engraving II. the reader will find the deli-
neation of such a guard for a park tree, as has be'bn for
several years adopted at this place, and it is recommended
not less by its neatness, than by its unobtrusiveness and
efficiency. The trifling expense likewise, which attends it,
is of no small importance in situations, where any consider-
able number of trees stand in need of protection.

This guard is composed of stakes of larch-wood, made
like hedgestakes, but somewhat lighter and neater. They
are about three feet three inches long, and six or seven in-
ches in girth, at the larger end. They are flattened at the
smaller end, to the thickness of about three quarters of an
inch, for applying closely to the tree, and pointed at the
larger, for driving into the ground. The workmen, in set-
ting them up, drive them into the ground, four or five inches
out from the stem, and three asunder. The tops being flat,
and about two inches broad, they unite in a neat manner
round the stem, when pressed to it, and firmly bound round
with marline, half twisted and pitched, such as is used on
board a ship, to secure the ends of the cables. A small
piece of doubled mat, four inches broad, is previously put
between the tops of the stakes and the stem, in order to

256

prevent chafing. As soon as this ring oi hempen collar is
put on, the workman, who fixes it, proceeds to connect it
with the bracer at the centre, drawing the end of the mar-
line half way down between the top of the stakes and the
ground, and making it fast to one of the stakes. From
thence he passes it loosel}^ round the whole, taking a turn
round each stake, until he arrives at the point where he
began. He then pulls it tight, and fixes it firmly at that
point ; adding another line of connexion, on the opposite
side between the collar and the centre-bracer last finished.
For this work, it has been found more economical to use
double, than single marline of the conunon size ; as also,
to employ two workmen, if expert at the business, rather
than one ; as two will do it better and more speedily, in pro-
portion to the time they are employed.

Thus it will be perceived, that a guard for trees of the
firmest sort is procured, and such as will last for nine or ten
years, with occasional repairs of the marline ; which last, as
it suffers by contraction and expansion, and the continual
rubbing of the sheep, should, after the first year, be gone
over two or three times during the summer, and kept in good
order. If the larger ends of the stakes (at which place they
always fail) be dipped in coal-tar, brought to the state of half
pitch, they will last from twelve to fifteen years. By driving
the stakes a little way out from the tree, as above directed,
the tallest blackfaced sheep (and no epicure in mutton will
ever keep any other stock) are forced to rub near the centre
of the stake, where the fence is the stoutest. The bark like-
wise, being covered in no part, excepting at the top of the
fence, by the small bit of mat, receives sufficient benefit from
the sun and air.

The entire cost of this guard, materials and workmanship,
does not exceed sixpence per tree, reckoning ten stakes as
the average number required for each. Hence it is an eflfec-
tive, as well as an economical mode of defence, and I may

257

add, a neat one also. To the most fastidious eye, the effect
produced by it is neither heavy nor displeasing, as the hue of
the stakes, in a few days, sufliciently harmonizes with that
of the bark; and so far from appearing a deformity, it is, as
has been observed above, quite unobtrusive, and is nearly
invisible, at fifty yards' distance.

As the season advances, and the drought of summer sets
in, the watering of the trees planted in the spring, and the
preceding winter, next claims attention. About the end of
May, or beginning of June, when no refreshing showers
have fallen for a fortnight, is the time to put in requisition
the water-cart, and to endeavour to supply by artificial
means that degree of moisture, which, after the first year is
over, a more advanced state of consolidation enables the soil
to retain. There is scarcely an instance of a tree, if proper-
ly removed, requiring water in the second year, excepting
perhaps the oak, when it fails to come out freely in June ; but
even in that case, it is quite unnecessary to repeat the opera-
tion, beyond the month in question.

The water-cart is a very simple implement, being merely
an open cart, with broad wheels, having a large barrel or
hogshead mounted on it (an old wine pipe answers the pur-
pose admirably ;) and there aie superadded a spreading
mouth at the bunghole, for filling the cask, and a large brass
cock below, for drawing off the water. The best time for
dispensing this refreshing element, is unquestionably the
evening, as little or no evaporation takes place during the
night ; but in works of any extent, it is not possible always
to time it with accuracy. A single workman, with a couple
of stable-pails, attends the driver of the cart, and both assist
in drawing off, and distributing the water. In executing
this, they cannot pour it on too leisurely, equally dribbling it
out over the surface of the pit, and to the full extent of the
roots, but most copiously near the stem, and on the nucleus of
the root. Four or five pails, which contain sixteen or eigh-

33

258

teen quarts each, are sufficient, at a time, for a tree from
five-and-twenty to thirty feet high ; and the operation is
repeated every fourth day, while drought continues. It is
an easy matter to overwater plants, for example the beech :
an error, by which removed trees sometimes suffer, when
they might otherwise have succeeded, and of which I have
seen more than one instance, in the present year, 1827.

On some occasions, I have attempted the watering of
entire plants, branches as well as roots, with a good garden-
engine ; by which means, it was easy to throw the water, in
copious showers, to the tops of our highest trees. But no
benefit adequate to the labour was found to result from it.
The absorption of dew by the leaves, even in the driest sea-
son, added to an absorption by the roots in consequence of
abundant waterings, appears quite adequate to continue veg-
etation, during the critical period of the first summer. If
the introsusception of their food by the roots is not prevented
from going forward, there seems little danger in the other
parts of the process.

Gardeners usually recommend, that all artificial waterings
shoidd be performed with the watering-pan, as more accu-
rately imitating the genial rains, as they descend from the
clouds. That this is a superior method, cannot be doubted,
and for the nicer business of horticulture, it may in many
cases be indispensable. But in field practice, which is often
less delicate, and far more extensive, despatch is so vast an
object, that such implements as the watering-pan are quite
inadmissible. As a proof in how far our field practice has
been successful, it may be stated, that, during last summer
(1826,) when the severity as well as the continuance of the
drought was, it is believed, beyond all example, only one
removed tree m more than a hundred died at this place,
although several bushes failed, and particularly of the ever-
green species ; and to this it may be added, as a very
striking circumstance, that more than three-fourths of the

•259

number were beeches and oaks ! For such extraordinary
success, in restoring and continuing vegetation after removal,
I chiefly account, from the care and regularity, with which
the water was distributed, and the valuable discovery, that
so cheap and common a substance as shows has the property
of excluding air, and retaining moisture, and is, by conse-
quence, the best safeguard against the effects of drought.

The next branch of afterwork, that requires consideration,
is a very important one, and that is the maintenance of the
trees in a state of progressive vigour, after being planted:
and, as there are few subjects in arboricultural economy, that
appear to be less understood, I shall the more particularly
enlarge upon it.

It has been already observed, that no experienced planter
expects his removed trees to shoot freely, until they have
been fairly established in the ground ; and that is a circum-
stance, which must be regulated by soil and climate, by
scientific planting, and pi'evious selection. It is true, accord-
ing to the system now attempted to be established, they will
carry a full leaf after the first, or, at all events, after the
second season ; and, as they are preserved entire in all their
parts, they will produce the full eflfect of trees, which have
never been removed ; still it is not until the fourth or fifth
year, or more, that shoots of any consequence can be ex-
pected. With particular trees, however, this expectation is
not always fulfilled ; and it sometimes happens, when the
process of removal has been conducted in the best manner,
and on the best soil, when the sun has shone, and the rains
have descended most favorably on the plants, that six, and
seven, and a greater number of years will elapse, without
any decided proofs of advancement. Not but that they
seem sufficiently healthy, and continue to grow ; but we
want something more ; we expect them to thrive in their
new situations. This backwardness in trees, as it appears,
is confined for the most part to suoh as are planted in exposed

260

situations : heat and shelter being its cure or preventive, it
is? seldom seen in close plantations.

For such exceptions to general success, it is not easy to
account, especially in cases, where our subjects are in the
full possession of the protecting properties, particularly that
of competent and healthy roots : but it is certain, that such
exceptions occasionally occur, with almost every sort of tree,
even the hardiest, and those the least sensitive of drought.
It is, moreover, a remarkable fact, that I have sometimes
found those plants of the late or aboriginal oak (the hardiest
of all that genus) thrive the best, which had the worst roots,
that is, the fewest in proportion to the top ! The truth is, that
vegetable physiology is in itself an obscure subject ; and
although many important facts respecting it are known and
ascertained, by microscopical observation, and careful study,
yet probably so many still remain to be discovered, that it is
impossible to suggest a satisfactory theory for every anomaly
that occurs in practice. But in the particular instance above
mentioned, namely, occasional backwardness in the growth
of trees, when least expected, if no theory should be found
to account for it, there seems yet a certain remedy for the
evil, which experience has pointed out.

If a tree appearing backward, be from five-and-tvventy to
thirty feet high, and of girth in proportion, let four cartloads
of tolerable earth be taken, of a quality rather opposite than
similar to that, on which it has been planted, that is, for
hght soil, of the aluminous, and for heavy, of the silicious
character ; to which let a cartload of coal-ashes be added,
with the rough cinders carefully riddled out. Let the
whole be laid round the tree, and very intimately mixed in
the manner above pointed out for extra earth and compost,
and particularly when made up of manure of this species.*
Then, let the composition be spread on the surface, from the

♦ See pages 217, 218. nnleh.

261

centre outwards, nine inclies thick at least, at the stem or
centre, and five or six at the extremities ; by which means,
probably a space of six or eight feet out will be richly coated.
Or, if you can easily supply the materials, it would be better
to coat it ten or twelve feet out. Lastly, let the composition
be carefully pointed with the spade, between two and three
inches deep (which is the depth of ordinary hoeing, into the
former soil, round the plant. The sooner after the fall that
this work can be executed, the more confidently you may
rely on its effects during the following season.

Into materials so compounded the minutest fibres, or
absorbents of the root, will enter with avidity, on the first
approach of the genial heat of spring ; or possibly the fine and
friable nature of the composition may occasion an anticipation
of the period. The season of vernation erelong will come
on, the leaves will be enlarged, and assume a far deeper and
more lively green. By midsummer, the tree will have shot
some inches ; and, by the following season, probably more
than a foot ; and it will continue to exhibit both established
health and progressive vigour.

About every house in the country, there is a place appro-
priated for collecting the ashes ; I mean of course, coal-ashes.
To that deposit are usually added soot, sweepings of houses,
and other miscellaneous manures from the kitchen-court, all
well adapted to the purpose in question ; and the whole
should be exclusively reserved for trees by the judicious
planter. Great attention likewise should be bestowed, in
separating the cinders from the ashes, when the latter are
first thrown out, and in a dry state, as the cinders are of little
value, and injurious to the roots of plants.

No one, who has not seen it, will easily believe the sur-
prising effect, which this compound produces on park-wood
some time removed, and to the most exposed situations, if it
chance to be in a backward condition, and by thus merely
adding to the surface, and thereby enlarging the pabulum

262

of the trees. I rathei imagine, that the process is pecuHar
to my own practice : but, be that as it may, I have repeatedly
tried it on all sorts of subjects, young and old, removed and
unremoved, that seemed to be backward or stationary in
their progress, and its vivifying powers have proved extraor-
dinary in evxry instance. It is, however, to be observed,
that in the case of old trees, as there is a complete exhaus-
tion of the original soil around them, so a much larger mass
of fresh matter must be superinduced upon it. A tree of
three or four feet in diameter would require twenty cart-
loads at least, in order that any material renovation of its
strength might be effected ; and few men, I think, would
grudge so small an expense and labour, to save or improve
a favourite tree.

The practice of gardeners, T am aware, is considerably
different from this. If they find their trees in any wise un-
prosperous, their usual resource is, to stir the earth among
the roots, instead of leaving them undisturbed, and to dig in
well-rotted dung, or other manure ; and it is to be presumed,
that, in their management of park-wood, they would pursue
a similar system. In favour of such a practice, in the hor-
ticultural department, something may be said ; because the
great depth of soil in garden-ground admits of the roots of
fruit-trees descending far deeper, than can be expected in
the park ; not to mention the advantage of cultivating
leguminous crops on the surface. But I am satisfied, were
the fruit borders in gardens, and especially in orchards, to be
left undisturbed, unless by the hoe, and were the extension
or improvement of pabulum for the roots to be made upon
the surface, as just now directed, that the effects would be
not less surprising than those which I myself have expe-
rienced.*

There is another remedy, which I have sometimes tried,

* Note II.

263

for backwardness in the growth of trees, and which, although
I cannot recommend it with the same confidence as the
above Panacean Compound (if I may so call it), is yet
deserving of the reader's notice. It consits of the juice or
moisture proceeding from the dunghill, which, being col-
lected in a well or pit, is pumped up into the water-cart : and
it is frequently used for decomposing-peat, or manuring
grass-grounds in the spring. When intended for trees,
damp weather, or immediately after rain, is the time for
applying it, on account of the quantity of ammonia in dif-
ferent forms, and the various salts which it contains. It is
poured on, in the same slow and gradual way as directed
for the water, but in not more than half the quantity at
a time.

As this liquid may be considered as the extract of the
most useful vegetable and animal manures, virith a strong
infusion of urine in a putrid state, so it has probably in its
composition too much animal matter, to form a proper nour-
ishment, by absorption, for the roots of woody plants. All
urine, contains the essential elements of vegetables in a
state of solution. During putrefaction, a great part of the
soluble animal matter is destroyed ; therefore, it is proper
always to use it in as fresh a state as possible ; or otherwise,
to dilute it copiously with water, to which a moist state of
the ground, or the water which falls into the pit, as above,
will contribute. When managed, however, in the most
careful manner, this liquid rather disappointed me in its
effects on trees, and I should far rather prefer the excellent
compound already described.*

In regard to backwardness in trees, as the subject is not
only curious in itself, but of great moment to the general
planter, as well as to him who removes larger trees, perhaps
a few remarks, on the causes in which it oiiginates, may

* Note III.

264

not be iuappropriate in this place, and prove interesting to
botli.

From what has been observed of this evil, it appears, that
it exists in a remarkable manner, only among exposed
plants, and that heat resulting from shelter, in most cases,
furnishes a complete preventive. In consideringt he nature
and habits of woody plants, we find, that the warmer the
atmosphere in which they grow, the more active the vege-
tation that is carried on in them, and consequently the
greater the deposition of nutrient matter, that is made in
the bodies of the plants. Our object, therefore, should be,
after their removal to colder or more exposed situations, so to
increase by artificial methods the action of their vegetable
powers, as to compensate to the required extent for the
absence of heat ; and should that not be done sufficiently in
the beginning, to augment it afterwards. This important
principle was stated above, in the instrucdons given for the
preparation of the soil, but not sufficiently illustrated under
that head.*

It is on this principle, that the application of the rich and
friable compound above mentioned is made with such extra-
ordinary effect. If we administer it to two park trees of the
same species, and of equal size and strength, but placed in
different degrees of exposure, in equal quantities, the shoots
which the trees send forth, will not be in the ratio of the
compound applied, but in the ratio of the exposure. In the
same way, if we apply the one half of the compound to a
park tree comparatively sheltered, and double the quantity,
or more, to a similar tree severely exposed, the shoots which
are sent forth by the former, will be fully equal to those sent
forth by the latter. Thus, the uniform, but relative success
attending this practice demonstrates the justness of the
principle.

* See Sect. VI. p. 193—195.

265

But wliat shall we say to the case, which fic(|Ueiitly occurs,
of two trees to all appearance equally formed and circum-
stanced, and yet unequal in their progress ; or, more properly
speaking, of which the one is progressive, and the other
visibly stationary ? As there can be no efTect without an
adequate cause, so we are compelled to believe, that such
plants are either different fiom what they appear in their
internal development, or that their development is differently
acted on by its external conditions, otherwise, we should
unquestionably perceive the same results. From what we
know of the uncertain and anomalous practices of planters,
there are various circumstances respecting removed trees,
that may possibly be regarded either as proximate, or effi-
cient causes of their ill success, or at least of their appearing
stationary, when, as we imagine, we have done every thing
in our power to render them progressive. These circum-
stances or causes are probably the following :

First, An unsuitable or inappropriate Soil or Subsoil.
There are certain soils, on which all trees will thrive ; and
there are certain other soils, on which particular trees will
not thrive, according to their particular properties, and the
law of nature that regulates their species. As nine planters
in ten are unable to discriminate regarding plants and soils,
and make the proper selection, so it must happen, that trees
often fail of success, wholly from this circumstance.

The second cause seems to be. Defective Roots. Roots,
when taken up and replanted, may sufficiently please even
an experienced eye, and look both abundant and healthy ;
but they may, and often do receive such treatment between
the two processes, as incapacitates them for performing their
functions as absorbents. If the roots, and especially the
minute fibres, are to be kept up as much as possible entire
(which is a fundamental rule in the preservative system,) it
is evident, that the utmost care and attention are indispensa-
ble, to'prevent an unnecessary exposure to the atmosphere.

34

266

Should that unfortunately be permitted, the fibres will be-
come discoloured, or altogether black, and by immediately
decaying, after being replanted, soon occasion a correspond-
ing decay in the spray and twigs of the branches. As the
sap, therefore, is scantily absorbed and sent vipw^ards, an
equally scanty supply of the proper juice is sent down, in
order to give expansion to the roots ; and although the tree
carry a tolerable leaf, and produce the general effect contem-
plated in its removal, still the efforts which it makes to sup-
ply the parts that have been lost, retard ita progress, and a
year or two may elapse, ere the due complement be made up,
and the tree consequently shoot forth with vigovu'. It is to
be feared, that this cause of backwardness oftener occurs
than the best planters are aware of ; but it never appears so
fully displayed to the view, as in some singular case, when
the tree happens again to be taken up, after the first or
second season.

The third cause that may be assigned, is late frost, in the
spring of the first year, or, it may be, early frost, in the
autumn of the foregoing season. Supposing that trees have
the best roots and branches, and that they have been trans-
ferred without accident or injury, premature frost is never-
theless an enemy to their success, which no foresight can
prevent. In these northern latitudes we have, properly
speaking, but three divisions of the year, summer, winter,
and autumn. The fourth division, namely spring, although
it figures in the calendar, does not always favour us with its
actual presence. Sharp frosts in May, and sometimes in
October, are not altogether unknown in the best English
climates ; but they are mild visitants there, to what they
sometimes prove in Scotland.

If the reader have fully apprehended the detail, which
has been given above (especially in Section IV.,) respecting
roots and branches, he will perceive, that those two main
conservative organs being (as the schoolmen say) " relative

267

and correlative," continually act and react ; hence, they re-
ciprocally nourish and decay, and are reciprocally stationary
or progressive. Therefore it must happen, that if, during
April and May, a keen frost supervene, when the sap first
rises (and the How must always be more or less imperfect,
in the season of removal,) the topshoots of the former year
will inevitably be cut dow n, and the roots must suffer pro-
portionally in consequence. In the same way, if they be
cut down in October, they will not revive in May or April.
In either case, the activity of vegetation being checked in
the outset, and in both branches and roots, it will require
more than a single year, ere the tree can regain its healthful
action.

The fourth cause, which may be stated, is late planting
in the spring, which always operates as a great discourage-
ment to trees, and kills many. By planting early, that is,
soon after the autumn, or at least not later than February
and March, all trees (oaks and evergreens excepted) are
surprisingly benefited. By means of the moisture, with
which the earth is constantly saturated at this season, a
gradual consolidation of the mould round the roots and
fibres takes place, far superior to any that can be brought
about by artificial pressure. But the state of the atmosphere
after March being comparatively dry, no equal consolidation
is attainable, and the roots, if once injured hy drought,
suffer so severely, as not to recover the injury for some years,
and often they never recover it.

The fifth cause is akin to this, and acts prejudicially in
the same manner, during the first year, namely, the neglect
of duly covering and watering the roots, before the summer
drought sets in. In situations where " shows," or the refuse
of a Flaxmill cannot be obtained, moss {Scottice fog,) which
is frequently employed by florists, is the best substitute, as
already mentioned.

It is remarkable, that these five probable causes of back-

268

wardness in the growth of trees, the first only excepted, uni-
formly operate during the first seaso7i after their removal,
which points out the vast influence which their health, during
that critical period, seems to possess over their after-progress.
As the evils specified are all, excepting one, in our own power,
and such as by attention and industry may be prevented, so
it likewise points out of how much importance it is, both to
the general planter, and the planter for immediate effect, by
every effort to endeavour to prevent them, by attention to
the selection, condition, treatment, and growth of their plants,
in the early stages of their progress.

It is highly probable, that one or other of these causes of
backwardness exist in all removed subjects which become
stationary, although we are not always aware of its existence.
How successfully soever a tree maybe transferred, we do not
expect any considerable shoots from it, till after the third or
fourth year ; and we do not decidedly pronounce as to its
backwardness, till the fifth or sixth, when, if it be a fine
subject, we begin to look round for a remedy. At this junc-
ture, the evil or evils in question are in a very great degree
alleviated, by the efforts made by the plants themselves to
regain their lost strength. Hence, the stimulus of the com-
post above recommended, must now come at a very opportune
period. Coal or wood-ashes, or peat-compost, as already said,
soot, the sweepings of houses, and other miscellaneous com-
pounds, intimately mixed with soil in a completely friable
state, are peculiarly fitted for this purpose ; and in fact, no-
thing less than such a stimulus is sufficient to compensate
for the want of heat, and to render vegetation once more
active, counteracted as it must be, by the severity of the
process of removal itself, and by the effects of the exposure,
in which the tree has been placed. The great object, in the
application of all manure, is, to furnish as much soluble
matter as possible to the roots of plants, and that in a slow

269

and gradual manner, in order that it may be entirely con
sumed in forming their sap, and various organized parts.

This short statement may perhaps in some measure ac-
count for the backward condition of trees standing in the
open park, and likewise for the success of the remedy that
has been apphed to them. In regard to the superior advan-
tage of the method of laying the compost on the surface,
compared with that of digging in any manure among the
roots, it is too obvious to require further illustration.

There is only one other point, in the department of after-
work, which it may be worth while to touch upon, in as far
as open dispositions of wood are concerned, and that is, the
setting straight after a certain period. There is nothing that
contributes more to the beauty of park-wood, and particularly
of removed trees, than their maintaining the upright position,
and their appearing unaffected by the western and south-
western blasts. Those, who possess grounds on the western
coast, will more especially feel the importance of this remark.
It is true, that in the compositions of the best masters of
landscape, we find trees sometimes represented in a heeling
position ; and such objects are often extremely picturesque,
and so found in nature. Kent, as has been already noticed,
planted dead trees in his designs, the better to imitate natural
variety : but that is not a taste which can be safely recom-
mended to the young planter to adopt. Whatever be the
pains and care which we bestow on making our trees stead-
fast in the planting, it will sometimes happen, on a large
scale of work, and in bleak situations, that a few may have \\

discernibly yielded to the- blast, after being a twelvemonth '

in the ground. It is proper, therefore, in the spring of the
second year, to go over the whole, and by means of a long
rope, fixed as near as possible to the top, to bring such as
require it to the windward side. The longer the lever, the
greater, of course, will be the effect produced.

The speediest way is to turn out a number of hands, sufii-

270

cient to command the tree at once, eight or nine persons at
the least, taking care to secure the bark of the stem, by
various folds of mat, interposed between it and the turns of
the rope. When the tree has been sufficiently bent down
towards the proper quarter, let the director of the work
minutely examine where the ground rents on the lee side,
and order an opening to be made at the place, with as little
injury as possible to the roots, of a foot or eighteen inches
long, and of half the width. While the tree is held in the
heeling position, heavy masses of green-sward are then
procured, as large as can be lifted with the spade, and
rammed into the opening, firmly treading them in with the
foot, or securing them, if needful, with the beater. If this be
done in April, before the sap flows abundantly, no damage
will be suffered by the bark, and little by the roots. As the
position of the tree is reversed in the planting, and the long-
est branches, and consequently the longest roots, are turned
to the stormy quarter, you will probably have no further
trouble with it ; although a second revision of its position is
always advisable, in the spring of the following year.

Upon the whole, this is a work, which, according to the
preservative system, is so seldom necessary, that the mention
of it in this place might seem superfluous. But, in a body of
instructions, intended for general use, it is advisable to guard
against every contingency. In respect to the propping or
supporting of trees with wood, or ropes, or other materials,
which, with many planters, forms a principal and important
branch of their afterwork, it is wholly unknown at this place.
Indeed, whoever considers the method of securing the roots
above delineated, will perceive, that such adventitious and
unsightly contrivances are altogether superseded by that
method. During the course of thirty years, as already men-
tioned, we have never had a tree Vjlown down, and rarely one
displaced from its original position ; and it is probably to the
undisturbed state of the roots, owing to that circumstance.

271

during the iwo first years alter removal, that our success
may in a great measure be attributed.

I will now proceed, in the second place, to speak of close
woods and plantations. The afterwork applicable to these
will not require a long discussion. Much of the afterwork,
that is proper for single trees, equally applies to enclosed
masses of wood : besides, the same minuteness of attention,
and diversity of labour, are not demanded by the latter, as
by the former style of plantation.

In the foregoing three sections, the method has been
pointed out of preparing and planting close woods, which, in
their handsomest form consist of standard or grove trees
with underwood intermixed. Such plantations, having
been previously trenched, and manured to a potatoe-crop,
are in a state of preparation, far exceeding any that can be
obtained for open groups, and still more for detached or
single trees. One advantage above all others they possess,
and that is, that the plants, which compose them, form a
complete shelter to one another, and thereby create a cli-
mate for the plantation, many times milder than that of the
surrounding grounds. Here also a far greater stagnation of
air prevails, and consequently, a retention of moisture, pro-
portionally greater than in the open park.

The first thing to be done with these plantations is the
same as with single trees, namely, to go over them carefully,
and examine what cover they have upon the roots, and to
supply it, if wanting, with earth taken from the intervals.
To make up the cover to about ten inches in depth, is at
least equal to a foot or fourteen inches, in the open field. It
seldom happens, unless the outside plants be very deficient
in length of root, that any consolidation by the beater can be
wanted ; neither is any uncommon accuracy material, in
leveUing or dressing the surface, unless what is required to
preserve the general character of the ground, and to prevent
the stagnation of water in any part. In respect to fencing

272

the ticcs!, nothing need to be said on that subject ; as the
plantations being close, that is, composed of grove and under-
wood, necessarily implies an enclosure completely secured
against sheep or cattle.

As it is equally important, though not nearly so difficult,
to preserve close or enclosed plantations from suffering by
drought, as open dispositions of wood, shows must be laid
upon the roots in the former, by the middle of May at the
latest, and before the summer droughts set in. For this
work, the same method is to be followed, as that prescribed
for single trees; only, should your stock of shows be not
abundant, the allowance may be decreased, by a third part
for the trees, and by the one half for the underwood. In
respect to watering, it is to be done in a similar manner,
every fourth day, as pointed out for detached trees, but not
so copiously, as in the case of the latter, for the reasons
already assigned, and because those trees are much more
exposed to the action of the atmosphere.

During the first season, the cultivation of the ground is of
small moment ; but without displacing the shows, it may be
hoed in the intervals. In the second year, the entire surface
is to be hghtly pointed over with the spade, and carefully
kept with the hoe, until the plants shoot freely. From the
superiority of this factitious climate, and other propitious
circumstances, the plants very readily become established in
the ground ; and in point of growth, they will soon outstrip
all your other plantations. In this situation, we find no
backwardness of growth, no stationary symptoms in these
plants, but all advance with nearly equal vigour.

From what has been said, the reader will perceive the
great importance of a judicious system of management, for a
few years subsequent to the removal of trees, and, above all
things, the perfect preservation of their health and strength,
during the critical period of the first season. The great
design of afterwork, independently of that of securing the

273

plants from external injury^ is to bring about their speedy
and full establisluneut in the i,aound. No plants, as I
conceive, can be said to be fully established in the ground,
unless they shoot forth with freedom, according to the soil in
which they are placed, and that appears to depend, in open
exposures, on their complete possession of all the Pro-
tecting Properties ; or, in other words, that nearly as
active a vegetation shall be carried on, and nearly as great
a deposition of nutrient matter made in them, as in suljjects
of similar magnitude in close plantations, in the same soil
and chmate. That shoots of equal, or nearly equal length
should in any case be sent forth, by exposed as by sheltered
trees (as is the case at this place,) is a fact probably unexam-
pled in itself, and, in order to gain belief, the thing requires
to be seen, or at least supported by very unexceptionable
evidence.

It has been calculated by some arboriculturists, and
probably with correctness, that a young plantation judiciously
prepared, and afterwards kept clean with the hoe, for seven
or eight years, will grow more within that space of time,
than it would do in twenty years, by the ordinary method of
planting, without such preparation and keeping. If this be
true, I believe, it may be said, with at least equal justice, that
close plantations of removed wood, if properly executed, and
kept with the hoe for three years, are equal to ordinary
plantations of at least forty, or five-and-forty years' standing,
in this climate. At the end of four or five years, they will
branch out on every side with such luxuriance, as to require
the utmost industry of the primer to restrain them within due
limits : and yet it is indispensably necessary that they should
be so restrained, in order that the standard or grove trees
should be kept spiral, and the underwood subordinate in its
character.

Upon the whole, I may assert with truth, after the expe-
rience of more than forty years, that there are no plantations

35

274

at this place, which exhibit the same general health, and
progressive vigour, as the Removed Woods, whether it be
in open groups, or close plantations, as the committee of the
Highland Society has amply attested. And, should they
continue by the one half only as rapidly progressive, for the
time to come, the axe must interpose, in order to prevent
them from obscuring the glades, or blotting out the distances
of the landscape.

275

SECTION XI.

EXPENSE ATTENDING THE FOREGOING OPERATIONS.

On more than one occasion, in the course of this Essay, I
have ventured to state, that the art under discussion laid
claim to be one of " practical utility." But it would ill
support that pretension, if the principles it unfolds, and the
practice it recommends, for giving Immediate Effect to Wood,
involved an extravagant expenditure. For an art to be
generally useful, it must produce something better than the
gigantic feats, and the costly wonders of former ages. If the
art in question possess any one merit above another, it is
that of lessening the expense of both present and former
practice, and bringing it within the reach of any person of
moderate fortune.

Of all the rural luxuries which the landowner may enjoy,
there is certainly no one more exquisite, than that of ob-
taining at pleasure the command of wood ; and every one,
we should think, would rejoice at the endeavour to render it
a cheap luxury. The efforts, therefore, of those must appear
the more surprising, who, for some years past, have laboured
to mislead the public, by exaggerating the expense attending
the preservative system ;* and as their opportunities of
information onight be supposed the best, so it places in a

* See the Report of the Comjnittee of the Highland Society, which is
given in the Appendix.

276

striking point of view either their gratuitous malevolence, or
their extraordinary ignorance.

The most distinct method, which, I apprehend, can be
adopted, to show the true amount of the expense attending
the various processes above described, in the preparation and
removal of woods, is, in the first place, to state the particulars,
in as far as they regard my own practice, which any one
may examine and verify at pleasure : and, in the second
place, to give a report of the operations of a few well-known
persons of the first respectability, who, on a conviction of its
correctness, have adopted my system, not gratuitously and
ignorantly, but with some knowledge of scientific principle.
For I will venture to assert, that no one ever yet adopted
this si/stem, ivith a knowledge of the princijyles on which
it is founded., whose pj'actice was not attended with siic-
cess. The general error committed by planters, is to con-
sider it too much as a mechanical art, and not to allow to
principles the just rank and consequence they deserve.

In the first place, as to my own practice. It is obvious,
that there are two ways, in which rural labour is performed.
The one is by contract, according to specific rates, and
stipulated dimensions, which gives the cost in money, on
ascertaining the extent of the work. The other is by day-
labour, which gives it as certainly, by the rate of wages paid
to the workman, and an estimation of time. But wherever
much accuracy or nicety of execution is in question, experi-
ence will advise to follow the latter, rather than the former
method. In the preparation of the soil, however, and like-
wise the preparation of subjects, the work may be done
sufficiently well by contract ; which, on a large scale, and
with expert workmen, I have sometimes found it advisable
to adopt, both as most speedy, and most economical.

As to work executed by contract; the mode of preparing
the pits for single trees, and open dispositions of wood, is
delineated at page 171, &c. If the soil be of tolerable

277

quality, which in a nobleman's or gentleman's park, is a fair
supposition, then two, or at most, three single-horse cartloads
of compost will sutlice, and the pit is to be worked, to the
depth of from eighteen inches to two feet. In that case, I
have done the work at the rate of from 8d. to lOd. per pit;
and the compost (supposing it to be made with animal
manure) may be prepared for 9d, per cartload ; which last is
the price usually paid by persons in this part of the country,
who prepare it solely for agricultural purposes.

Should the soil be very thin, or, in an extreme case,
should there be no soil at all, but merely barren sand or rock
on the spot, and should the owner still resolve to cover it
with wood, he must necessarily bring earth for the subsist-
ence of his trees. In such a case, every one will admit, that,
although a striking improvement of property is thus made,
by the superinduction of a new soil, both for grain and grass-
crops, yet so entire an alteration of the nature of the ground
cannot be fairly chargeable to the pla?itmg of it, whether
with old trees or young. As may be seen at pp. 173, 174,
such improvements are extremely practicable, and have been
often made at this place, at no very extravagant cost : but
still they are agricultural, and make an adequate return in
pasture for the money laid out.

The above may serve to convey a fair idea of the expense
of preparation, when the pits are to be made a twelvemonth
beforehand, and the trees and underwood removed after that
interval. Should the planter be in haste to obtain the effect
required, and be resolved both to prepare and to plant during
the same season, then the expense of the compost would be
the same as that already stated, but the preparation of the
pits would amount to from Is., to Is. 3d. each.

In trenching the entire ground for groups and larger
masses of park-wood, which is strongly recommended to be
done, at pp. 177 — 179, for reasons both agricultural and
arboricultural, the trenching or double-digging may be exe-

278

cuted, at the rate of 9d. or lOcl per Scotch fall (which is
about one fifth part larger than the English pole or rod,) or
Z,. 8 per acre. This calculation can be made only on the
supposition, that spadable soil is in question : but should the
pick be called in, somewhat extra must be charged by the
workman, as above stated, and the amount will depend, of
course, on the nature of the obstacles of stone, for example,
gravel, or obdurate clay, that present themselves during the
work. From the passages, however, just now referred to,
and the notes, it clearly appears, that trenching or double-
digging for groups and open dispositions, if executed on
proper principles, will, besides other advantages, raise the
value of the land, by the one half at least ; and moreover,
in most cases, it will save the labour of mounding, or bring-
ing extra earth from a distance. In these circumstances, no
reasonable person will say, that it would be equitable to
charge the cost entirely to the account of transferring wood.

At pp. 179 — 181, the preparation of the ground for close-
woods and plantations is next described. This being a work,
usually executed on a more extensive scale than groups and
single trees, should, generally speaking, be done by contract.
The trenching should in no case exceed the rate already
mentioned, for open dispositions of wood. But, as it dis-
tinctly appears, by many years' experience, that the abun-
dance of the potatoe-crop, which follows trenching, never
fails to pay both for the execution of that work, and the
manure, and sometimes rent besides, the land is thus ready
for the operations of the planter, without the burthen of pre-
paratory cost of any sort.

All the above works I can say that 1 have, at different
times, executed by contract, at the prices here stated, or
nearly, according to the nature of the soil, and the rate of
labour at the time. I have likewise, on other occasions, done
it by day-labour ; and I am obliged to add, that the differ-
ence of the expense between the two is so insignificant,

279

while the diflerence in point of accuracy is material, that I
greatly prefer the latter method, unless for the trenching of
close plantations, where the same minute attention is not
required, and where a far greater space of ground is to be
turned up. In the nicer parts of the preparation of the soil,
as has been shown in Section VI., it is surprising what may
be done for the fine and capillary absorbents of the root, by
a minute attention to the comminution of the parts.

Of the other processes connected with the removal of
trees, namely, the taking-up, the transporting, and the plant-
ing itself, no part of them can be made the subject of work
by contract, and they are to be estimated only by time. This
is evident from the very nature of those processes ; and
hence, there is no other way, in which the cost can be ascer-
tained, excepting by the dimensions of the trees transplanted,
the distance from which they are brought, and the particular
labour that has attended them.

If a tree, removed to the open park, be from fifteen to
eighteen feet high, and from eighteen inches to two feet in
girth, or, in other words, from six to eight inches in diameter,
which, as has been already said, is the smallest tree that has
strength to resist the elements ; and that the distance it is
brought be about half a mile, which may be called a medium
distance, the expense, in general, is not found to exceed 6s.
6d. If it be from five-and-twenty to thirty feet high, and
from three feet to three feet six in girth, the expense is not
found to be more than 12s. 6d. This is as accurate an esti-
mate as can be made of the present expense of transferring
park-wood at this place, with expert workmen ; which must
necessarily vary as the size increases, or as the rate itself is
varied by circumstances, or controlled by unavoidable and
unforeseen accidents. But I have scarcely known an instance,
in which plants of the largest size in question cost from 15s.
to ISs. Estimates of the particulars for both sizes may be
given as follow :

280

For a tree from Fifteen to Eighteen feet high, with lime-compost.

Preparation of the pit, as above, . . . . £0 0 8

Three cart-loads of compost, at 6d 0 16

Three workmen taking up, half a day, at Is. 6d. . . 0 2 3

Transporting and planting, say 0 2 1

£0 6 6

For a tree from Five-and-Twenty to Thirty feet high, with dung-
compost.

Preparation of the pit £0 0 8

Three cart-loads of compost, at 9d. . . . . 0 2 3

Three workmen taking up, a day, at Is. 6d. . . 0 4 6

Transporting and planting, say 0.5 1

£0 12 6

Of these composts it is understood, that they are to be
made up, in the manner aheady directed in Sect. VI. pp.
186., 187. ; the hme-compost, at from one fifth to one sixth
part of the hme, to four or five sixths of the peat, according
to the weather, and the state of the materials. The dung-
compost is to be mixed, according to the judicious directions
of the late Lord Meadovvbank, with important improvements
which experience has suggested, and which are detailed in
the Notes referring to the above passages.

In respect to close-woods, it is to be observed, that the ex-
pense of removing the trees which compose them, if of the
heights just now mentioned, is necessarily much less than
the cost of such, as would suit the open park. The former
possess the non-protecting properties, especially small tops,
and correlative roots ; hence, they are far more easily trans-
ferred than the others. For close-woods, for obvious reasons,
subjects will always be chosen, that are endued with the
non-protecting properties ; and therefore, the expense of
removing them half a mile, as already mentioned, does not

281

exceed 3s. Cd. each, lor the standard or f^rove trees, and from
Is. to 2s. per stool, for the luulcrwood.

The rates thus specified for woods of all sorts, are given
with great care, as the result of many years' experience. If
planters could be persuaded to confine themselves, at least
in their earlier essays, to subjects of moderate dimensions,
such as are from five-and-twenty to thirty feet in height,
but of some stoutness, that is, from a foot to fourteen inches
in diameter (and these are quite sufficient for Immediate
Effect, and picturesque beauty,) they might confidently rely
on the power of the art amply to gratify their wishes, at a
very moderate cost. It is the ambition of undertakings,
beyond the accomplishment of any man without extraordi-
nary skill, and without machinery far surpassing in magni-
tude and expense what is generally constructed, that misleads
and discourages many, and prevents those habits of accurate
observation, and patient industry, without which no art use-
ful or ornamental ever yet was carried to any degree of
excellence.

I will now proceed to give a few examples of work exe-
cuted solely by day-labour, which, on an estimate of time,
are also susceptible of an intelligible result. Of effects both
rapidly and cheaply produced, and likewise on a scale of
some extent, it would not be easy to give better instances,
than what are to be found at this place. To state facts, not
to excite wonder, is the sole object of the following short
detail ; and in truth, both the time and the manner, in which
the objects in question have been accomplished, are so well
known to many persons, that all disguise or concealment on
my part were impossible, had I any wish to practise arts so
disingenuous.

On turning to the Frontispiece, the reader will perceive,
that, in this view of the Park, considerable woody effects
have been realized, and that they are very favourably seen,
with water as a foreground. Between the years 1816 and

36

282

1821, the former inclusive, the whole of this, whether park

trees or copsewood, was executed by means of the trans-
planting machine, excepting as to the distant and bounding
lines of wood, which on the spot are easily distinguishable.
Within the above space of time, it rarely happened, that
more than eight or nine workmen were employed, unless
for the trenching, which, as has been recommended in Sect.
VI., was generally done by contract. The months of the
year, in which transplanting-work is performed here, are
usually four, namely from January till May. The wages
paid to workmen have, for some years, been 9s. and 10s.
per week : hence, supposing one week in the month to go
off for unfavourable weather, the entire amount would, at
the latter rate, be L.58, 10s. yearly. This is a considerable
sum, no doubt ; although it allows but a small portion of
expense for each tree and bush of the many hundreds that
have been removed. But it would admit of but few plants
indeed, at the rate of ten and fifteen guineas, which folly or
ignorance has supposed them to cost.

Let it be observed, moreover, that there is included in the
same estimate, the planting of a considerable island in the
lake, and four different promontories of some extent ; besides
the woody accompaniments of the bridge, seen in the second
distance, and sundry other groups and open dispositions of
trees in the Park, which were viewed by the Committee of
the Highland Society, and cover a large surface ; but they
could not all be given in this landscape. In these circum-
stances, probably L.58. 10s., laid out annually for six years,
will not be considered, by any one conversant with wood, as
an extravagant, but rather as a very moderate sum to dedi-
cate to the speedy accomplishment of the objects, which it
has been thus attempted to delineate.

It is true, it may be said, that this is a vague statement,
consisting only of a general view of expenditure, without
the detail of particular itenih^. and therefore, without the

283

•grounds of conclusive proof. l"'or this reason, it will be
proper to select one or two recent instances for the purpose,
in which certain work lias been done, at some certain and
specific price.

Of all the ways, in which the art of transplanting can
display its power, there is no one more conspi(;uous, than
when it is employed to relieve or decorate ornamental build-
ings, or to mask such as are obtrusive or unsightly, and for
that reason require concealment. If a new approach, for
example, be made to a place, and a new entrance-gate and
lodge be executed, in a situation where no wood exists, there
is nothing more common than to see such erections, hand-
some perhaps in themselves,

" Standing in blank and desolated state,"

for fifteen or twenty years, and exhibiting to the traveller
that want of power to give Immediate Efiect to Wood, which,
as has been already stated, is a desideratum in the landscape
gardener's department, and which the art under considera-
tion is calculated to supply.

It so happened, about five years since, that a new entrance
was made to this place, and a new lodge and gateway erected.
It being from a quarter of secondary importance, and other
works being on hand at the time of a more pressing nature,
the wooding of the spot was deferred, and the building al-
lowed to stand for four years, in the bleak condition just now
described. The lodge was placed near the top of a steep
bank, overhanging the Calder, which is here an insignificant
stream ; and it had no wood of any sort to cover it, except-
ing four solitary fir-trees, of about sixty years' growth, and
at some distance from one another. It is impossible, there-
fore, that any thing could be more " blank and desolate," or, as
the landscape gardeners phrase it, more completely "staring."
Being aware that these defects could be at any time remedied,
I did not resolve, till the spring of 1826, to do away the re-

284

proach of so unmeaning an object. To effect this nothing
but wood was wanting, as the ground round the building to
some extent was in a favourable state, and had been trenched
some time before, and manured to a potatoe-crop.

Tlie lodge stands on a gentle swell, somewhat elevated
above the turnpike road, and, instead of being placed quite
close to it, as is commonly done, and rendered neady invisi-
ble by shrubs and creepers, it is thrown back into the park
about fifty feet off the road. Across the coach-road, and at
right-angles with it, runs an open railing in front, terminat-
ing in a hedge, which, at some distance, falls easily into the
general line of the road-fences ; leaving, on the outside of
the gate, an open space or grass-plot, an hvmdred-and-four
yards in length, and comprising about the fifth part of an
acre. This space is kept with the sythe, and is separated
from the turnpike road by a low rough fence of larch stakes
something less than two feet high, of which the bark is
allowed to remain upon the stakes. On the sides of the
coach-road, through the whole breadth of the bounding line
of plantation, run two grassy margins of the park, about
five-and-thirty feet broad, which come down to the gate, and
seem to form a part of the external grass-plot, being sepa
rated from it only by the open railing, so that the sheep
browse up to the gate itself. These two margins within,
and the grass-plot without, are completely wooded with grove
or standard trees, from twenty-five to thirty -five feet high,
scattered in an irregular manner, eighteen or twenty feet
asunder, with copse or underwood in the intervals, which
last are from four to six feet in height.

Thus, the open but woody character of the park is con-
tinuous, and extends the whole way to the public road ;
while the traveller, in passing along, catches here and there
glimpses of the lodge, with the light foilage of the trees
playing on the porch, and other parts of the building. Be-
yond the limit of these park-like margins, all the adjoining

285

space, to the extent of more than three quarters of an acre, i^'
massed up with grove trees and underwood in the closest
manner, and the whole forms the space of ground, which
was wooded on this occasion. The lodge itself forms a
pleasing object from the road, when lighted up by the
gleams of the morning or evening sun, which, darting
across the grove trees in the woody margins, give considera-
ble animation to the picture.*

In the last days of February 1826, eight persons com-
menced the work of creating these effects, over the three
quarters of an acre of entirely open ground, just now
described. The trees and bushes were brought from the
distance of half a mile, or more, and in the course of a
month (that is, four working- weeks) and two days, the
whole was completed. A single horse, with a driver, drew
the machine, and worked fifteen days ; so that the expense
stands as follows : —

Eight workmen 26 days, at Is. 6d. per day . . £15 12 0
One horse and driver 1 5 days, at 5s. . . . 3 15 0

Lune-compost 44 cart-loads only (the ground having been

previously trenched and manured to a potatoe-crop,) at 6d.

per cart-load . . . . . . 12 0

In all 20 9 0

A'^ B. It was omitted to be mentioned above, that one or
two of the foreground trees. were planted two years previously,
which would make little difference in the estimate.

Now, if the interest and importance of these effects, to any
one having a lodge and entrance-gate to wood completely, be
considered, and that it was so wooded within the sjicice of a
ononth^ every candid person will admit, that supposing the
sum to have been double, or even triple, it could not, be
regarded as a very exorbitant purchase.

* Note I.

286

The soil being light sand, the grove trees chiefly employed
10 form tiiis plantation are beech, sycamore, birch, and a few
limes. The copse or underwood consists of oak, mossy-cup
oak, beech, chestnut, birch, Norway maple, holly, hazel,
mountain-ash, and birds-cherry common and Canadian.
Of the grove-wood it is a singular circumstance, that not a
tree failed last season, notwithstanding the endurance, as
well as severity of the drought, during a summer truly tro-
pical. Some of the bushes, however, died, and particularly
the holly.

Another example of a similar sort shall be merely alluded
to, as an account of it, much better than any I could give, is
to be found in the Report of the Committee of the Highland
Society. It relates to the wooding of two acres of ground in
1819, as a close plantation, in order to give effect to another
part of the same approach. It was executed in the space of
three months, that is, from February to May ; and the
entire expense (which I ascertained for the information of the
Committee) amounted to about 301. per acre ; but some of
the grove trees were of large dimensions. Of the sudden
and successful formation of this skreen, the able committee
just now named are pleased to express themselves in the fol-
lowing terms :*

"When the extreme beauty of the effects produced is
considered, it cannot be thought extravagant, that the
plantation of grove and copse-wood, on the two acres already
mentioned, should amount (as appears from Sir Henry's
memoranda (to about 301. per acre. On the contrary, the
committee believe, that no visible change on the appearance
of natiue, however trivial in comparison, could have been
effected by the landscape gardener in any other manner,
under three times the sum."

These will probably be deemed sufficient, as positive

* See their Report in the Appendix.

287

examples. Perhai)s a single one, j,aveii in the comparalivc
way, and contrasting the expense of wooding a space ol
ground, by means of the transplanting machine, and wood-
ing it after the common method of planting, with nursery
plants, will appear still more conclusive and satisfactory to
the reader.

In looking up the lake, the reader will observe a bold
promontory or headland (See Frontispiece,) situated on the
right-hand side, near the bridge, which was seen by the
Committee of the Highland Society. This prominent spot
was wooded in 1817, by an open disposition of trees,
twenty-two in number, and consisting mostly of sycamores,
with a few oaks and elms interspersed. A few bushes,
which are close to the water's edge, have been recently
added.

The dimensions of the trees were from five-and-twenty to
eight-and-twenty feet high ; and, as the situation was one of
very open exposure to the west, care was taken to select
such subjects, as possessed, in a considerable degree, all the
protecting properties. This plantation was executed in nine
days, by nine workmen, and a horse to draw the machine,
the distance not much exceeding a quarter of a mile. The
expense, which amounted to about 10s. per tree, is as
under : —

Nine workmen 8 days, at Is. 8d. per day
One horse and driver 15 days, at 5s.
Dung-compost 44 cart-loads, at 9d. . . .

In all

Now, we shall suppose, that the art of giving immediate
effect to wood had been altogether unknown to me, and that
I had wished to procure two-and-twenty line trees, for so
prominent a station, by the ordinary system of planting :
the first thing I should have had to do, according to the most

L.G

0

0

3

15

0

1

13

0

L.ll

8

0

288

speedy method, would have been to enclose, trench, and
manure the ground for a green-crop, and then to plant it
with nursery plants of four years' growth. The next thing
would have been, to keep it with the hoe for two years, until
the plants shot freely, which they were Ukely to do within
that period; and after about thirty years in this chmate, the
whole would have been of the size wanted. Had no means
been taken to cultivate and prepare the ground, forty years,
at the least, would have been requisite.*

According to the former supposition as to time, and that
the trenching and manuring for a green-crop were properly
executed, the crop would, in common cases, pay the cost of
both of these operations ; and the ground being rather more
than a quarter of an acre, and ready for planting, without
preparatory expenditure, the outlay would be the following:

Enclosing one fourth of an acre of ground with double rail-
ing, and stakes 4^ feet high, for sheep and lambs, 92 yds.

at 6d. per yard L. 2 6 0

Planting the ground with various trees, including the ex-
pense of the plants . . . . . . 1 10 0

Keeping with the hoe, for two years . . . 0 16 8

Renewing the railing 4 times . . ... 1) 4 0

Rent of one fourth of an acre of ground for 30 years, at 15s.

yearly 22 10 0

Accumulated interest on the above sums for 30 years, say

only 115 10

Total expense of the ordinary method . . Z. 151 16 g

N. B. Some labour and expense being obviously necessa-
ry, to grub out the superfluous Trees, and reduce them to the
number wanted ; also to level and dress the ground, and re-

* Note 11.

281)

sitore iL f,o propel [)astuic, tlic value ul llie lliiiinings of the
wood may be allowed to cover those items.

Thus, then, it appears, that by the ordinary method, you
may have a group or plantation, consisting of two and
twenty trees, for Z/. 151 IGs. 8d. ; and by means of the
transplanting machine, for LAI 8s., or nearly the thirteenth
part of the money ! ! ! I conceive, that it would not be
easy to give a more complete answer than this comparative
statement to those persons, who object to transplanting
on the score of expense ; exclusively altogether of the dif-
ference of obtaining the Effect of Wood, in the one case cU
once, and of waiting thirty years to obtain it, in the other.

Having now adduced a sufficient number of examples from
my own experience, it will be proper to add some corrobora-
tion of them, from the experience of others. But it must be
the experience or practice of such persons only, as have ac-
quired some idea of the principles of the art. It is true, many
persons of late years, have professed to follow my system
and have failed in the attempt, merely from a want of
acquaintance with the principles on which it is founded.
This, it is obvious, is a sort of communication, which I could
make only to particular friends. But it is quite erroneous to
suppose, that, from superior dexterity alone in my workmen,
the consequence of long practice, any thing can be done here^
that may not, with the same care and attention, be done else-
where.

The first person I shall mention is my friend James
Smith, esq. of Jordanhill in the county of Renfrew, but in the
neighbourhood of Glasgow. The mansion-house of Jordan-
hill is situated on an eminence, about four miles west of the
city, and commands a most extensive view of that fine vale,
in which the Clyde majestically Hows towards Ruthglen and
Dumbarton. The place in general is handsomely wooded,
but is deficient in the quarter which overlooks the vale ; ajid.

87

290

as the latter skirts the principal approach, it was desirable, by
means of a number of foreground trees, to break so wide an
expanse into separate portions. By obscuring the less inter-
esting points, and bringing forward in detail those that were
more important, a far greater interest might be conferred on
so noble an assemblage of oljjects.

In these circumstances, Mr. Smith, who was about to plant
the open ground in the ordinary manner, applied to me for
advice and assistance : and I recommended it to him to im-
prove the spot, by transferring Large Trees at once, and
thereby to produce whatever effect he pleased on the fore-
ground, and the middle distance of the landscape. Under-
standing that his subjects for removal were rather older than
was desirable, (some of them being trees of from fifty to
sixty years' growth,) the first thing to be done was, to procure
him a machine of the intermediate size, very strongly made.
See Plate, and the relative specifications. Two of the most
experienced of my workmen were then sent down from
this place, in order to instruct his people in the use of it; and
in less than three days, they made wonderful proficiency
in the practice.

Mr. Smith, who is a man of science as well as various ac-
complishments, soon acquired a conception of the principles.
He saw, with pleasure and surprise, the striking improve-
ments, that by means of vegetable physiology might be com-
municated to an art, of which the vast power was unknown
to the public ; and he resolved to avail himself of it, in his
own improvements. Instead of indolently trusting to others,
he ardently entered into the details of the execution. He
often became the director of his own work ; and so rapid was
his advancement in practical skill, that, in the space of
a fortnight, he removed trees of thirty and five-and-thirty feet
high, and of great thickness, with the utmost success.

The cllects at once jirodiiced on so bold and Ijeautiful

291

a subject, on which not a tree nor a hush had previous-
ly stooci, were as astonishing as tliey were dehghtful.
When I saw the place, in the spring of 1825, several groups
of fine foreground trees with extensive tops weie already
formed, and had attracted the notice of the scientific and the
curious. All united in admiration of the skill and ingenuity
of the planter ; but no one, who saw the trees, except
Mr. Smith himself, was prepared to believe, that they could
without propping withstand the western gales. The old
men about the place reminded him, that, at the equinox,
those blasts were so terrific, as sometimes to endanger even
the stoutest of his trees, which had been reared on the ground
for nearly a century, and which must far exceed in stability
any plants, that art or ingenuity could at once bring upon
an open surface. The gardener who was a planter of the
old school, loudly declared, that, " all the men of Renfrew-
shire could not keep them up in ihe face of a real and ge-
nuine south-wester, unless their heads were taken oflT, accord-
ing to the good old method." Yet, notwithstanding these
confident opinions, and disastrous anticipations, not one of
the trees has ever been moved or blown down ; and, from
their healthy appearance, they promise to continue fine ex-
amples of the art, and especially of the use of the retaining-
bank in transplanting, in the west of Scotland.

The trees removed by this intelligent planter, both on the
fine hill or slope above described, and in other parts of his
place, are oaks, beeches, limes, sycamores, elms, and horse-
chestnuts. From two letters, which I have from him, on the
subject of the expense, I learn, that it was in the beginning
a good deal enhanced, by his " dashing at once (as he said)
at the largest and heaviest subjects," ere suflficient dexterity
had been acquired by his workman, or sufficient experience
by himself. In this way, at thirty feet high, they cost him
from 1 .5s. to 18s. each, when brought from any considerable

292

distance, that is, a mile or more ; but that, at one size under,
he afterwards transferred very handsome subjects for 8s. and
10s., and inferior ones for Cs., and less. Mr. Smith's practice,
therefore, may be considered as an instance of both good
management, and moderate outlay, as well as of considerable
dexterity and perseverance.

During the severe and continued drought of last season
(1826), and his own absence from Jordanhill, I understand
that he lost some fine oaks. Not being sufficiently aware of
the importance of afterwork, both the necessary covering of
shows, and likewise the watering had, it seems, been neg-
lected ; which sufficiently proves, what I have endeavoured
already to enforce, that attention to afterwork, instead of
proving expensive, is the truest economy ; and that neither
the oak nor the beech can be safely trusted, or left to them-
selves in the second season, how vigorous soever they may
appear during the first.

The second person, whom I shall mention, is John M'Call,
Esq. of Ibroxhill, who is brother-in law to Mr. Smith, and
resides in his immediate neighbourhood. Ibroxhill is, as well
as Mr. Smith's, a high place, and commands a splendid view
of a fine country. On the lawn immediately in front of the
house, there were, two years ago, no trees ; so that it became
an object of first-rate importance to the judicious owner, to
remedy so striking a deficiency. In the spring of last year,
1826 (an unfortunate season for a beginner), this gentleman,
by the aid of Mr. Smith's workmen, commenced his opera-
tions with great spirit ; and after successfully removing forty-
three trees, completely changed the appearance of his place.
The prospect, instead of being bleak and cold, became, in the
course of a few weeks, woody and delightful. The plants
were nearly of the same species, as those transferred at Jor-
danhill. Their size was from eighteen to eight-and twenty
feet high, and from two to three in girth, or, in other
words, from eight inches to a foot in diameter. The whole

'293

expense amounted to only L. I'J, or abonl Hs. l(Jd. per
tree.*

The third person who shall he named, is Robert Watson,
Esq., banker in Glasgow, who lias a bcautifid villa, named
Linthouse, on the Clyde, in the neighbourhood of Govan,
with some extent of ground belonging to it. The place was
planted between thirty and forty years since ; and, as the
soil is deep, and the climate of a superior sort, the wood has
rushed up with far greater rapidity, than could have been
expected in most situations. As the owner likewise, or his
predecessors, have in some degree thinned the trees, there
was a better choice of large subjects, than at Ibroxhill.
. In a situation like this, and with a noble river in view,
our forefathers were of opinion, that they could never see
too much of it ; and therefore, their custom was, to plant
long and formal rows of trees on the flanks, and leave their
front wholly open, in order to have the fuller enjoyment of
the prospect. Of late years, however, as good taste, and a
knowledge of landscape have increased, we begin to dis-
cover, that a fine expanse, whether of land or water, rather
suffers an accession to, than a diminution of its extent, from
being broken into parts by trees, as the imagination never
fails to magnify the extent of what is concealed ; and hence,
new combinations are formed, and fresh landscapes arise,
from the variety produced by concealment.

It was probably on some such principle as this that Mr.
Smith proceeded, in advising his friend to diversify his front
towards the river, by the removal of trees of a large size.
Accordingly, during last spring (1827), the field in front of
Linthouse was most respectably wooded, with detached and
open dispositions of wood. Whether they be very accurately
disposed according to the principles of landscape I cannot
state, as I do not happen to be personally known to the re-

* Note III.

294

speclablc owner, neither have I lately seen the place from the
river : but I understand, that they consist of oaks, beeches,
limes, elms, and horsechestnuts, of which some are more
than thirty feet in height, and ten, twelve, and fourteen
inches in diameter.

The trees were all transferred on the preservative princi-
)ile. They are thirty-two in number ; and the gross amount
of the expense is L. 25 5s. But, deducting L. 2 for the removal
of earth, subsequently to the planting, which was not a con-
stituent part of the work, the actual cost of each tree is
nearly 14s. This sum, considering the magnitude of several
of the trees, and that it was Mr. Watson's first essay, he has
reason to regard as a cheap purchase for such effects. And
most men so circumstanced, we may venture to say, would
have given three times the money, for the striking increase
of comfort and seclusion, which, independently altogether of
picturesque considerations, was in this way communicated to
tlieir residences.

The fourth person whom I shall specify, is Mr. James
Hamilton, overseer to Sir Charles M. Lockhart Lee, Bart,
in the county of Lanark. That gentleman, who has a fine
place in the neighbourhood of the county town of Lanark,
is at the head of the ancient family of Lee and Cartland,
whose representative, in the beginning of the fourteenth cen-
tury, Sir Simon Lockhart, is said to have carried King
Robert Bruce's heart in a golden box, from the Holy
Land.

Owing to Sir Charles's residence in another county, during
a great part of the years 1826 and 1827, he could not per-
sonally attend to the spirited improvements that were carried
on at Lee : he therefore intrusted the management of them
to a person, every way adequate to the task, namely, his
judicious overseer, Mr. James Hamilton, who, in the spring of
the year first mentioned, was sent over to this place, in order
to receive some instructions from me, in the art of trtmsplant-

295

jiig on the i)icscivativo |)rinci|)l<'. Those ihul iiilelhf]jciU per-
son seemed at once to apprehend, anti soon hejj^an to apply
(hem to practice.

In the middle of Marcli of the .same year, lie removed to
tlie open park eleven oaks and ashes, of from iive-and-twenty
to thirty feet high, and in girth from two feet to two-and-a-
half. One or two of the oaks were as high as forty feet, and
they had all handsome tops. In April, 1827, he transferred
six or seven trees, and of nearly similar dimensions, and at
the average expense, in both years (according to a statement
by himself in my possession), of somewhat less than 8s. each.
Notwithstanding the severe drought in 1826, it may be con-
sidered as a remarkable circumstance, that only two died,
probably owing to the want of sufficient covering and water-
ing; and when I saw, in July last, the trees of the present
year, they all carried a healthy leaf, and promised to succeed
admirably.

The plantations of Lee not having been thinned to wide
distances, this ingenious planter was much limited in his
choice of subjects ; and, although what he has selected are
very handsome and stately plants, they are yet somewhat de-
ficient in the protecting properties, and consequently in fitness
for the open field. He must not, therefore, be surprised or dis-
couraged, if, according to the important doctrine stated in
Section Fifth, the trees should become stationary for a few
years, instead of being progressive, until, as I have said in the
passage alluded to, these properties are supplied by time, and
this deficiency is made up. The effort of Mr. Hamilton,
nevertheless, is spirited and meritorious ; and it serves to show
what may be done by the diligence and attention of a single
individual, who, with very cursory instructions from me, and
with no assistance from experienced workmen, has been able
to give Immediate Effect to Wood, in a manner so creditable
to himself, and at so small an expense to his employer.

The fifth person, to whom 1 sluill lerer, is a i)arlicidar fricn<'

296

of iiiiiic, in whose Iransplantiiifr experiments I liave had
some concern, and on that account I can spealc of them more
particularly, and from personal knowledge. This is William
Elliot Lockhart, Esq. of Cleghorn, representative in parha-
ment for the county of Selkirk, and whose residence is at
Cleghorn House, in Lanarkshire.

Cleghorn is situated on the steep and romantic banks of
the river Mouse, which falls into the Clyde, a little below the
town of Lanark. The banks of this stream, which may be
called classical ground, and are abundantly celebrated in
Scottish story, are rocky and precipitous, rising in many parts
above the bed of the river, from two to three hundred feet in
height, and every where wooded to the top. It was to the
inaccessible caverns, natural or artificial, of these woody
banks, that the renowned and patriotic Wallace used to retire
and found a secure refuge from his own, and his country's
enemies. It was also, as it is said, in the same fastnesses,
that the well-known and intrepid Balfour of Burleigh, in a
later age, was often able to set at defiance the utmost dili-
gence of his pursuers. In the present day, the fine scenery
of the Mouse is rendered familiar to the traveller, on the great
line of the Carlisle and Stirling road, as he views it with won
der from the stupendous bridge of Cartlaud, at nearly an
hundred-and-thirty feet above the bed of the stream.

Although Cleghorn partakes in the woody character of this
singular and romantic district, and has been abundantly
planted, according to the fashion of a former day, yet there
are many parts of the park, and especially near the house,
where the aid of the transplanting machine might be called
in, with great advantage. This idea had frequently occurred
to the good taste and discernment of Mr. Lockhart ; but his
occasional residence in a neighbouring county, and the re-
ports, which had reached his cars, of lite vast expense of my
u Id hod of transplanting (which was confidently said to
amonni to ton and fifteen frnineac por trro). for n considornltic

297

time prevented him from entertaining any serious thoughts of
attempting the experiment.

In the month of December lust, this gentleman, who is as
intelligent in planting as he is in every other branch of rural
economy, applied to me to learn, if I could put him in the
way of procuring a few large trees, on any reasonable terms?
He had heard, he said, on the best authority, that the art of
removing trees, however it might be improved in my hands,
was practised at enormous cost. To L.^ox L.o each for hand-
some trees, he observed, no reasonable man could object, if of
such a size and figure, as to give the Immediate Effect of
Wood near his residence : but from ten to fifteen guineas, he
certainly considered as rather too expensive a luxury for gen-
eral use. To this I replied, that he had been misled by such
information, be the authors who they might. But, in order
to undeceive him, and that the cost should not exceed his
own estimate of L.2 and L3 per tree, I undertook, that a ma-
chine of the intermediate size should be provided for him,
and that two of my best hands should attend at Cleghorn
for the purpose of instructing his workmen, and of putting
the thing to the test of his own experience.

Having explained to Mr. Lockhart the nature of the prin
ciples, which had been apphed to the art, he seemed quite
satisfied, that they are consonant to the laws of nature, and
to what we know of the anatomy of woody plants. Accord-
ingly, in the middle of January last (1827), we commenced
our operations on the spot. Having selected some trees with
fine tops, which were far better subjects than woods not
thinned for the purpose usually furnish, we very speedily
transferred them. And, in order to show how readily my
friend apprehended the different processes, he soon, like Mr.
Smith, became his own director of the work, and managed
the whole with singular address, and intelligence of the
subject.

The trees removed were eleven in number, and consisted

38

298

of oaks, beeches, limes, sycamores, and horsecbestnuts.
Among them was one beech of the pendent species, a very
singular and valuable plant, which is worthy of an attentive
cultivation, and is rarely to be met with. The dimensions
of the trees were from five-and-twenty to five-and-thirty feet
high, and from ten to fourteen inches in diameter, or from
two feet six, to three feet six inches in actual girth. But, on
casting up the expense, my friend was both delighted and
surprised to discover, that, instead of L.2 and Zy.3, as he had
anticipated, they had not cost him quite 10s. per tree !

The last person, the evidence of whose practice I shall ad-
duce, is Sir Walter Scott, bart. ; whom to name, is to name
whatever is splendid in genius, versatile in talent, and correct
in judgment. This eminent individual has a place, beauti-
fully situated on the Tweed in Roxburghshire, near Melrose,
in the midst of those scenes of traditional and peculiar inter-
est, which have been illustrated and immortalized in his
writings. To the variety of attainments, for which Sir
Walter is distinguished, he adds the knowledge of arboricul-
ture. He is ardently, and I may say enthusiastically attached
to the cultivation of Wood. Though possessed of the pro-
perty only sixteen years, he has planted nearly five hundred
acres of surface ; and by the acknowledgment of all his
neighbours, few plantations are cultivated with the same
skill, and none have grown with more luxuriance, than the
woods of Abbots ford.

There is no one, as may be imagined, of all the advocates
of the preservative system, who more freely and fully admit-
ted its utility, and its consonance to the law of nature, than
Sir Walter, as soon as its principles were made known to
him. Attached, though not bigoted to whatever belongs to
Scotland, perhaps he might regard the theory with an eye
the more partial, that it had its origin in his native country.
But neither his public functions nor his private studies have
allowed him much time to enter extensively into the practice

299

of the art. His cljief experiments were made with subjects
of no great magnitude, smaller, indeed, than according to
this system were calculated to withstand the elements, in
open exposures. In the sheltered vale, however, in which a
great part of the grounds near his house is situated, and for
the purpose of diversifying his walks along the river. Sir
Walter removed in 1824 and 1825, forty trees from ten to
fifteen feet high, and of proportional girth, oaks, beeches,
limes, and sycamores ; and nearly half as many more, in
the following season. From a want of plantations thinned
to wide distances, he possessed no extensive field for making
the selection properly, and therefore the plants were rather
deficient in the protecting properties. On this account he
knew, that, according to the law of nature, they must be
stationary at first, until time and exposure should supply what
they ought previously to have possessed.

The trees had been cut round beforehand, which greatly
facilitated the taking up, and they were all planted on the
preservative principle. But, as they stood quite close to the
spot, to w^hich they were to be removed, they were trans-
ported with handspikes, and by expert workmen, in the most
rapid manner, under the eye of the indefatigable owmer. By
a communication, which I have from him, it appears, that
the plants are now in full health and foliage ; and as no pre-
paration of the ground and no manure were considered to
be necessary, the entire expense did not exceed 2s. per
tree-
But the department of transplanting, which has received
the greatest advancement at Abbotsford, is bush-planting in
the open field. On the sheepwalk at no great distance from
the Mansion-house, Sir Walter has transferred some hun-
dreds of bushes, or stools of underwood of various kinds,
with great success ; and these give a woody appearance to
the hanging grounds and banks of the place ; which style

300

of wood would be perhaps more characteristic and pleasing
to some persons, than if taller trees had been used by him
in planting it. It is true, that trees of a certain height, say
from thirty to five-and-tliirty feet and upwards, have a fine
effect in catching the horizon from a sloping bank, and show-
ing the scenery of the foreground, and possibly of the middle
distance, under their spreading branches : also, they are pe-
culiarly useful, in masking or relieving such objects, on the
opposite side of a river, as we cannot command, and which,
for that reason, it is desirable to throw into the back ground
of the picture. But on such subjects, as on most others
connected with taste in the disposition of wood, great diver-
sity of opinion must prevail ; and that mode of arrangement
or execution will generally seem the handsomest, in which
the genius of the place is best copsulted, and where the most
luxuriant growths, and most careless dispositions of wood
are produced. The greatest triumphs of art must alwa)'^s be
those, in which, in rivalling nature, she most completely
effects her own concealment.

There is at Abbotsford a new, as well as ingenious con
trivance for defending underwood from the mouths of sheep,
which, as it is so difficult at all times, and in this instance
seems peculiar to Sir Walter himself, it may be worth while
to mention. " Being in haste (says he) with the bushes set
out on the sheep-ground, and really very indifferent whether
they all grew or not, I had manj'- of them stuck into the
middle of whin-bushes, and there the sheep have done them
no visible harm." Of the good effect of furze in adding
wildness and variety to scenery, no one will entertain a
doubt ; and those, who have it in abundance in their parks,
may verify the efficiency of Sir Walter's method. As to the
expense of the bush-planting, as neither manure nor prepa-
ration of the soil was necessary, from the fine mould always
to be found under the shade of furze ; and moreover, as the
plants and stools were obtained from the adjoining planta-

301

lions, the expense was very moderate, amounting to consid-
erably less than the one half of that of the grove-wood.

I believe it is needless to add any more on the subject of
expense ; and I should not have dwelt upon it at so much
length, had it not been for the pains that have been taken,
and the falsehoods that have been propagated, in order to
bring the art into disrepute, by representing it as a costly
wonder, not as a practice which is calculated to be useful.

It w^ere easy to quote, were it necessary, the example of
other friends, who, on being made aw'are of the principles,
by which the preservative system is regulated, have made
admirable and successful efforts to apply them to practice.
But it would only prove, what, I trust, every candid reader
will consider as proved already, that is, that wood of all
kinds, on the preservative system, has been transferred at this
place, and may any where else be transferred by others, at
a moderate expense : that the larger trees usually removed
here, being from twenty-five to thirty-five feet high, may be
managed, with expert and experienced workmen, for from
10s. to 13s. each, at half a mile's distance ; and the smaller,
being from eighteen to five-and-twenty feet, for from 6s. to
8s. With workmen awkward or inexperienced, it will not
seem surprising, were it to require a half more at first, or
even double those sums, in order to follow out the practice
which has been recommended. For close plantations, or for
bush-planting in the park, the trees may be transferred for
about Ss. 6d., and the stools of underwood, for from Is. to 2s.
per stool. Subjects considerably higher than any of the
above I sometimes remove ; but I place much greater value
on a splendid and extensive top. for effect in park-wood, than
on mere length of stem, unless for particular purposes. As
to the rates stated, I believe there are few planters, who have
seen my trees ^ that would not consider them as cheaply pro-
cured, at three and four times the amount.

It was held out, in the commencement of the present

302

Section, that by means of the new system attempted to be
established, not only the exercise of the art would be brought
within the limits of a moderate expenditure, but that the
cost of both its present and former practice would be greatly
reduced. It therefore becomes necessary, in conclusion to
show, that the assertion, how bold soever it may seem, is not
unfounded : and this, I apprehend, will be best done, by say-
ing a few words on the labour and expense bestowed on the
Removal of Wood, in both divisions of the island, at the
present moment.

Whatever of Transplanting is known in Scotland, has
undeniably been derived from our English neighbours, to
whose superior intelligence, and earlier cultivation, we owe
the rapid advancement we have of late made in the arts.
He who does not feel, and frankly acknowledge this, is an
uncandid Scotchman, rather than a generous descendant of
the men, who, though they rivalled in arms their more in-
genious opponents, boasted no competition with them, in
either sciences or arts.

In giving a history of the art, which is the subject of these
pages, it was stated in Section II., that Robertson, the well-
known landscape gardener (who was sent down by Brown,
more than seventy years since, to lay out the park at Dud-
dingston, for the then Earl of Abercorn)was the first, who
taught us to give Immediate Effect to Wood, and introduced
the Transplanting Macliine, as constructed by his master.
Since that period, although tlie unwicldly platform, with low
wheels, has not been unknown in this kingdom (as we have
seen in the instance of Professor Graham of Edinburgh), yet
the simpler machine of Brown is still the implement, most
prevalent among Scottish planters ; and consequently, wood
removed here is transferred comparatively at less expense,
than it costs in England. That it is still a matter oi -physi-
cal force^ and by consequence of fortuitous result in both
countries, is certain, and, for that reason, it must always im-

303

ply a vast portion of superfluous labour. It appears, how-
ever, that the Scotch have hitherto shown much less predi-
lection for anticipating the eflects of time in this department,
than the English ; and certainly they possess much less
the power of anticipating it, than that great and opulent
people.

As to the present English practice, it seems to differ in
nothing material from that, which was known in the time
of Evelyn and Lord Fitzharding. If the facility and
dispatch of the methods employed be regarded as the
criterion, by which the expense is to be estimated, it will not
be difficult to decide between those methods hitherto adopted,
and the one recommended in this Essay.

When the English planter has to remove a tree, the first
thing he does is, to cut or trench round the roots, a year, or
perhaps two years beforehand, and at the same time he lops
or lightens the top. This previous lopping I understand to
be according to the most approved practice. But by what
means he is then to ascertain the length or extent, to which
mutilation is to be carried, so as that he may proportion the
top (as Marshall directs) " to the ability of the root," I own,
I am unable to perceive, unless the tree be previously taken
up, and the size of the root clearly ascertained. But some
more judiciously lop the branches, in the interval between
the removal and the replanting ; and some also make no pre-
paration of the roots at all. In cutting them round, it is
held by operators of the greatest experience, that a mass oi
ball of earth, beyond which few or no roots are found to ex-
tend, of seven or eight feet in diameter, for the largest sub-
jects, is as much as can be properly carried away ; hence,
the one-half at least, or more probably two-thirds of a fine
head must be sacrificed. But it may just as well be so sac-
rificed ; as it is obvious, in the circumstances of the case, and
without roots adequate to its nourishment, that such a pro-

304

portion of the top would certainly decay and drop off, after
the first season.

The next tiling the planter does is, to convey to the spot,
where the tree is to be taken vip, a wooden crane of great
strength, well provided with ropes and pulleys, and possessing
sufficient powder to raise the mass of roots and earth upon the
platform. This is no very light or speedy business, as is
wxll known to those who are in the habit of working such
unwieldy machines. Neither is it a less laborious under-
taking, to accomplish the raising of the tree from the pit.
As the wheels, or rather rollers, on which the platform is to
move, are very low, many horses, eight and nine frequently,
are requisite to drag a load of any magnitude, owing to the
immense friction occasioned by the lowness of the wheels ;
therefore, to transport a tree of considerable size (say five-
and-tlmty feet high, and sixteen inches in diameter), for a
mile, or even half a mile, must in this way occupy many
hands, and require much time and labour.

The next operation is, the planting of the tree. For that
purpose, the crane must be again transported to the spot ;
where the same efforts, that were employed to raise the mass
from its former situation, are now called forth, to lift it from
the platform, and let it down into the new pit. The plant-
ing, we shall suppose, is an easy business, as there are few
roots to be distributed in the ground ; so that little remains
to be done, but to fill in the earth, which finishes the process.
As to the propping or supporting of the tree, which in exposed
situations sometimes defies the utmost dihgence and in-
genuity, it involves an additional item for wood or ropes, and
labour, and is essential to be attended to, for two years at
least. How^ever, should the plant be severely mutilated, and
reduced to nearly a pollard, the lever furnished by the stem
is sometimes unable to overcome the more ponderous mass
of soil and roots ; and the necessity of propping is in such

305

cases superseded, by the superior weight of this load, and of
the earth superinduced on it.

This, I imagine, or something similar to this, making a
fair allowance for difl'erences in persons, places, and circum-
stances, may convey a tolerable idea of the business of
transplanting, as practised in England for nearly two cen-
turies, and also in those districts of Scotland, in which the
English method is still followed. In some districts, one
species of machinery may be employed, and another in
others. Some planters may be more, and some less skilful,
and less accurate in their practice : but physical force
throughout, without phytological principle to guide the
process, together with the labour of many hands, and the
strength of ponderous implements, form the general
characteristics of this species of work. I have it from gen-
tlemen of high respectability, that from L.2 to Z«.5 is con-
sidered as no unusual or exorbitant sum to lay out, for the
removal of a tree of any size ; and even L.\0 and Z/.15 have
been many times paid.

If there be any error or exaggeration in this cursory view
of the labour and cost of such \vork, as it is now carried on
in most parts of Britain, I entreat that the mistatement may
not be considered as intentional ; and it is, of course, open
to the candid correction of those, who possess superior in-
formation. I have no desire to magnify the merits of my
own system, at the expense of others, which have so long
been held in general esteem. But if the impartial reader
will compare it with the simple and rapid, but systematic
field-practice and still more simple machinery, which have
been delineated above at so much length, I trust it will not
be too much to say, that he will find the expense of trans-
planting to be reduced, by the Preservative method,
in any case to the one-half and in many cases to a third
and di fourth part of its present amount.

Having now, in the course of this Essay, offered what

39

306

appears to me sufficient, respecting both the theory and th«
practice of this interesting art, to excite the pubUc atten-
tion, I shall beg leave to conclude with one remark. The
art of giving Immediate Effect to Wood, although, as I
should venture to hope, it is now estabhshed on FIXED
PRINCIPLES, will be generally cultivated, or utterly
neglected, as the revolutions in science, ov the caprice of
fashion may direct. But whatever be its ill fortune as
a theory, whether it be condemned as fanciful, or re-
jected as useless, I may venture to say, that it will not
fail of success, from the extravagant expense that attends
the practice.

307

POSTSCRIPT

Had it not been for the unexpected length, to which the
foregoing discussions have been drawn, it was my intention
to have added to the present volume, a Review or detailed
Account of the Forest-Trees, whether indigenous or of
foreign origin, that are generally cultivated in Britain.
Such a Review would have comprised an enumeration of
their botanical descriptions, their properties, uses, picturesque
characters, and fitness for removal, together with any other
fact or circumstance respecting each, that seemed to bear
upon, or illustrate the different objects of this Essay. As a
statement like this, however, must have occupied three
hundred pages, or more, it was inadmissible in a volume,
which had already swelled to its present size. It must,
therefore, be reserved for some future occasion, or perhaps
for a supplement to another edition of the work, should such
ever be called for.

In these circumstances, I have to apologize to the reader,
for what may be considered an imperfection in any attempt
to give a body of rules for the practice of an art, without
some description of the objects to which it is to be applied,
of their diversity as materials, or their aptness to practice.
But, should the above arrangement be followed out, I should
hope, that something might be brought forward, useful to
the general planter, as well as to the landscape gardener, and

308

calculated to render the Treatise itself more worthy than it
is of the public notice.

It was my intention also, to have added another Section
or Chapter, on the necessity of combining some acquaintance
with landscape gardening with the art of giving Immediate
Effect to Wood, either by very considerable skill in the
former art. possessed by the planter himself, or by his obtain-
ing it, • when wanted, from its professed teachers. If by
planting small trees in the ordinary manner, even flagrant
errors in landscape be committed, a considerable space of
time must elapse, ere they become distinguishable by the
eye, when there is sufficient leisure for the planter to correct
them, with little labour to himself But, if the same errors,
be committed with plants twenty and thirty feet high, they
are at once obvious to all, and being prominent and offen-
sive, they cannot be remedied, without vast expense and
labour. This, as I conceive, is a very important subject,
and deserves the serious consideration of those who mean to
practise the art which has been treated in the foregoing pages.

In respect to the employing of professional men, which
seems the most advisable method, I meant likewise to have
shown, in the intended Section, that that method is not
always so easy to be adopted, as might at first sight appear,
in the present neglected state of Landscape Gardening as an
art, with the diminished numbers of its professors, and the
unmerited disregard in which their useful labours have been
held, for the last five-and-twenty years. In fact, few persons
of education and talents, either in the south or north, are
now found regularly to study this elegant profession. In
Scotland, I could not name a man, who has attained even
ordinary proficiency in it. If j'ou want your land drained,
or your kitchen-garden laid out or improved, the professional
person who undertakes it will probably offer his assistance
to improve your park ; and he will to a certainty spoil your
place, if you permit him,

309

The opinion, now nearly universally prevalent, that
country gentlemen are the best landscape gardeners for
their own places, has mainly contributed to produce this
efiect ; and it is too flattering to their self-importance not to
be highly relished, and to become universally popular among
this class of men. The idea of imposing on them so diffi-
cult a task seems to have originated with Walpole. In an
evil hour, it obtained the sanction of Sir Uvedale Price ;
and it has since been supported by nearly as high authority :*
yet it needs only to be closely examined, in order that its
fallacy may become apparent. Although there is neither
space nor time, on the present occasion, for the examination
of such a question, yet I cannot refrain from bestowing upon
it a few cursory remarks.

If Landscape Gardening, or the art of creating Real
Scenery, be a fine art, which no one, I think, will deny, it
may be asked, in what manner is a knowledge of it to be
acquired, any more than of the other fine arts, unless by
previous study, and by long and assiduous practice ? If we
want a fine picture, or a well-proportioned statue, do we
usually purchase the canvass and the colours, the marble
and the chisel, and set about executing it for ourselves?
Certainly not ; for we can boast of no practical skill in
these difficult arts. Why, then, should we suppose ourselves
capable of performing a task, not less the result of previous
study, namely, that of imagining and executing Real Land-
scape? Could this be successfully accomplished in one fine
art, it could be accomplished in another ; and thus the
masters of all those arts would become supernumerary and
useless, and every one, by the same rule, could successfully
practise them, for his own accommodation.

But, say the believers in this sort of intuitive skill, paint-
ing and statuary are peculiar arts, and they are exercised on

* Sir Walter Scott.

310

peculiar materials. The materials of landscape gardening
are every-day objects, such as trees, and ground, and water,
with which every one is conversant, and on which, therefore,
every one can certainly operate with effect. At all events,
they add, we have only " to follow nature," and, by conse-
quence, " to please ourselves." Now without entering into
the difficulties of following nature, or of operating with her
materials, which are neither few nor small, I would merely
observe to these reasoners, that the facihty with which they
can " please themselves," is but an indifferent proof of the
possession of either skill or taste. Persons of the best taste,
(that is, of the truest discernment of beauty and deformity
in the fine arts) are always the least easily pleased, and
least of all with their own efforts. Beauty, wherever it
e5:ists, they readily discern ; but they feel and acknowledge
their inabihty to produce it. Persons on the other hand, of
little taste are pleased with any thing, and every thing. To
them change, merely as such, is highly gratifying ; so that
they never fail to be pleased with their own attempts at ex-
cellence.

The general error even of superior men, who become
their own landscape gardeners, is, that they mistake taste for
skill ; or, conscious that they possess the former, they con-
ceive that the latter is superfluous. Hence, when they come
to work with materials so unmanageable as those of nature,
they seldom succeed in pleasing themselves, and nine times
in ten, they fail in pleasing others. Nevertheless it is unde-
niable that there may be, and are country gentlemen, who
are quite adequate to the laying-out of their own places,
without assistance from the landscape gardener, in the same
way that there are others, who can construct their own
houses without the assistance of the architect. But it is
likewise unfortunately true, that whenever we meet with a
bad hon«e, or an ill laid-out place, it is, generally speaking,
the n'orJc of ihe nirner. Foxicv. the beautiful residence of

311

Sir Uvedale Price, and Downtoii Castle, the romantic seat of
that accomplished scholar, the late Mr. Payne Knight, afford,
as I am informed, splendid examples of the contrary. Thoso
fine subjects are said to have been laid out, or at least im-
proved in their most striking features, by the owners them-
selves ; from which we can only conclude, that those eminent
individuals possessed great practical skill, as well as culti-
vated taste, however they might have acquired it. On any
other supposition, it w^ould be to believe an effect to exist
without an adequate cause, which is impossible.

Perhaps the merits of both sides of the question may be
shortly summed up, in reference to the example just now
quoted. On the one hand, it is probable, that Sir Uvedale
Price and Mr. Knight possessed a much more intimate
acquaintance with the capabilities of their own places, than
any professional person could have possessed, had he been
consulted. On the other hand, without any disparagement
of those highly-gifted men, we may b«lieve, that such a per-
son, if properly qualified as an artist, would no less have
excelled them in practical skill, and useful experience. — It is
impossible to pursue the subject farther in this place, but it
well merits a separate discussion.

NOTES AND ILLUSTRATIONS.

40

NOTES AND ILLUSTRATIONSc

SECTION I.

Note I. Page 5.

Whoever is acquainted with the pursuits and information of the gener-
ality of land-owners and country gentlemen, will be disposed to give full
credit to the assertion here made in the text, and also to the follow-
ing anecdote, which I shall mention, for the amusement of the reader.

In the county of * * *, in which as large sums have been laid out in
Planting, as in most others, within the last half century, a gentleman,
who is curious and intelligent about Woods, and entertains the same
opinion of the generality of our planters as I do, was, some few
years since, remarking in a public company, the almost universal want of
science, or even of ordinary knowledge, that prevails on a topic so gen-
erally interesting. Not finding many persons agree with him in this
sentiment, he offered a bet of five to one, that no gentleman present
should, within three months, name three persons, landholders in the
county, who had executed large plantations, and were possessed of from
L.500 to L.5000 a-year and upwards, that were able to "state with
precision, the different sorts of soils, to which twelve of the principal
forest trees planted in Britain were best adapted."

The bet was on all hands allowed to be a very " sporting" one, and was
immediately taken up. The taker of it next day set to work with
his search. Being no planter himself, though a good agriculturist, he
had no acquaintance with the subject in question ; but he naturally
enough imagined, that the species of knowledge, which was useless
to him, must yet be valuable to others ; and that therefore a planter
could no more be ignorant of the soils best suited to his trees, than
a farmer could be of those adapted to his wheat, or his barley crops.

316

But at the end of the three months, he was reluctantly forced to
aekuowledge, that, in the existing circumstances, the analogy was not a
correct one, and three persons not being to be found of adequate informa-
tion, he paid his money accordingly. During the course of the investi-
gation, more than twenty planters aspired to the honours of the competi-
tion, all confident that they could easily gain him his bet. But, when it
came to the trial, the result was, that one person only, in the county of
, was able to fulfil the prescribed conditions !

It has been remarked above, that so little are country gentlemen, or
their gardeners, acquainted with either the planting, or the management of
Woods, that it is truly " the blind leading the blind," in this important
department of rural economy ; and I cannot refrain from telling another
anecdote, on the subject of soils, of which the facts came within my own
knowledge.

\ few months since, I was applied to by a friend, to give him some
advice respecting his trees. Wood, he said, grew so badly about his
place, that, after the experience of forty years, he was almost discour-
aged from the cultivation of it. On visiting the spot, I perceived that
his representation was but too well founded. As he felt a great parti-
ality to limes and sycamores, he had transplanted those two sorts of
trees all over liis park, of eight and ten feet high, many years before,
rrnd that the work was executed in the best manner, he said, it was im-
possible to doubt, as it was done under the direction of his own gardener,
who had extensive experience, and knoioledge of wood. But the gar-
dener and himself both assured me, that the soil and climate were
" altogether unfavorable to wood," however either might suit husbandry
or green crops. In proof of which, they turned my attention to the
trees, which, indeed, appear stunted and unhealthy, with leaves of a
yellowish-green colour, and growing about an inch, or little more, in a
season.

On examining the soil, the cause of my friend's want of success was
at once apparent. It consisted of a rich, but thin clay, naturally inclin-
ing to damp in the substratum, from the retention of moisture. My
advice to him was very short : " Grub up your limes and sycamores,
which you should never have planted, and which, unless by a miracle,
could never grow to timber, in such a soil. Replace them with oak and
beech, of at least five-and-twenty feet high, and of two and three feet in
pirtli, in order that they may be ab1<^ to withstand the elements, and, with-
in a few years you will have thriving wood. But let oak be the staple,
whether of your plantations or your park-wood, with such a soil."

To get advice is one thing, to follow it is another. I know not wheth-

317

er the gardener's opinion or niinc prevailed witli the good-natn red owner.
But the probabiUty i.s, that the i)laco will remain in statu (juo, and the
badness of both soil and climate be deplored or reprobated, for anothet
generation.

Note II. Page 7.

So general is the feeling, among the best-informed classes, respecting
the want of intelligence on the important subject of Wood, that t
believe, a proposal for the establishment of an Arboricultural Society
in Scotland, if properly made, would be as ardently gone into, as it would
be universally approved. It is astonishing to think, that, up to the pre-
sent time, no such Society should any where exist in the United King-
doms. The importance and the uses of Wood are so great and mani_
fold, and its improvement of such paramount interest to the empire
in general, and to individual districts in particular, that there are really
few objects, which are calculated lo unite so many suffrages in their
favour.

In respect to the beneficial results, which the labours of such a so-
ciety would produce, they are generally but very imperfectly hinted at in
the text. Perhaps one of the most remarkable is, the change that would
take place, in the character, education, and acquirements of our nursery-
men, by far the most influential agents in the melioration of our future
Woods ; because it is upon them that we must depend for the nature of
the materials. Should such a society be soon established, I should yet
hope to see nurserymen come forth as they ought to do, able botanists,
intelligent agriculturists and gardeners, vegetable physiologists of re-
spectable information, and, in a word, men of general science.

Probably the truth is, that reformation, if it be begun in earnest, must
begin elsewhere. Were the class of persons J?r5^-mentioned in this enu-
meration in the text (namely, " well-informed landholders"), by any
means to rise up, the two others would follow, as a necessary conse-
quence. Let us hear one of the most candid and intelligent nurserjTnen
in Scotland on the subject. On my observing to him lately, how much
it was to be regretted, that there was " no science" to be found among
men of his profession, he replied nearly as follows :

" Of what use or value, sir," would science be to us, while nothing of
the kind is possessed by our employers ? As nurserymen, seedsmen, or
florists, we are mere dealers in the articles we sell ; in the same
way as the shopkeeper is in sugar, snuff, or haberdashery goods ; only
with this difference respecting us, that we raise or produce the article we

318

sell, whereas the other has to buy, or to sell it, after it has been raised
by others. Give gentlemen, who are the most partial to planting, but
cheap plants, and they neither know nor care about the quality !

" No nurseryman, believe me, sir (at least in this kingdom), ever
raised his reputation, or extended his business, by the superior quality
of his trees, because that must have implied a superior price. Boutch-
ER, the honestest and most judicious one we ever had (a man more
remarkable for the spirit of fair-dealing, than for any knowledge of
the world), made an attempt, about threescore years since, to improve
Scottish arboriculture, and to convince the public of their injudicious anx-
iety for low priced articles in our line. Had his merit been rewarded
with that encouragement, which it so eminently deserved, arboriculture
woidd indeed have been improved, under such an instructor. His excel-
lent example would long erenow have rendered both science and infor-
mation indispensable to our profession. But what happened ? Boutcher
was undervalued by the ignorance of his age. He was suflFered to
languish unsupported for years at Comely Garden, and died at last, in
obscurity and indigence. It would avail little in the present day to dwell
on the ignorance and quackery of the men, who supplanted him in
the public favor. The work on ' the raising of forest trees,' which he
published by subscription, to relieve his wants, is a sufficient proof of his
professional skill ; and the detail of his practice is the severest satire on
that of his successors. I conscientiously believe, that the millions of
young trees at present raised near Edinburgh, if raised after Boutcher's
method, would cover a greater surface than is now covered by the en-
tire metropolis of the North !

" Since the time of the Millers and the Boutchers, the little science that
was then dawning on our profession, whether in Scotland or elsewhere,
has utterly disappeared from it. Planting and gardening, however, since
that period, have come much into fashion in this country. The seed and
nursery business has surprisingly increased. Instead of being confined,
as formerly, to a scale the most limited and insignificant, it has become
one of the most important professions in the metropolis and elsewhere,
and fortunes, by consequence, have been rapidly accumulated by it.

" In these circumstances, sir, I conceive, that we have been greatly
enlightened, respecting the mysteries of the trade, Ijy our brethren of the
south. To furnish gardeners to the nuijility and gentry, is now found to
be the road to wealth ; to sell cheap or dear, the only criterion of merit
in the nurseryman. His study, therefore, never is nor can be science, or
the quality of his plants, but solely and exclusively, the art of raising the
greatest possible number on the smallest space of ground, and furnish-

:VJJ

ing them to his customers at the lowest possible prico. You may think,
that in this stricture I bear rather hard on our profession ; but, since you
do me the honour to question me, I must tell you the truth."

All this, we must own, is extremely deplorable. It places in a strong
point of view, the benefits that would flow from a society for the im-
provement of arboriculture, were it judiciously constituted, and the ne-
cessity there is for at length cultivating the art independently, and as a
separate department. There is now sufficient wealth, and, what is
of more importance, sufficient intelligence in the country to accomplish
the object, and for once to enable us to lead the way in this instance, in
the advancement of the arts.

Note III. Page 7.

It was not till after the civil wars, that the arts of planting and garden-
ing were greatly cultivated in England. The immortal Bacon, in the
preceding age, was certainly the first, who seemed to apprehend the true
principles of beauty in the garden, and

Taught a degenerate reign
What in Eliza's golden day was Taste.*

See his 46th Essay ; in which he directs, that a considerable portion of
what he terms his " princely garden" should be " framed, as much as
may be, to a natural wilderness."

The genius of Milton, likewise, at a later period, figured for his Eden
a garden, which could have no prototype, but in his own taste and ar-
dent imagination, but which might rather seem to have belonged to tlie
richest garden and park-scenery of an after age. The passage is curi-
ous, and to some it has appeared not less prophetic than beautiful ; as the
only models, that were before our great poet's eyes, were the formal and
rectilinear gardens, which we derived from antiquity, and which still exist
in most parts of Europe :

Not that sweet grove
Of Daphne by Orontes, and the inspired
Castalian spring, might with this Paradise
Of Eden strive. * * * The crisped brooks,
Rolling on orient pearl, and sands of gold
Willi mazy error, under pendent shades,
Ran nectar, visiting each plant, and fed
Flowers worthy Paradise; which not nice art,

* Mason's English Garden, B. I.

320

til Oeds and curious kiiols, but iiuturc's boon.
I'ourcd foith profuse on liill, nnddulc, and plain,
B'jtli \s'1ii re the niorniiig sun first warmly smote
The open licld, and wliore the unpierced sliade
Erabrown'd tlie noontide bow'rs. Thus was this placu
A liappy rural seat of various view.

Paradise Lost, B. IV.

Kent) to whom we certainly owe the art of modern gardening, lived
in the beginning of the last century. He was by profession a painter,
and had the taste and ingenuity to superinduce the priirciples of the new
art on his previous studies. No one, probably, but a painter would have
thought of making use of the colours of nature, to improve and heighten
the effect of real scenery. The great principles on which he worked
(as Walpole truly observes), were perspective, and light and shade ; and
thus his imagination bestowed the arts of landscape, on the scenes
which he undertook to improve. Bridgeman, the fashionable designer
of the day, had, a short time before, invented the smik fence, wliich was
a material step to the comiecting of the garden and the park : but
" Kent (says the same lively writer) leaped the fence, and saw that all
nature was a garden." — See Anecdotes of Painting in England.

Kent returned from Rome, where he had gone to perfect liimself in
his profession, under the patronage of Lord Burlington, about the year
1721. The first places, which he laid out in the new style, were Clare-
mont and Esher. This happened in 1728 or 1730 ; so that, as Paradise
Lost first came out in 1667, it may be said, that more than a hundred-
and-thirty years intervened between the time of Bacon and that of Kent,
and more than three-score, between that of Milton and the last men-
tioned period.

Note IV. Page 8.

" The Landscape," a poem, by the late ingenious Mr. Knight, and the
" Essays on the Picturesque," by that accomplished scholar Sir Uvedale
Price, are productions of high merit, which we must ever value, as
having been the means of retrieving the public taste, and showing what
is unnatural, formal, or monotonous in the character of the school of
Brown and Repton. Yet, as these meritorious works were composed
under pecuhar circiunstances, and during the bitterness of controversy,
they should be perused with some allowance, on that account. Mr.
Loudon's able treatise also, on the " Improvement of Country Residen-
ces" (which came out in 1806, and has not been half so much com-
mended as it deserves), forma an admirable guide to the man of taste, or

321

the country "[enUpman, who, havinfj no practical skill himself, is yet
desirous to imj)rovo real landscape where it already exists, or to create
it where it is wantiiijT.

As a proof that the professors of liindscapo gardening do not obsti-
nately cling to antiquated errors, Mr. Pontey (who has usefully written
on the planting and pruning of trees), a disciple and admirer of Crown,
puhlished, in 1825, a meritorious work on "the laying-out of grounds,"
though with an odd title, namely, "The Rural Improver." The book,
though not well written, contains excellent matter : it shows much prac-
tical skill, and should have a place in the library of every country gentle-
man. It is certain, that considerable knowledge of the principles of land-
scape, however obtained, and some skill in the practice of creating it, are
indispensable to every one, who would transplant with advantage. This
is a subject well deserving of discussion ; but it would require far more
than could be comprised within the short compass of a note.

Note V. Page 47.

With respect to the Immediate Effect of Wood in to\Vn embellish*
ments, it would prove particularly valuable for the squares, and other
open grounds of a great city. Edinburgh, one of the most extraordi-
nary places in Europe, whether for its picturesque situation, or the
sudden erection of its finest streets and squares, lately lost an opportu-
nity of obtaining wood in this way, w^hich is not likely soon to occur
again. The Royal Circus, Moray Place, Heriot Row, and other places
and squares, having spacious open grounds attached to them, were built
in the immediate vicinity of what was once the delightful Villa and
grounds of the Earl of Moray, on the W'ater of Leith ; and, indeed,
nearly the whole of them have grown out of the destruction of that
elegant little Park. Its woods had been admirably kept, and, what is
more, judiciously thinned out, by the taste of the late, and the present
Lord Moray, and would have afforded subjects in sufficient number, of
nearly five-and-forty years' growth, and also in the very best rooting-
ground, to wood the one-half of the metropohs. It is to be lamented,
that there was no science at hand, to have achieved this striking im-
provement, as it would have done more to estabUsh the power of the art
in the public opinion, than twenty volumes like the present ; and, more-
over, it would have anticipated at least thirty years, in the picturesque
appearance of the city.

I do not mean of course, to say, that this should have been all done
with fine krge grove wood, or standard trees. No man of good taste.

41

322

I think, will so uiulrrslaiid it. But the miserable single trees and de-
tached groups, that now appear upon the open jiarts of the grounds in
question, should liave been of that large description, which would have
given effect and consequence to liieir narrow, but undulating surface ;
while shrubs and underwood, abundantly intermixed, would have con-
ferred on them richness and intricacy. There were a great number of
the last mentioned subjects (I mean shmbs and stools of underwood), at
this Villa, from five to eifht feet high, that would have richly clothed
the entire open grounds of the new part of the city.

In the same way, it would be quite practicable, if wished for, although
the exposure is considerably greater, to wood the site of what will here-
after become our Acropolis, as soon as the projected Parthenon rises on
the Calton Hill. But where arc the subjects now to be found ? Dur-
ing the provostship or mayoralty of the late excellent Mr. Henderson,
in 182 1, 1 had agreed to give a specimen of what might be done, by
planting a very large sycamore, with a spreading top, on the very highest
part of the Hill, near Nelson's Monument. The tree was selected in
Lord Moray's grounds for the purpose ; but the sudden death of this
worthy chief magistrate put an end to the undertaking.

Note IV. Page 50.

Highly gratifying as the Report of the Committee of the Highland
Society must be to me, as attesting the success of my improvements in
the art, and that on authority too high to be called in question ; yet I
own, I was not less gratified by the flattering mention of them, in one of
the productions of the Author of Waverley ; works which will, in all
probability, live as long as the J'^^guage endures, in which they are
written. I regret that I am prevented by circumstances from quoting
the passage.

Soon after this report was made, the society advertised a premium of
ten guineas, or a piece of plate of equal value, for the best Essay on the
Removal of Large Trees and Underwood. As I had then collected
materials for the present Treatise, which were of a more extensive sort
than would have suited the Society's regulations, I declined entering
into competition for this premium. It was gained by the overseer of a
gentleman in Perthshire, a very meritorious person, who gave merely an
account of his own practice, for some years back. But, as he was pro-
bably not conversant with science, and had no idea that the art was sus-
ceptible of fixed principles, I did not conceive that it precluded, or in
any degree anticipated the present publication.

323

SECTION II.

Note 1. Pa<re 55.

" Fuit et arborum cura legil)us priscis; cautumqiie pst XII. Tahulis,
«t qui injuria cecidisset alienas, lueret in siii<TuIas jcris XXV."— P/«/i.
Hist. Nat. L. XVII. 1.

Note II. Page 56.

Ts^av&^mv iJ.STa(pvTsvsiv ;— Veterem Arborem transferre v. transplan-
tare. — Eras. Adag. p. 419.

Note III. Page 56.

It is remarkable, that there is not to be found, in all Homer, anything
like picturesque description, although Pope in his translation has abun-
dantly supplied the want. On Virgil and the other Roman poets nearly
a similar remark may be made : and this defect in ancient poetry (as
Twining has well observed, in his Dissertations on the Poetics of Aris-
totle), naturally proceeds from a similar defect, in the sister art of
painting.

In Pliny's account of the Greek artists, we find no mention made of a
landscape painter among them, nor anything like a landscape itself, in
his list of their most celebrated productions. He informs us, however,
that a Roman painter, named Ludius, who lived in the reign of Augustus,
first struck out the art of painting landscape, which he executed in fresco,
in so very pleasing a manner, and at so very moderate an expense, that
every body employed him. His subjects, he says, were villas, porticos,
gardens, groves, hills, rivers, seaport towns, and the like, and that they
were enlivened with human figures in abundance, engaged in all sorts of
occupations ; the whole forming a most pleasing representation {blandis-
fimo aspectu). Hist. Nat. L. XXXV. 10.

Twining likewise accurately observes, that landscape painting in Pliny's

324

time, though known, was not an established branch of painting, as it had
not even acquired a name; for Pliny, who on other occasions is not sparing
in his use of technical terms, is obliged to call it by a periphrasis, " an
agreeable sort of painting or subject" (amaenissima pictura). P. 35.

Note IV. Page 57.

" In arbustum Ulmos quinquennes sub Urbe transferunt, aut, ut qui-
busdam placet, quae vicenum pedum esse coeperunt. Suleo, qui Nov-
enarius dicitur, altitudine pedum trium, pari latitudine, et eo ampliiis,
circa positas, pedes terni undique 6 solido adaggorantur. Arulas id
vocant in CampaniA. * * Opulis eadem ratio semino, qua Ulmos
serendi ; transferendi quoque 6 seminariis, eadem et silvis." — Hist.
Nat. L. XVII. II. Sec also Columella, L. V. 5. 6.—Cato, <SjC.

Note V. Page 58.

" Haec si tibi nimii\m tristia videbuntur, vjllae imputabis ; in quik
didici ab ^gialo, diligentissimo patrefamilise (is enim nunc hujus agri
possessor est), quamvis vetus arbustum posse transfcrri. Hoc nobis
senibus disccre necessarium est, quorum nemo non olivetum alteri
ponit. Quod vidi, hoc dico; illud arboretum trinum aut quadrinuun
fastidienti fructus autimmo deponere. Te quoque proteget ilia, quae
Tarda venit, seris factura nepotibus umbram."

Sen. Epist. LXXXVI. p. 553. Edit. Lipsii.

Note VI. Page 58.

This skilful husbandman, says the poet, well knew how to order his

slow-growing elms in even rows ; to transplant the hardy pear tree, and

the grafted thomstock, already yielding fruit ; together with the pla-

tanus of such a size, that the votaries of Bacchus might enjoy its

shade :

Illc eliam scras in veisum distulil Ulmos,
Eduiamquo Piium, ctSpinos jam prima fcrentcs,
Jaitique minislrantcin Plalanum potaiitibus umbras.

Virg. Gcorg. Lib. IV. 114.

This version of the passage, I conceive, we are warranted in believing
to be correct, although the word distultt is used, and not transtulii
(from the peculiar epithets, which Virgil has bestowed upon the trees),
distinctly showing them not to have been diminutive plants, but trees
transferred to the spot when of some magnitude.

325

Note VII. Page 5.8.

}^(j)6ipa /?u6t(f (i66poVi irotfioavTCi, K(U TTCpiKo'ixpavTC! rhv ttfiiirji', Knl liatviti rotrj rra-
XVrepovs qXuva; Kot UKepaiovi rag I'ji^ni Siarnpi'iTavTCi, jtcTa rroXXi7{ ri7j oiVcia; yijf, koi
Kunpov dpOii fiaWoviTt tU irpifiva, ^uXarrii/icvoi, Iv' Sttov uv kAiV/;, itcivri. Analol. in

Geopon. Vet L. X. 85.

Note VIII. Page 28.

" Ad Olivetum revertor, quod vidi duobus modis depositiim. Mao--
narum arborum tnincos, circumsisis ramis, et ad unum redactis pedem,
cum scapo sue transtulit ; amputatis radicibus, relicto tantum capite ipso,
ex quo illaj pependerant : hoc, fimo tinctum, in scrobem demisit : deinde
terrain non aggessit tantiim, sed calcavit et pressit. Negat quidquam
esse h^c (ut ait) spissatione efficacius ; videlicet, frigus excludit et ven-
tum. Minus praeterek movetur, et ob hoc nascentes radices prodire pati-
tur, ac solum apprehendere, quas necesse est teneras adhuc, et precari6
haerentes, levis quoque revellat agitatio. Parum autem arboris, antequam
obruat, radit: ex omni enim materiel quae nudata est, ut ait, exeunt
radices novae. Non phires autem super terram eminere debet truncus,
qukm tres aut quatuor pedes : statim enim ab imo vestietur ; nee mao--
na pars, quemadmodum in olivetis veteribus, arida aut retorrida erit. —
Alter ponendi modus hie fuit. Ramos fortes, nee corticis duri, quales
esse novellarum arborum solent, eodem genere deposuit. Hi paullo
tardius surgunt ; sed cum tanquam h plants processerint, nihil habent in
se horridum nee triste." Epist. LXXXVI. p. 559. He says, that he
had likevdse seen old vines removed in the same way, in the months of
February and March, and with the same success.

Note IX. Page 60.

"Hoc mense, locis siccis, calidis, et apricis,majores arbores transfere-
mus, truncatis ramis, illaesis radicibus, multo stercore et rigationibus
adjuvandas." — Pallad. de Re Rust, in Novemb. Tit. XVI.

Note X. Page 61.

Pliny gives us two descriptions, the one of his Laurentine, the other
of his Tuscan villa, in which the garden is the most prominent feature
(see Epist. L. II. 17. L. V. 6.) : and the gardens of England, such as

320

Lord Burleigh's, and that at Hanii)ton Court, as delineated by Hentzncr
are accurate copies of them. There wants nothing, as is justly re-
marked by Walpole, but the cml)roidory of a parterre, to make a garden
in tiie reign of Trajan serve for a description of one in that of King
William. — See Anecdotes of Painting, Vol. IV.

That horticulture was really introduced into Britain by the Romans,
there is no sort of doubt, and that their proconsular governors brought
it to a considerable height of perfection. Pliny tells us, that cherries
were originally an Asiatic fruit, not known in Italy till after the triumphs
of LucuUus, on account of the Mithridatic war, in the 680th year of
the city, when they were brought over by that celebrated commander.
But so diligently were they cultivated, that, within 120 years, they were
carried over to Britain. Hist. Nat. L. XV. 25.

Note XI. Page 63.

Prince Maurice of Nassau, as Barlaeus informs us, was appointed
Governor of Brazil about the year 1630 ; and, after several successful
efforts both of military and political talent, in defence of that province,
he erected, in 1639, the palace or goveriunent house of Friburg, and
laid out the luxurious gardens, of which an account is given in the text.
In some parts, Barlaeus is extremely happy in drawing after the mamier
of the ancient historians ; and, although the passage is long, as he de-
scribes the site, and in some sort the particulars, of one of the greatest
transplanting feats recorded in modem times, it may be worth while (the
book being scarce) to give the passage entire, for the gratification of the
reader. " Planities horrida, inculta, nuUis arboribus, nullo frutice
induta, sordebat situ. * * JDdificimn ea cura k Comite fuit, ut spectata
salubritas fuerit, curata tranquillitas, parta loco securitas, neque neglecta
hortorum amcnnilas. * * Surgebant Cociae spectabili serie septingentae,
j)rociores alia;, alia; humiliorcs, quarum quaedam caudicem attollebant quin-
quaginta, quacdamquadraginta, quaedam triginta pedum altitudine, prius-
quam ramorum attingeret divergia. Has cum transferri non posse omnium
esset opinio, scite efibssas, petoritis, trium quatuorve miliarum spatio
vectari, et pontonibus trans fluvios deportari, in insulam jussit. Trans-
latas, non labore soliiin sed ingenio, excepit amica tellus, eaque fsecun-
ditate, praeter omnium spcrn, implcvit aiinosas arbores, ut primo ab
insitione anno mirA nascendi aviditate, fructus dederint copiosissimos.
Jam septuagenarias ct octogenarian erunt, veterique proverbio fidom im-

327

niiniiferp, ail)i)ios annosas non esse transferendas." — Ilislor. Rcr. m
Bras, gcstar. [u 210—212.

Note XII. Page 61.

As gardening, in its largest sense, is so intimately connected with
our present subject, and as Le Notre was the person whose example
swayed the taste of all I'jurope, Great Britain only excepted, for more
than a century, and still continues to sway tlie greater part of it, it may
be worth while, in this place, to bestow a brief notice on the style and
character of both the man and his works.

Le Notre was by profession an architect, and by his uncommon turn
for garden-decoration, became a first-rate favourite with Lewis XIV. ;
who, besides ennobling him, bestowed on him the appointment of comp-
troller-general of buildings, and director of the royal gardens. To the
rectilinear gardens, and elaborate topiary works handed down from
antiquity, he added rich parterres, and magnificent triumphal arches,
.ong and straight alleys, lofty cascades and fountains, with their gro-
tesque and strange decorations, grottos filled with architecture, and
trellis-work covered with gilding ; and these, intermixed with a multi-
tude of thermes and statues, seemed to the French, unaccustomed as
they were to relish the real beauties of nature, the ne plus ultra of
human invention. Professor Hirschfeld of Kiel, the German historian
of modem gardening, from whom we derive these particulars, says, that
it was the personal character of the monarch himself, and the taste of
the age, which began to be attracted towards the restoration of the fine
arts, that chiefly raised Le Notre to the summit of fame and popularity.
But the nation, as well as the court, wanted to be dazzled ; and both
were captivated and enchanted with what seemed at once to unite
novelty with singularity. Ornament and tinsel, pomp and brilliancy
were thus universally preferred to correct taste, and true greatness of
design. It must, however, be acknowledged, adds this judicious
writer, that Le Notre's genius was admirably suited to the taste of
the times in which he lived, and fully gratified the leading prejudices of
the French character. Die nation, so xoohl als tier hof wolten nur ge-
blendet, nur durch das neue und ausserordentliche angezaubert wer-
den. Man sake mehr auf das, was glanz und pracht hatte, als aitf
reinen geschmack, und stille grosse. Es ist aber nicht zu Idugnen,
dass die manier des Le Notre gerade dieses herrschende vorurtheil,
diesen geschmack seiner zeit bcfriedichte. — Theorie der Gartenkunst,
B. V. p. 255.

328

Le Not re's masterpiece was the gardens at Versailles, which cost
two hundred millions of livrcs. lie laid out, besides, Trianon, Meu-
don, St. Cloud, Chantilly, &c. In 1678 he went to Italy, England,
and other countries, which one and all adopted his style. King Charles
II. sent for Mm, to improve the taste of the English, when he laid out
St. James's Park and Greenwich; "certainly (as Walpole says), no
great monuments of his invention."

Note XIII. Page 71.

It is to be regretted, that Sir Uvedale Price, in his very valuable
" Essays on the Picturesque" (probably the most powerful example of
controversial writing, and acute criticism in the language}, should have
somewhat lessened their effect, by personal sarcasm, and the bitterness
of controversy. As to Brown, he has not (according to the vulgar
phrase) " left him the likeness of a dog ;" and his conceit, his igno-
rance, his arrogance, his vanity (of all which BroAvn had his full share),
are blazoned forth in the most glaring colours. It is true, that to pull
him down, while in the zenith of his fame and popularity, and after-
wards to keep him down, surrounded as he was with followers and
flatterers, required a vigorous and powerful ann like Sir TJvedale's; and
no one, I think, will grudge the latter his complete triumph, or the
castigation inflicted on his opponent, considering the lasting benefit
which his own labours have conferred on an elegant art, and in eleva-
tin<T the fame and character of the country. Still I cannot help think-
ing, that poor Kent, though a man of rather limited genius, should
have escaped more easily than he has done, from the great critic's
hand ; since it is to him that we as clearly owe the art of landscape
gardening, as we owe the saving of it from disgrace, and the placing it
on just principles, to Sir Uvedale Price. May we not, then, ask, look-
ing to the fine genius of the latter,

"Tantrcno nniiiiis cmlestibus irff>7"

Note XIV. Page 72.

This was James Earl of Abercorn, uncle to the first marquis who
succeeded him in 1789. The earl was esteemed one of the best-bred
men of his time, though his manners were distinguished by pomp and
preciseness. It was said of him, that he made the tour of Europe in a
posture so erect, as never once to touch the back of his carriage ! The

329

country must be coiisidcrcil as indebted to liiin, as a liberal patron of the
arts, and as being among the first persons who introduced Landscape
Gardening into Scotland.

Note XV. Page Sl-
it is here said in the text, that the lightening, that is, mutilating the
fine tops of trees, is the ordinary, and nearly the universal practice in
England ; and it might have been added, with equal truth, that it pre-
vails more or less, in every other part of the British empire, vsrhere the
transferring of large trees is known and practised.

After all the investigations, which I have been able to make, into
the practice of such English planters as the Marquisses of London-
derry and Stafford, Mr. Gibson, and Sir R. Arkwright in the north,
the Duke of Portland, Marquis of Hertford, Lord Caernarvon, Lord
Grenville, Sir James Gardiner, Mr. Thistlethwaite, and Mr. Long in
the south, Sir Aubrey De Vere Hunt, and others in Ireland, who have
removed Wood with various degrees of success, it appears, that they
all adhere more or less to the Mutilating system : that they take up
the tree, after lightening the top, with short and incompetent roots,
but with a great mass or ball of earth attached to it : that they raise it
with a strong crane, upon alow platform, with wheels, or rather rollers,
stiU lower: and after conveying it upright and with much difficulty,
they have as great difficulty in propping and supporting it, after being
planted. The only improvement practised seems to be the cutting
round the roots, according to Lord Fitzharding's method ; but that is
often done in the season immediately preceding the removal, when
little benefit can be derived from it.

By this method, it is obvious that immense lab our, and consequently
very considerable expense, is incurred in the removal of Wood, and
far more than should be incurred in an art, calculated to be generally
useful. In fact, the objection of difficulty and expense united, is
quite sufficient to counteract or limit the adoption of any art, however
valuable, and render it unpopular with the public.

43

330

Note XVI. Pajjo 85.

The Ibllowing is a list of thirty-four of tlie largest trees and shrubsy
with their height and girth, removed by Dr. Graham:

Common Hawthorn {Crataegus Oxyacantha) .
Scarlet-flowering Hawthorn {Cratcegus Oxyacan-

tha var.)

Great American Hawthorn {Crafcegus Coccinea)
Spotted Hawthorn [Crat gus Punctata) . .
Cut-leaved Alder {Alnus Glutmoso var.) . .
Weeping Ash (Fraxinus Excelsior var.)
Heart-leaved Poplar {Popuhts Candicaiis) .
Various-leaved Ash {Fraximis Heterophylla) .
Flowering Ash [Fraxuuis Ornus) ....

Conunon iiime (T/7/a £«/'o/*cea)

White Lime ( Tilia Alba)

White-Beam {Py?-us Aria)

Weeping Birch [Betula Alba var) ....
^lont^eXier ^\a^\e {Acer Monspessulanum) .
Conmion Walnut [Juglans Rcgia) ....

Common Yew (Taxus Buccata)

Sugar Maple [Acer Saccharinurn) ....
Scarlet-flowering INIaple [Acer Rubrum) . . .

Scarlet Oak [Qurrcus Coccinea)

Shell bark Walnut [Juglans Cinerea)
Perfumed Cherry [Prunus Mahaleb) ....
Chinese Arbor Vitae (TA?{y« O/7'c/itofe) . . .
Red Cedar [Juniperus Virginiana) ....
Common Holly {Bex Aquifolinm) ....
Hedgehog Holly {Bex Aquifolium var.) .
Thick-leaved Holly {Bex Aquifolium var.) .
Atidrachne S>tra.\\hvTTy-tTee {Arbutus Andrachne)
Shrubby Trefoil {Plelea Trifoliata) ....
Blue Magnolia {Magnolia Acuminata) .
Constantinople Hazel-nut {Corylus Colurna) .
Cut-leaved Hornbeam {Carpinus Bctulus var.)
American Nettle-tree (Ce//2s Occ?</e«<aZ<.s) .
American Elm ( Ulmus Americana) ....
Curled-leaved Elm

Height.

Girlh at 1
foot higli.

Feet. I

icb.

Feet.Inch.

23

0

2

10

20

9

1

9}

20

6

1

7

17

0

2

4

43

0

3

11

34

0

2

10

29

0

2

1

34

9

2

n

37

8

3

111

37

8

2

fi

30

0

3

2

34

6

3

u

40

0

2

9

19

0

2

5

24

6

2

4

23

0

3

5?

18

6

1

9

19

0

1

1

18

8

1

Si

17

0

1

5»

18

0

2

74

17

0

2

9i

18

0

1

10'

21

0

1

lU

11

0

1

1

12

2

A bush

13

0

2

n

10

0

1

5?

13

6

1

4

25

4

2

ol

12

0

2

3

14

0

1

10

25

6

1

9A

28

6

2

2l

In a Note, at the bottom of the above list (which was furnished by
the learned professor), he says, " we have, of course, removed more
than a single specimen of the above ; but I have not thought it neces-
sary to state the measurements of more than one of a kind."

The idea, which is given in the text, of this meritorious horticultural
effort by Dr. Graham, is given from the impression which I received of

331

U, on visiting the Botanic Garden in June, 1823, wlien the oldest of the
trees had not been longer than a twelvemonth in the ground ; and this
effort appeared the more admirable from the circumstance, of which, I
was at tlie same time informed, that only one, or two at most, had died
in the first season. On visiting the garden again in July, 1827, I was
both pleased and surprised to observe, that the more delicate plants,
such as the magnolia, the perfumed cherry, the arbutus, &c. had suc-
ceeded the best ; which showed the extraordinary care and judgment,
with which, on account of shelter, they had been massed up with
others, and also the extraordinary attention, which had been bestowed
upon them afterwards. Of the arbutus there is a noble specimen,
supposed to be one of the largest in Britain.

The ordinary forest-trees, on the other hand, such as the lime, the
birch, and the walnut, appeared by no means so successful, although
powerfully supported with cordage, as described in the text ; but they
were placed in more exposed situations, and seemed less in possession
of the Protecting Properties. This conjecture was confirmed to me by
the intelligent Mr. Macnab, who stated, among other things, that in the
tallest of these trees, which were from seven-and-thirty to three-and
forty feet high, the roots did not exceed three-and-a-half or four feet in
length ; a style of roots, as I observed to him, wholly inadequate to
nourish or support plants of a far smaller size. For the reasons, there-
fore, given in Section V. page 144 of the present work, the ingenious
professor must wait with patience, " until the deficiency in these pro-
perties be made up." But I wish distinctly to repeat what is mentioned
in the text, that I consider Dr. Graham as beyond comparison the ablest,
the most ingenious, and the most successful horticultural transplanter
in Britain, or perhaps in Europe ; and I am certain, that he would ren-
der an important service to all others, who may be placed in similar
circumstances, were he to publish an account of the particular process
which he followed, on this interesting occasion.

It will, however, immediately occur to every reflecting planter, that,
for the causes assigned in the text, and particularly at pages 98 and 99,
Horticultural Transplanting and Transplanting in the Park
are processes extremely different from each other, as hothouse culture
is from the culture of husbandry in the open field. Had I thought it
worth while, I might have stated in the text, and stated with perfect
truth, that the forest-trees in the Botanic Garden of Edinburgh could
not have stood four-and-twenty hours in the Park here, particularly
about the equinox ; and that the style of success, attending them where
they do stand, seems to show, that, up to the beginning of the present

332

year, when the first edition of my Treatise came out, nothing was
known of the principles, on vvliich Park-ivood sliould be removed, even
by persons the most able and scientific. And, I trust, it will not now be
thought invidious, when I add, that trees planted at the same time as
those in the Botanic Garden, in the most exposed situations of my
Park, are seen to make shoots between two and three feet long, and
that they never had props or supports of any kind.

The truth is, that horticultural planting and park planting being so
very dissimilar, as just now obsen'ed (owing to the widely dissimilar
circumstances under which they are executed), they never can come
into comparison, far less into competition with each other. Modem
botanists have thought good to divide themselves into two classes,
namely, the Systematic and the Physiological ; but under which of tho
two the ingenious professor ranks himself is not known to me, although
it is pretty obvious in which of them a knowledge of the principles of
planting of any sort is to be found, \npark planting I think it probable,
that the professor has no experience : but I venture to predict, to which-
ever of the two classes of botanists he may belong, that, should he try
the practice, the difliculties attending a successful execution will per-
haps surprise him, notwithstanding the light that has been thrown upon
it by the present Treatise.

Before concluding this Note, there are two circumstances, which I
think it proper to mention, as connected with the subject. The first is,
that it has been alleged, by a very respectable and highly accomplished
friend of Dr. Graham's and mine, that, in the note on this passage, in
the first edition of the book, the doctor " has not been treated with per-
fect fairness." This allegation has given me great pain, as there is no
man for whom I entertain a greater respect and esteem than himself.
The former note I acknowledge, was hastily written, and therefore not
so clearly expressed as it might have been. I have, therefore, re-written
it as above, and I trust that it will now appear both fair and explicit.

The second circumstance is, that I understand it has been said by
other friends of the professor's, that because, in imitation of my method,
he did not decapitate or mutilate his forest-trees, according to the general
practice in Britain, and all over Europe, his removals at the Botanic
Garden had completely anticipated my system, and deprived it of any
priginality, which the public, as well as the periodical reviewers have
been pleased to attribute to it. This allegation, I conceive, requires no
answer from me. Our respective works, whether literary or arboricwl-r
tural, will speak for themselves.

333

NoTio XVII. Pap(! 89.

Mr. J. C. Loudon, in his Enoyt-Iopcdiii of Modorii Gardening, one of
the most useful and interesting publications of modern times, mentionEf
the remarkable progress, which Landscape Cardoning has made in
Poland. The first example of it was at Pulawy, the principal seat of
the Czartoryski family, on the Vistula, under the superintendence of
the Princess Isabella Czartoryski, a lady of distinguished talents and
accomplishments, and who had resided long in England. She carried
over to Poland, Savage an English gardener ; and with his assistance,
and that of Vogel and Frey, two artists of Warsaw, she laid out this
magnificent place in the last century, and before 1784. In 1801, she
published a regular Treatise on the style of English Gardening, with
plates, which greatly contributed to bring the art into fashion among
her countrymen. This is perhaps the best foreign treatise on the sub-
ject, excepting the large and excellent work of Professor Hirschfeld of
Kiel, (pie Theorie der Gardenkunst), which for many reasons is well
deserving of an English dress, as the French translation gives no com-
petent idea of the merit of the original.

Mr. Loudon, who visited Poland in 1813, and saw many trees that
had been transplanted by Stanislaus, soon after 1764, gives the follow-
ing account of the palace and grounds at Lazenki, which contains a
curious picture of the manners, as well as the Wood, at the residence
of this unfortunate prince,

" By far the most remarkable of these gardens (says he), is Lazenki,
or the Bath, formed by the last king, on the site of an ancient park at
Ujasdow, within the suburbs of the city. At the beginning of the reign
of Stanislaus, in 1764, it was a marshy wood, planted with alders, with
some canals, and other stagnated pieces of water, near which was a
grotesque edifice, called the Bath, from which this park takes its name.

" The Palace, a beautiful piece of Roman architecture, from the de-
sign of Camsitzer, a German artist, is placed on an island, in a consid-
erable piece of water. It consists of a centre and two wings. The
centre is placed in the middle of a narrow part of the lake, and the
wings are on opposite shores, and joined to the centre by arches, with
orangeries over them. The entrance is by a carriage-portico in one of
the wings, to which you arrive, without seeing the lake ; and on enter-
ing the orangery, its first effect is surprising and delightful. On the
north shore of this lake, there is an open amphitheatre of stone, with

334

its orchestra, on the brink of the water ; and near the margin is an
island of trees, which served as the proscenium. This theatre was at
all times open to the public ; and in addition to the ordinary exhibitions,
ships and naval engagements were occasionally exhibited. The gaiety
which prevailed here, during the first years of the reign of Stanislaus,
the singular effect of the illuminations, the ships, and the resounding of
music in the woods, are still recollected by some of the oldest inhabit-
ants of Warsaw, and spoken of with feelings of regret.

" The grounds were not extensive, nor, excepting near the Palace,
much ornamented. They consisted of a number of broad green alleys,
crossing each other at right angles ; and of smaller covered paths lead-
ing to open circles of turf, for dances and music, and for tents and
booths, on extraordinary occasions. In several places, coffee-rooms and
ice-cellars were established, and still remain. And there are two pa-
vilions for the king's mistresses ; and another, wliich served as a serag-
lio for strangers, or visitors of the king ; the three being connected with
the palace by arbour-like paths, or arcades of trellis-work, covered with
creepers.

" One thing deserves to be remarked as to these gardens, which is
perhaps not to be found in any others in Europe. Pedestals, as for
placing statues, were ranged in different parts of the grounds, particu-
larly along the broad walk, leading from the palace to the amphitheatre.
On these pedestals, on extraordinary occasions, selected living figures,
male and female, dressed in character, were placed, and taught to main-
tain certain attitudes, after the manner of the representations called
tableaux ; and which are sometimes, though rarely, produced in private
circles, at Paris and Vienna, on days when theatrical amusements are
forbidden. In 1813, this seat was nearly in the state, in which it was
left by Stanislaus; but we understand, that it has since undergone
several changes." — Encyclopedia of Gardening, p. 54.

335

SECTION 111.

Note I. Page 93i

Marshall has a specious way of adjusting the dillerences between
these conflicting systems ; although he seems to give it, in the end, in
favour of the former (that is, of the system of raising trees from the
seed), in situations, where the nature of the ground will admit, " The
dispute about sowing and planting (as he observes) may in some measure
be reconciled in the following manner. Where the strength of the
land lies in the substratum, while the surface soil is of an ungenial
nature, sow, in order that the roots may strike deep, and thereby reap
the full advantage of the treasures below. (Qu. Where did Marshall
meet with land of this description'?) But, on the contrary, where the
top soil is good, and the bottom of an opposite quality ( a very common
case), plant, and thereby give the roots the full enjoyment of the pro-
ductive part of the soil. Or, under these last circumstances, sow ; and
tap the young plants as they stand, with a tapping instrument, and
thereby check their downward tendency, as well as strengthen their
horizontal roots.

" By this method of treating seedling plants, the peculiar advantage
of planting is obtained. The dispute, therefore, seems to rest entirely
upon this question ; which of the two methods is least expensive ? To
come at this, there are two things to be considered ; the actual expense
of labour, and other contingent matters, and the loss of time in the land
occupied. With respect to the former, sowing is beyond comparison
the cheapest method : but in regard to the latter, planting may seem to
gain a preference ; for the seed-bed is small compared with the ground
to be planted, and while that is rearing the seedling plants, this con-
tinues to be applied to the purposes of husbandry. However, if we
consider the check, which plants in general receive in transplantation ;
and if the interspaces of an infant wood, may for several years after
sowing be still cultivated to advantage, the preference, we conceive, is
evidently and beyond all dispute, on the side of sowing." — Rural Orna-
ment, Vol. I. p. 121—123.

336

As this is a question of some moment, and has divided the most judi-
cious writers and planters for a century back, it must be interesting to
the young planter to have a concise smnmary of the evidence, as fur-
nished by our best writers, on the one side, and on the other, such as
may assist him to determine which is most consonant to rational theory,
supported and enforced by the best practice.

Miller, no mean authority as an arboriculturist, says (as we have seen),-
that no trees transplanted, and especially the oak, will ever pwdute such
valuable timber, as those raised from the seed. Marshall, as we have
seen also, prefers sowing the seed, wherever the ground is capable of
being worked with the plough. Evelyn, Emmerich, and though last,
not least, the intelligent Speechly, are of the same opinion, although
Speechly^s extensive pratice was sometimes at variance with this senti-
ment. Nicol and Pontey have practised both methods extensively, and
they offer no arguments against sowings where situation and circum-
stances admit. Sang, who in point of practical sltill is not inferior to
any of these writers, says ; "It is an opinion very generally entertained,
that planted timber can never in any case be equal in durability and
value to that -which is sown. We certainly feel ourselves inclined to
support this opinion, although we readily admit, that the matter has not
been so fully established by experiment, as to amount to positive proof.
But, although we have not met with decided evidence, to determine (m
the comparative excellence of timber raised from the seed, without
being replanted, over such as has been raised from replanted trees, we
are left in no doubt as to the preference in respect to groivth of those
trees which are sown, over such trees as are planted." — Planter's Ca-
lendar, p. 43. The same writer prefers, and with great justice, this
mode of raising the Scotch pine, and the larch.

The late Dr. Yule, an able botanist, in an excellent paper, which he
gave to the Horticultural Society of Edinburgh (for want, as he re-
marked to me, of a more appropriate body to which he might conmiu-
nicate it), strongly recommends the sovdng of seeds, for permanent
plantations. " It is a well ascertained fact (he says), that seedlings
allowed to remain in their original station, will, in the course of a few
seasons, far overtop common nursed plants, which are several years
older. This principle, however, is of course strictly applicable to
forest-timber trees. Where shelter or ornament is speedily wanted,
the transplanting of grown trees, laying, budding, inarching, and other
means must consequently be substituted." — Horticult. Mem. Vol. II.
pp. 418, 419.

The ingenious author of the Encycloi)cdia of Agriculture, on impartially

337

considennfjf these different opinions, observes, respecting those of Sang
and Yule in particuhir, that tlicy seem to he Ibundcd on the idea, that
the taproot is of material importance to full-grown trees, and that, when
that is once cut off, the plant has not the power of renewing it. " That
the taproot (he observes) is of the utmost consequence, for the first three
or four years, is obvious from the economy of nature, at that age of the
plant, perhaps for a longer period ; but that it can be of no great con-
sequence to full-grown trees, appears highly probable from the fact, that,
when such trees are cut down, the taproot is seldom to be distinguished
from the others." — p. 572. Forsytii, an arboriculturist of considerable
experience, has distinctly shown by experiments, that, trees have the
power of renewing their taproots ; and he further proves the great ad-
vantages, that are derived from cutting down trees, after two or three
years' planting, in order to form healthy and vigorous woods. He
transplanted, as he states, a bed of oak-plants, cutting the taproots near
to some of the side roots, or fibres springing from them. In the second
year after, he headed down the one-half of the plants, and left the other
half to nature. In the first season, those headed down made six feet
long, and upwards, and completely covered the head of the old stem,
leaving only a faint cicatrix, and produced new taproots, upwards of
two feet-and-a-half long. That half of the plants, which was not
headed down, was not one-fourth part of the size of the others. Some
time after, when he wrote the account, one of the plants cut over was
found to be eighteen feet high, and fifteen inches in circumference, at
six inches from the ground ; while one of the largest of the plants not
cut over, measured only five feet-and-a-half in height, and three inches
and three quarters in circumference. — See Treat, on Fruit Trees, p. 144.
On considering the whole question, it appears to me, that, as the pine
and fir species receive the greatest check from transplanting, and as,
when planted at four and five years old, they do not readily grow to
timber, it is clear, that they should always be sowed, or at least planted
very young, in high and cold regions. Respecting all Trees that stool,
I entirely concur in opinion with the intelligent author of the Encyclo-
pedia of Gardening, that, with any tolerable soil and situation, planting
loill be found preferable to sowing, if strong and healthy plants be used,
and such as have not been too much drawn up by the heat of the nur-
sery, taking care to cut them down, after the second, or much better, after
the third year, when they have been established m the ground.

43

338

Note II. Page 94.

As I consider Miller as one of the greatest authorities we iiave, foi
whatever relates to trees, I shall beg leave to give his opinion at large,
on the sul)jcct of the removal of large trees. To this art he undoubtedly
was not partial, from the great want of science, which he saw displayed
by those who practised it in his day ; and he could form no conception,
either of the general progress of science which we see now attained, or
its application to this particular branch of rural economy.

" The modern practice of transplanting forest-trees, from hedge-rows
and woods, of large size, and at a great expense, has too generally pre-
vailed in this kingdom (England), the generality of planters being in too
great haste, and by a mistaken notion of saving time, begin by trans-
planting such large trees as they find on their own estates, oi that they
can procure in their neighbourhood, and please themselves with the hopes
of having fine plantations soon : but if, instead of removing these trees,
they would begin by making a nursery, and raising their trees from seed,
they would save a great expense, and much time, and they would have
the constant pleasure of seeing their trees annually advance in their
growth, instead of growing worse, as will always be the case, where old
trees are removed ; though many persons flatter themselves with the
hopes of success, when they find their trees shoot out the following
season. * *

" I have seen great numljers of tall oaks transplanted, which have
appeared to thrive for some years, when first planted ; but in five or six
years after, they have begun to decay at top, and have leisurely died to
the ground, than which nothing can be a more disagreeable sight to the
owner. And the method which is commonly practised in transplanting
these trees, would destroy them, were there a possibility of such large
trees surviving their removal, which is, that of cutting off all their
branches : for were the same practised on a tree of the same age unre-
moved, it would stint the growth so much, as not to be recovered in
several years, nor would it ever arrive to the size of such as have all
their branches left on them. But the reason given for this practice is,
that if the branches were left upon the trees, they could not be support-
ed ; the winds would throw them out of the ground ; and another (which
is bad philosophy) is, that, as the roots have been greatly reduced by
transplanting, so the heads of the trees should be reduced in the same
proportion. As to the first, it must be allowed that trees, which are re-
moved with proat hcadf, am with great difiiculty preserved in thei)

339

upright situation ; lor tho winds will havo such power against the
branches as to overset the trees, if they are not very stronply supported
witii ropes : therefore, this may be brought as an objection to the trans-
planting of large trees, rather than in support of a practice which ts so
prejudicial to them. And as to the other reason, it has no foundation :
for, if large amputations are made at the root, there should not be the
same practised on the head ; because the wounded part of the head will
imbibe the air at every orifice, to the great prejudice of the tree.

"Besides this, if we pay any regard to the doctrine of the circulating
of the juices in plants, wc must allow, that the heads of the trees are
equally useful to nourish the roots, as the roots are to the heads ; so that,
if there is a waste of sap, both at the top and bottom of the trees, it must
weaken them in proportion. For whoever will be at the trouble to try
the experiment on two trees of equal age and health, and cut the
branches off from one, and leave them upon the other at the time of
transplanting, if the latter is well secured from blowing down, it will be
found to succeed much better than the other. Or, if the same thing is
practised upon two trees left standing, the tree, whose branches are cut
off, will not 7nake half the progress of the other, nor will the stem in-
crease in its bulk half so fast. Therefore, where trees are transplanted
young, there will be no necessity for using this unnatural amputation,
and the success of these plantations will always give pleasure to the
owner." — Gardener's and Botanist's Diction, in voc. " Planting."

I have particular satisfaction in quoting these sentiments from the
great work of Miller, and I have little doubt of their being perused with
equal satisfaction, by the discerning reader. In fact, no advocate of the
system, which is attempted to be established in this Essay, could have
given this material part of its principles with greater force and truth. It
clearly shows, that, if arboricultural science, in respect to this art, had
not been stationary for a century in England, the giving Immediate
Effect to Wood, instead of being, as it now is, a rude and uncertain prac-
tice, would long since have risen to the rank of a regular art, justly
esteemed, and as generally cultivated.

Note III. Page 98.

According to the best late phytologists, water is an agent as necessary
to the development of vegetable life, as it seems to be a constituent of
vegetable organization. A dry seed does not act on the surrounding air,
until it has imbibed water. Water is likewise the vehicle, by which

340

nutrient matter is carried info plants, and in the opinion of some, is even
reduced in them to a solid form, and applied to the purposes of nutrition.
— See Ellis, Veget. Physiol, in Suppl. Encyclop; Britan.

Notwithstanding what is here said in the text, respecting light as a
condition of internal development peculiar to plants, it may be doubted,
whether it be not nearly as necessary to animals. Cattle will not fatten
so well, when stallfed or shut up, as in good ground, and in fine weather,
with the free enjoyment of light. Light is caloric ; and the difference
between night and day in this respect is extremely curious. The sub-
stratum of ground, on which beasts feed, as affected by caloric, is a
subject which deserves greater chemical and physiological inrestigation
than has as yet been bestowed upon it.

Note IV. Page 100.

It has been doubted, by some phytologists, whether trees generate
heat. I believe it is certain, notwithstanding what is cursorily stated in
the text, that frosts of very extraordinary severity will destroy trees.
The non-conducting property of wood may in some measure protect the
juices ; but their chemical composition, as here stated, is such, that they
do not congeal, unless the cold be of the severest sort, and many
degrees below the freezing point of water. In weather so hard as to
occasion the juices to freeze, the wood, in the act of congelation, is
violently rent asunder : but in the more common destruction of woody
plants, it is not so much the degree of cold that kills them, as the too
sudden reapplication of heat.

The ingenious Hassenfratz, to whom the chemical world is under
some obligations, held, that vegetables are not fed by carbonic acid.
In a Memoir on the Nourishment of Vegetables, read in 1792, to the
Royal Academy of Paris, having shown, as he conceived, that water
and air are insufficient for all the purposes of vegetation, he attempted
in a second ingenious paper to prove, that carbonic acid gas is not de-
composed and digested in the organs of growing vegetables, and that
they cannot be fed by it ; because oxygen, escaping from combination
in the decomposition of carbonic acid, and water escaping in vapour in
the state of gas, would absorb caloric, and j)roduce cold : whereas, by
the experiments of the late John Hunter, living vegetables contain a
degree of heat greater than that of the surrounding atmosphere. The
reason of this difference in opinion between these two accurate; in-
quirers may possibly be, that Hunter's experiments were made only in

341

tho autumn, tlio winter, on<l early in the spring, wlien the activity ol
vegetation was suspended, which does not seem to have been the case
respecting those of Hassenfratz.

It appears, however, that both lliichert and Scnebier ascertained,
tliat vegetables do decompose carbonic acid, retaining tho carbon, and
emitting the oxygen. Dr. Woodward made many experiments with
I)lants of mint growing in water, and found that a plant, in water from
the Thames, which must certainly have contained a large share of
carbonic acid, increased considerably more in weight, than a plant
growing in pure water. Schoppett, who examined the temperature of
growing trees in New- York, found, that from November to April, when
the bulb of a thermometer was put into a hole made in a tree, the mer-
cury rose higher than in the open air ; and that the colder the weather,
the greater of course, was this difference. From April to November,
on the other hand, the thermometer showed a lower temperature in the
tree, than in the open air. And Ingenhoutz found, that a piece of green
paper, hung on a tree, in a warm summer-day, felt sensibly warmer
than the leaves. Hunter likewise, who was fond of trees, used to
keep thennometers in them for months together, and obtained similar
results. — The subject is curious, and is the more deserving of the
planter's investigation, that the state of the bark, and its power, when
thick and indurated, to protect the sap-vessels, are so intimately con-
nected with all facts, that tend to illustrate the subject.

Note V. Page 101.

Of the close analogy, which subsists between the animal and vegetable
kingdoms, many other examples respecting the former might be adduced,
besides those mentioned in the text, in order to show, how universally
nature generates provisions for individuals, in order to fit them for the
situations, in which they are placed. The general rule seems to be, as
mentioned in the text, that where there is a great external application of
cold, an adequate non-conducting covering is supplied, to prevent the sub-
traction of internal caloric ; and in the same way, that covering is
withdrawn, on a greater application of heat. Of the latter the coach
or race-horse furnishes a familiar example, with his smooth and silky
coat, enjoying the warmth and shelter of a well-constructed stable,
when we compare it with the rough and shaggy one which he wears,
when running out in winter. The coats of warm-blooded animals
appear to be thick and fine, in proportion to the intensity of the cold
they are destined to endure ; and they are always thicker and finer in

342

winter, than in summer. Accordingly (as stated in the text), the fur-
bcarin£T animals all inhal)it high latitudes, and the value of their skins
increases, in proportion to the severity of the cold, in which they are
kiUed.

Of the natural clothing of animals in cold countries, the musk ox of
Melville Island, as observed by late voyagers, furnishes a striking
instance ; as the immense mass of non-conducting matter, which covers
that animal, renders him capable of existing in a temperature, where
even mercury freezes, and of which we can form no adequate con-
ception. The long, hairy, and dense garb of the Kamtschatka mam-
moth, that most powerful of quadrupeds, embalmed in ice, sufficiently
proves the nature of such a coat, as enabled him to live in the coldest
latitudes ; and which the elephant of tropical birth, with his unprotected
hide, could not certainly have endured. In the same way, between the
tropics, were the trunks of trees not defended from the downward and
burning rays of the sun, by a thick, expanded, and umbrageous foliage,
there is reason to think, that their bark would be scorched, and severely
injured: While the same vertical rays harmlessly descend on the
woolly head of the Negro ; who, without that light and natural turban,
would, like the defenceless European, often fall a victim to the " stroke
of the sun :" coup de soldi I wll not call it, because the phenomenon
is just as well and clearly expressed in our own language.

Note VI. Page 102.

Aristotle, who enjoyed the double honour of being the father of
Natural History, as well as of Metaphysics, intimates that nature
bestows not, on either animals or vegetables, any thing in vain ; that,
while she wisely effects her purposes by the etisiest and most direct
methods, she withdraws the interposition of the agents, as soon as their
office becomes superfluous. This principle is exemplified in no instance
better than in trees, and in their uniform possession of properties, which
are best adapted to their peculiar circumstances.

Note VII. Page 104.

The great and leading doctrine with the i)lanters of England, respect-
ing the Removal of Trees, seems to be, that " old trees and young
possess similar properties ; therefore, they should be removed on similar
principles ;" which principles, as they sanction the unnecessary retrench-
ment of both the tojis and roots of young plants, the same retrenchment

MS

is applicable lo those organs, m plants of any age. This doctrine la
not new, as it was known and acted on, more than a century ago.
About forty years since, it was revived by Marshall and others, and is
now a favourite one with some of the best writers of the present day,
from whom I regret being under the necessity of differing. The fact
is, that the basis of the proposition, in respect to young plants, being
unstable, any superstructure raised upon it must fall to the ground.
But were this otherwise, and that it were right to mutilate young plants,
it would not from thence follow, that old plants should likewise be mu-
tilated ; because (as has been explained in the text) plants, like
animals, being the creatures of circumstances, circumstances in both
old and young are perpetually changing ; therefore similar properties
never can be possessed by both.

In one of the most scientific, and justly popular works of the present
times, " The Encyclopedia of Agriculture," we find the above propo-
sition, respecting old trees, enunciated in the broadest and most un-
qualified terms; and so clear and undeniable does it appear to the
author, that he reduces its application to a sort of arithmetical propor-
tion, and in that condensed form delivers it as an axiom, for the guidance
of the young planter, in retrenching the tops, as well as the roots of his
large trees.* " As the whole quantity of roots (says he), which the
tree had before removal, is to the whole quantity of branches which it
now has (i. e. when not mutilated), so is the quantity of roots which it
now has (after mutilation), to the quantity of top which it ought to
have." In other words, as you have no means of taking up roots, in
sufficient number to nourish the branches, and must on that account
retrench and mutilate them, so you may even lop and mutilate the
branches also, to the limited number, which can be nourished by your
roots. Now I should conceive, that the more philosophical way of pro-
ceeding would have been, first to ascertain, by facts and experiments,
whether it were right and salutary, for the well-being of the tree to
lop and lighten the branches at all ? And, if it appeared to be proper
not to lop, but to preserve them, then to seek for some method of taking
up the roots in such numbers, as were adequate to the sustenance of
the branches. This, as appears in the text, is the very object and basis

* Lest there should be any doubt, that the lightening of the tops of the trees is lucant
to be a complete one, we find, that the two trees, shown attached to the transplanting
machines, in the two wood-cuts in the Encyclopedias of Gardening and Agriculture,are
effectually lightened, and reduced to nearly the conditon of pollards. See Card, p 335.
Agricult. p. 454.

344

of the system recommended in this treatise, wlxich, being tlie one pointed
out by nature herself, must necessarily be the true one.

Let us hear what the sagacious and experienced Miller says, as to
the propriety of retrenching the roots and branches of young woody
plants, 83 is recommended by the present method. " First (says he) as
to the roots. All the small fibres are to be cut off, as near to the place
from whence they are produced as may be, excepiing such trees as are
to be replanted immediately after they are taken up ; otherwise, the
air will turn all the small roots and fibres black, which if permitted to
remain on, when the tree is planted, will grow mouldy and decay. * *

" After having displaced the proper branches, you should also cut off
all such parts of branches, as have by accident been broken or wounded;
for these will remain a disagreeable sight, and often occasion disease
in the tree. But you should by no means cut off the main leading
shoots, as is by too many practised ; for those are necessary to attract
the sap from the root, and thereby promote the growth of the tree : for,
from several experiments which I made in the winter of 1729, by
cutting oft' the branches of several sorts of trees, and putting them
into phials filled with water, whose tops were closely covered, to pre-
vent the evaporating of the water, I found that those shoots, whose
leading buds were preserved, did attract the moisture in much greater
quantity, than those shoots, whose tops were cut off". * *

"But being willing to try this experiment again, in the month of
October, 1733, I made choice of two standard almond trees, of equal
strength and age. These I took up as carefully as possible ; and having
prepared their roots, as before directed, I pruned their heads in the fol-
lowing manner, viz. ; from one of them I cut off" only the small branches,
and such as were bruised or broken, but preserved all the strong ones
entire : of the other / shortened all the strong branches, and pruned off
the weak and broken shoots, as is the common practice. These two trees
I planted in the same soil, and in the same situation, gave them both equal
attendance, and managed them both as nearly alike as possible ; yet in the
spring, when these trees began to shoot, that whose branches were entirely
preserved, came out early, continued to shoot stronger, and is at present
much larger, and in better health than the other. And, since this, I
have made several other experiments of the like nature, which have
constantly succeeded in the same manner : from whence it is reasonable
to conclude, that the shortening of the branches is a great injury to
all new-planted trees ; but especially to cherries and horse-chestnuts,
which are frequently killed by shortening their large branches, when
they are removed." — Gardener's and Botanist's Diet, in voc. "Planting."

345

Here, then, is the most satisfactory cvidoncr, flodnccrl from facts,
and from the practice of a man of acknowletlped science and observa-
tion, that it is utterly injurious even to youn^ trees, to mutilate their
roots or tops, in the way commonly practised . hence we must a fortiori
admit, that it is far more injurious to those of old trees ; and that the
more sedulously both are -presei-ved entire, the more vigorous will be
their development.

In Note II. of the present Section, page 04, &c.. Miller, as we have
seen, so strongly reprobates the " bad philosoi)hy" (as he terms it), or
want of science, displayed by transplanters of large trees in his own
time, in lopping and lightening their tops, that it would be superfluous
to repeat it here ; but it is particularly deserving of the attention of the
reader. I have myself made several experiments, in order to compare
the different progress of trees, both young and old, that had their tops
lightened, with that of others, in which the tops had been left untouched,
and the results have been similar to those experienced by Miller ; only
in the latter, the results were more striking, on account of the more
advanced age of the trees. But I feel peculiar satisfaction in being able
to strengthen my own opinion, by the authority of so eminent a phytolo^
gist, whose great work cannot be too frequently recommended to the
young planter's notice. It is most particularly valuable, in the edition
of the late Professor Martyn of Cambridge : who, besides nearly doub-
ling the whole matter contained in the original work, has added some
new and valuable articles, and brought the history of the plants enu-
merated down to the present times.

Note VIII. Page 106.

If the reasonings in the foregoing part of this Section be well founded,
the proposition in question here must necessarily be true, in respect to
trees removed from exposed to sheltered situations, as well as its con-
verse ; but probably there is no one who has verified it by experiment.

In 1818, I transferred some beeches, oaks, witch-elms, limes, and
sycamores, from an exposed situation, in order to form a close skreen
of some size, in conjunction with underwood, which skreen or plantation
was accordingly executed. These trees possessed, in a very considera-
ble degree, what has been called in the text the Protecting Properties,
so that they might with great advantage have been set out in the open
park. In 1826, at the distance of eight years, it was quite visible, thdt
these properties had greatly disappeared, and that the non-protecting
were about tn be superinduced in their stead. In the spring of ihe

44

346

year last mentioned, I removed, to an exi)osed situation in the park, a
few ol' the oaks and beeches, from the centre of the wood, where the
warmtli was the greatest, and wlicre they had begun to he drawn up ;
and I am persuaded, that, in ten or twelve years more, the former pro-
perties will return, and be as fully developed, aa they were in the begin- -
ning.

In 1809, I took two fine sycamores, about five-and-twenty feet high,
amply provided with the protecting properties, and fitted for situations
of the greatest exposure, and removed them into the centre of a close
wood. Being well sujiplied with roots, they were soon established in
the ground, and began to push vigorously towards the light. Their
stems were speedily elongated ; their bark became smoother ; their
side-branches more slender, and thinner in spray and foliage ; and by
1816, that is, after seven years, they could scarcely be recognised as
the same plants. Soon after the fall of that season, I once more trans-
ferred them to the open field. Here, although they carried a good leaf,
they appeared for some time altogether stationary in their progress, as
wcis to be expected. In the absence of the shelter and warmth, which
they had so long experienced, they could not at once generate provisions
to enable them to resist the cold ; but in consonance to that law of na-
ture, by which " plants as well as animals accommodate themselves to
the circumstances in which they are placed," they began gradually but
slowly to generate them ; so that it was only in 1824, that I observed
the trees to display any decided symptoms of induration of bark, in-
crease of roots, stoutness of stem, and closeness of ramification, wliich
constitute such provisions ; and it is evident, that it will require some
years more, to effect a complete renovation of their former character.
From this short account, we may perceive, that while trees retain
their full vigour, that is, while they continue in a rapidly progressive
state, they may be made alternately to assume or lay aside those pro-
perties, which best fit them for removal. Moreover we sec, that, as
vegetation is always greatly more active in shelter than in exposure,
the properties just now mentioned, that is, the protecting properties, are
far more slowly obtained or reassumed, than the non-protecting. From
such facts and experiments, therefore, as well as from analogy, we are
warranted to conclude, that the doctrine held forth in the text is fully
confirmed, namely, that, "by the law of nature, shelter and exposure,
that is, heat and cold, have the power aUke of dimhiishing or increasing,
of bestowing or taking away, what may be called the protecting pro-
perties."

347

SECTION IV.

Note I. Page 121.

Malpighi was born in 1688. He was a native and physician of
Bologna, and professor of medicine in the university of that city. For
his discoveries in anatomy he has been justly celebrated, in conjunc-
tion with the well-known Borelli, and for having thrown light on the
diseases of the liver. He was the first writer who gave to the world
a system of the true anatomy of plants, of which one of the most im-
portant doctrines is the theory of the circulation of the sap, its ascent
in the wood, and its descent in the bark. His work seems to have
appeared in 1671. In 1669, he was admitted a Fellow of the Royal
Society of London ; and he kept up a regular correspondence with
several of its members till his death.

Dr. Nehemiah Grew, the father of English phytology, and one of
the most eminent physicians of his time, was a contemporary of Mal-
pighi. He published, about the same period, his " Anatomy of Plants,"
wherein he advanced, on similar principles, the doctrine of the circula-
tion of the sap. The second edition bears date London, 1688 ; so that,
as they investigated and wrote in different countries, and without com-
munication with each other, on this obscure subject, so they justly divide
the honour of realizing the conjectures of the Greek naturalists. Not-
withstanding the importance of later researches, their works are held in
high esteem, down to the present period.

Note H. Page 122.

It was extremely natural for phytologists, after the discovery of the
circulation of the blood in animals, to extend the analogy to the vegeta-
ble kingdom. They had, in the latter, no visible organs, corresponding
to the stomach, the intestines, or the lacteals, and above all, to the heart,
the mainspring and centre of the circulation of the blood ; but these
wants were readily supplied. The root was supposed to correspond to
both the mouth and the stomach, and to efl'ect such a change on the

318

fluiii \vliu;h It ahsoiljfcl, as fitted it for the nourishment of the plant. It
was supposed also to have the power of propelling the digested fluid,
when impregnated with the principles of nutrition, growth, and develop-
ment, to the suiTimit of the leaf. From thence it was again returned
to the root ; where, mingling with the newly-digested fluid, it was again
propelled to the sunmiit, as before ; and in that way a regular circula-
tion was maintained. In this process, these propelling vessels were
said to be arteries, and the returning vessels were considered as veins.
Such is the theory of the circulation of the sap, held forth by the
earlier phytologists ; and as it was found to rest on a very slender basis,
they did not fail to prop and bolster it up with a multitude of ingenious
arguments.

Of late years, the doctrine has been revived, as mentioned in the
text, and supported by some of the most distinguished modern phytolo-
gists ; but it has been improved by patient investigation, and accurate
experiment, and cleared of all ill-founded analogy to animal life. Hed-
wig declared himself to be of opinion, that plants possess a circulation
of the fluids, in some sort similar to that of animals. Costi united in
the same opinion, and is said to have found it exemplified in the stem of
the chara, and other plants. Professor Wildenow, in his Principles of
Botany, has also introduced the subject, and defended the doctrine,
(Sec Eng. Translation, p. 85.) He confidently asserts, that ho believes
a circulation to exist ; because it would be utterly impossible for the
leafless tree to resist the cold, if there were no circulation of the fluids.
This, as Mr. Keith observes, " is no argument, and therefore merits no
reply ;" — yet, we must admit, that it is a presumption^ of which the
force IS more easily evaded than invalidated.

It is impossible, in the narrow compass of a Note, to give a detail of
Mr. Knight's ingenious and valuable experiments, to account for the
conversion of the alburnum into wood ; but the reader is referred for
them to the Philosophical Transactions for 1806 and 180G. By these
experiments he will .see, that it is rendered in the highest degree proba-
ble, if it be not altogether certain, that a circulation of the vegetable
fluids actually exists : for, if it once be admitted, that the descending
or proper juice forms not only a new epidermis where it is wanted, and
a new layer of liber and alburnum, but that it also partly enters into the
alburnum of the preceding year, where it mingles, and is again carried
up with the ascending sap, it cannot well be denied, that a circulation is
completed. That Mr. Keith is pretty nearly of this opinion himself,
may be gathered from the following concise sunmuuy of Mr. Knight's
hyi)othesis, by that acute and ingenious censor.

349

" Although the doctrine of a circulation (says ho), as maintained by
Mr. Knight, should he false, yet the account which he gives of tho
progress and agency of tlie sap, and proper juice, short of circulation,
may be true. The sum of the account is as follows : When the seed
is deposited in the ground, under proper conditions, moisture is absorbed
and modified by the cotyledons, and conducted directly to the radicle,
whicli is, by consequence, first developed. But the fluid, which has
been thus conducted to the radicle, mingling, no doubt, with the fluid
which is now also absorbed from the soil, ascends afterwards to the
plumelet, through the medium of the lubes of the alburnum. The
plumelet now expands, and gives the due preparation to the ascending
sap, returning it also, in its elaborated state, to the tubes of the bark ;
through which it again descends to the extremity of the root, not only
forming in its progress new bark, and new alburnum, but mixing also, as
Mr. Knight thinks, with the alburnum of the former year, where such
alburnum exists, and so completing' the circulation." — Physiolog. Bo-
tany, V. II. p. 244. See also, on the same subject, Kieser, Organ, des
Plantes, pp. 258, 259, &c.

This note has been extended to an unusual length. But I conceived
that it would be interesting to the young planter, to have a brief account
of the principal theories, which have been formed of the Circulation of
the Sap, and the ultimate conclusion, to which late writers have come,
as it is one of the most obscure, though important processes, in the
whole of vegetable economy.

Note III. Page 186.

Although trees, as is said in the text, have no organs analogous to
the mouths of animals, for receiving their food, yet perhaps it may be
said, that animals sometimes take in their food like trees. Men, for
example, have been known to become so debilitated by age or disease,
that they could receive no food by the ordinary organ of the mouth.
The consequence has been that they were immersed in milk and veal-
broth baths, and fairly subsisted by means of absorption. Thus, every
one of their pores became like leaves, for the introsusception of food.
Some few years since, an instance occurred, in a noble duke of sporting
notoriety, who was so supported during the last months of his life.

350

Note IV. Page 128.

Opinions quite opposite to these are entertained by Dr. Yule, and
also by Sang, who is a nurseryman and a planter of some exjKJri*
ence ; but they arc not borne out by facts. The author of the Ency-
clopedia of Agriculture entirely agrees in the sentiment expressed in
the text, regarding the renovation of the tap-roots in trees.

" The opinion (he observes), that young plants have not the power of
renewing their tap-roots, will, we believe, be found inconsistent with
fact ; and we may appeal to Sang, and other nurser3rmen, who raise the
oak and horsechestnut from the seed. It is customary, when these are
sowTi in drills, to cut off their taproots, without removing the plants, at
the end of the second year's growth ; and when, at the end of the third
and fourth year, they are taken up, they will be found to have acquired
other taproots, not indeed so strong as the first would have been, had
they remained, but sufficient to establish the fact of the power of re-
nctval. We may also refer to the experiments recorded by Forsyth,
which at once prove, that trees have the power of renewing their tap-
roots, and the great advantages resulting from cutting down trees, after
two or three years planting. Forsyth says, ' that he transplanted a bed
of oak plants, cutting the taproots near to some of the side-roots, or
fibres springing from them. In the second year after, he headed one
half of the plants down, and left the other half to nature. In the first
season, those headed down made shoots six feet long, and upwards, and
completely covered the head of the old stem, leaving only a faint cica-
trix, and produced nev) taproots, upwards of two feet and a half long."
— Encyclop. of Agricul. Part III. B. II. p. 572.

The power, which taproots unquestionably possess, of renewal after
being cut, is a point of considerable interest to the art under discussion,
and it is important that it should be ascertained beyond controversy,
that the cutting of them under ground does no material injury to trees ;
otherwise it would follow, that all removal is materially injurious.

Before we quit the subject of taproots, it is worthy of notice, that
the ingenious Mr. Knight, to whom phytological science is under so
many obligations, has suggested the notion that gravitation is the agent
employed by nature, to make the germcns of plants ascend in the air,
and their radicles go down into the earth ; and this doctrine he has en-
deavoured to estaltlish, on the ground of experiment. See Philosoph.
Trans. 180G, pp. 100, 101, et seqq. But it seems much more reasonable
to belicvi', that the radicles of trees possess energies quite capable of

351

counteracting the influence of gravitation, when nccdlul, and that ii
does not constitute the sole, or even the principal agent of nature in this
business. If gravitation were the sole cause of giving a direction to
roots, it might be asked, why roots select the best soil in descending,
which they arc well known to do 1 Because, if acted on only by gra-
vitation, they would have no choice but to descend, unless prevented by
some obstacle that could not be surmounted. Such an obstacle might
indeed stop them, or turn them aside, but it could not make them grow
upwards, or ascend a bank, as they are also known to do, in search
of food.

As to the taproot of the oak, about which so much has been said, Du-
hamel asserts its existence, and Mr. Knight denies it : but from my own
experience, I am forced to agree with the former writer. I think, that,
as stated in the text, a striking resemblance is found to exist between the
leading branches of this and several other trees, and their taproots ;
and that as both, at the mature age of the plants, uniformly lose their
preeminent character, so they arc not only analogous to, but coexistent
with each other. For an examination of Mr. Knight's theory as to
gravitation, I refer the curious reader to a paper on that subject, by Mr.
Keith, author of Physiological Botany, which is full of learning and
ingenuity, and serves, in my opinion, fully to restore taproots to their
place in phytology. See Thomson's An. of Philos. Vol. XIII. p. 252.

Note V. Page 131.

As there is no process, in the whole range of arboricultural economy,
more important than pruning, it may be worth wlule to say something on
it, in this place. Pruning may be said to embrace the five following
objects ; first, to advance the growth and bulk of trees ; secondly, to
reduce or lessen their bulk ; thirdly, to modify or alter their form ;
fourthly, to renew their decayed parts ; and fifthly, to cure and eradicate
the diseases to which they are subject.

Of these the most important, and, till of late years, certainly the
least attended to, is the first ; as the ultimate value of the wood in most
cases depends upon it, and the actual weight of the timber produced.
With all deciduous trees cultivated for profit, the art is to cut olT, at an
early age, the weak and superfluous lateral shoots, so that the portion
of sap, employed in their nourishment, may be thrown into the strong
ones ; and above ail, to direct a proper portion of the ligneous matter
of the tree into the main stem or trunk, and thereby generate clean and
sound timber. But in eftectiiig that purpose, much judgment, and some

352

science arc requisite ; because, as branches are just as necessary to the
nourishment of the tree as roots (namely, in elaborating by means ol"
their loaves, and carrying down to the stem the descending sap), so, if
they be retrenched to excess, the nourishment of the tree must be
checked; or it may happen, although you succeed in advancing the
hulk of the wood, that you may very sensibly deteriorate its quality,
and consequently its value.

With a view to establish a proper system of pruning, Mr. William
Pontey, an intelligent nurseryman and planter of Huddersfield, in 1806,
published a treatise, entitled, "The Forest Pruner, or Timber-Owner's
Assistant ;" and the simplicity of the system there delineated, not less
than its merit, soon contributed to bring it into very general repute.
But, if the truth must be spoken, I fear, that it has done more injury,
as well as more good to the Woods of Britain, than any other work,
that has appeared within a century. Great good it has unquestionably
done, wherever the system it recommends has been cautiously modified
and controlled by science ; and injury as certainly, where the instructions
of the author have been literally followed out. The radical error of
Pontey lay in this ; that having once discovered, by cutting away the
side-branches, that the stem was capable of being elongated, and its
bulk in certain cases increased, he naturally enough thought, that too
many side-branches could not be cut away. But let any one, acquainted
with phytological science, or the anatomy of plants, only cast his eye
on the frontispiece of that Treatise, which furnishes a specimen of the
art of pruning, as approved and practised by the author ; and to such a
person no more needs be said on the subject. Here he will perceive the
delineation of an immense tree, by name " the Woburn Beech," belonging
to the Duke of Bedford, and growing at that place ; a tree more than
seventy feet in height, z.nA pruned up to fifty from the ground, without
a twig or a branch ; and yet this great sweeping brush is held forth as
an example of perfect pruning, and such as is calculated to increase
the value, as well as the weight of the wood ! See Forest Pruner,
p. 150. et seqq.

Now, eminent as all men must acknowledge Pontey to be, in expe-
rience as a nurseryman, and a planter, and that he has brought out a
work, in which much useful knowledge and practical skill arc displayed,
yet it is a curious fact, that he seems not to have been much acquainted
with vegetable physiology, and the anatomy of plants, and by conse-
quence, with the double current of the oap in trees. Whoever atten-
tively examines his Treatise (and especially from p. 48 to 58, and p. 150,
et seqq.), will percoiv<> that he believed, that the sap in trees " nscends

353

in the bark;" that tlio main ofllcc ol' the l)ranchc3 is "to prodacc and
maintain a certain quantity of leaves ;" and that the business of the
leaves is "to attract the sap nj)war<ls!" pp. 155, 150. If such Im? the
principles of science, on whicli this system of pruning is founded, there
is little wonder that it should prove erroneous, when applied to practice.
What should we think, in the present day, of a scientific agriculturist
Vvho was unacquainted with the chemical affuuties ? or of an astrono-
mer, who assumed as the basis of a new system, that the sun and
planets moved round the earth 1 Yet it is singular, that the ingenious
author of the Encyclopedia of gardening (himself a skilful phytologist),
is almost the only writer of note, who has ventured to cast a doubt on
this rash system of pruning ; or to observe the vast difficulty and deli-
cacy that attend so scientific an operation.

" The great importance (says he) of the leaves of trees, must never
be lost sight of. In attending to these instructions, their use is not, as
Pontey asserts, " to attract the sap," but to elaborate it, when propelled
to them, and thus form the extract or food taken in by the plant, into a
fluid analogous to blood, and which is returned, so fonned by the leaves,
into the inner bark and soft wood. It must be a very nice point, there-
fore, to determine the quantity of branches or leaves, that should he
left on each tree ; and, if no more are left than urhat are just necessary,
then, in the case of accidents to them from insects, the progress of the
tree will be doubly retarded. Experience alone can determine these
things. Both Pontey and Sang agree, that "strength is gained as
effectually by a few branches to a head, as by many." — Encyclop. of
Gardening, p. 582. It is true, Mr. Loudon might not consider his
multifarious work as a fit place for controversy: yet no one must know
better than himself the utter fallacy of the opinion last mentioned,
though propped by the name of another very meritorious nurseryman
and planter (Sang) ; and that it stands contradicted by the experience
of our best phytologists, and our best planters, for more than a century
back, from Grew and Miller, down to Boutcher, Knight, and Speechly.
No good phytologist will doubt, that it is according to sound science,
as well as good practice, in woods planted for profit, and in a soil and
climate which are natural to them, or belotv that standard, to cut away
a small proportion of the weaker branches, and turn the current of the
descending sap more abundantly into the stems. Such retrenchment,
however, must always be modified, by the actual wants of the trees, and
the fair proportion, which the size of the stem bears to the size and
number of the boughs. But to say, that " strength of stem is gained
as eflfeetually by a few branches to a head as by many," and that there-

45

354

fore many branches may be taken away, is to say in effect, that strength
is not diminished, by diminishing the means of obtaining it ; a contra-
diction in terms, wholly unworthy of any serious refutation.

Perhaps there is no author of the present time, who has written more
judiciously on the effects produced on wood by means of culture, of
which pruning necessarily forms an important part, than the ingenious
author of the Encyclopedia of Gardening : and I feel the more particu-
lar satisfaction in appealing to him in this place, as I have above had
occasion to differ from him, on another point respecting wood.

" It is remarkable," he observes, " that this subject has never spe-
cifically engaged the attention of those, who have written on planting.
The effects of culture on other vegetables is so great, as always to
change their appearance, and often in a considerable degree to alter their
nature. The common culinary vegetables, and cultivated grasses
assume so different an appearance in our fields and gardens, from what
they do in a state of wild nature, that oven a botanist might easily be
deceived, in regard to the species. The same general laws operate
upon the whole kingdom of vegetables ; and thence it is plain, that the
effects of culture on trees, though different in degree, must be analogous
in their nature. * *

" The general effects of pruning I have already stated to be of a cor-
responding nature with those of culture, that is, to increase the quantity
of timber produce. The particular manner, in which it does this, is by
directing the greater part of the sap, which generally spreads itself in
side-branches, into the principal stem. This must consequently enlarge
that stem, in a more than ordinary degree, by increasing the annual
circles of the wood. Now, if the tree be in a worse soil and climate,
than those which are natural to it, this will be of some advantage, as
the extra increase of timber will still be of a quality not inferior io
what would take place in its natural state ; or, in other words, it will
correspond with that degree of quality and quantity of timber, which
the nature and species of the tree admit of being produced. If the tree
be in its natural state, the annual increase of timber, occasioned by prun-
ing, must necessarily injure its qualUy, in a degree corresponding with
the increased quantity. If the tree be in a better climate and soil, than
that which is natural to it, and at the same time, the annual increase of
wood be promoted by pruning, it is evident, that such wood must be of
a very different quality from that produced in its natural state (that is,
very inferior).

" Now, though it might be shown in some degree, from vegetable
anatomy, and analogy from what takes place in herbaceoHS vegetables,

355

1 prefer deducing from llic facts already stated this proposition : that
whatever tends to increase the wood in a greater degree than what is
natural to the species, when in its natural state, must injure the quality
of the timber. Pjuning tends to increase this in a considerable degree ;
and, therefore, it must be a pernicious practice, in as far as it is used in
these cases. — In this Section, I have not considered pruning in regard
to eradicating diseases, preventing injuries, or increasing the natural
character and tendency of trees. For those purposes it is of great ad-
vantage.

" Mr. Knight has shown in a very striking manner, that timber is pro-
duced, or rather, that the alburnum or sapwood is rendered ligneous, by
the motion of the tree, during the descent of the true (or proper) sap.
It is also sufficiently known to all, who have attended to the physiology
of vegetables, and is greatly confirmed by some experiments recently
laid before the Royal Society (Philosop. Trans. 1803-1804), that the
solid texture of the wood greatly depends upon the quantity of sap
which must necessarily descend, and also on the slowness of its descent.
Now, both these requisites are materially increased by side-branches,
which retain a large quantity of sap, and by their junction with the stem
occasion a contraction, and tvdsted direction of the vessels, which ob-
structs the progress of the (proper) juice. That this is true in fact, is
well known to those, accustomed to make wine from maple or birch-
trees: for in this business it is found, that those trees, which have
fewest side-branches, bleed more freely than the others, but during a
much shorter space of time. These hints, therefore, afford additional
evidence against pruning, and particularly against pruning fir-trees;
which, as Mr. Knight justly observes, have larger vessels than the
others; and therefore, when in an improved soil and climate, side-
branches for the purposes above mentioned are essentially necessary to
them, if solid, resinous, and durable timber be the object in view.

" From the foregoing remarks, I think the following conclusions may
be drawn, respecting the management of trees.

" First ; That trees should be planted as much as possible in soils,
situations, and climates, analogous to those of their natural state ; and
that it is chiefly in this state, or where there are some defects relative
to it, that pruning and culture can be exercised with advantage.

" Secondly ; That in proportion to the superiority of the soil, &c.
in which trees are placed, over the natural soil of those trees ; in the
same proportion pruning ought to be avoided, and thinning encouraged.

" Thirdly ; That particular regard should be had to the soil and situa-
tion, where either larches, or any other of the pine tribe are planted, to

356

remain as the final crop : for, as the roots of these chiefly run along the
surface, and as in them the great current of the sap is chiefly confined
to one channel, that is, the trunk, consequently, that tribe of trees is
peculiarly liable to injury and change, when subjected to unnatural
agency." — Improv. Count. Res. Vol. II. B. I. 8.

Nothing can be more ingenious than these speculations, or more phy-
siologically just ; and I rejoice to see, that the practice of the best plant-
ers is improving, with the advancement of science.

Tlie practice of pruning, in respect to the objects to which it is ap-
plied, naturally divides itself into two parts, namely, the pruning of
trees for ornament, and for profit. In pruning for ornament, as in park-
wood, the less the knife is employed the better, except it be to keep the
tops properly balanced, or to displace some luxuriant shoot, that appears
to rival the main or leading stem. In close plantations, consisting of
grove and midervvood intermixed (supposing them to have been executed
at proper distances), the only object should be, to preserve the spiral
shape of the former, and the subordinate character of the latter, by
timely retrenchment. If that be not effected, nature is prevented from
generating such provisions, as are indispensable to preserve the vigour
of botli. In both of the above cases, the system of " cutting in," or
what I shall venture to call Terminal Pruning, will be found most
consistent with science, aiid with successful practice.

In pruning woods for profit, the task is more complicated, and conse-
quently more difficidt, and the obtaining, as Pontey insists on, " the
greatest weight of wood," is a material object, provided it be wood of
good qvality, which, according to his system, cannot always be pro-
duced. But experience has shown how miseraldy the means of attain-
ing this object has been mistaken in Scotland, and still more in England,
within the last twenty years. To Ccdl the lopping and hacking method
a Scotch practice (as some late writers have confidently done), is nearly
as absurd, as to call the " General method of Planting Waste Lands,"
as practised in every part of Europe, where the art. of planting is known
and cultivated, the " Scotch Method ;" and it shows an extraordinary
unacquaintance with the history of that art. Poor Scotland, indeed,
labours diligently to follow John Bull in all his follies, as well as his
improvements ; but it seems hard to make her responsible for practices,
which, whether good or bad, she unquestionably has derived from her
neighbours of the south. It is a certain fact, that it is little more than a
century since the arts of planting and gardening were generally culti-
vated in Scotland, and that they were, and are now cultivated, solely
after the English methods : and it is as certain, that previously to the

357

publication of Pontey's treatise on pnming, which came out in 1806, tlie
Jxirbarous method of loppincf trees, with a view to their improvement^
was nearly miknown north of the Tweed.

If planters could only be persuaded, that, by means of lopping and
pruning, they will not accelerate the growth of trees, it would be a great
point gained ; and that if woods be left to nature, they will advance
even more rapidly, than where the lopping system is adopted. The
fact is, that no boughs should ever be removcels larger than what the
growth of the bark will in two, or perhaps three years, fairly cover ;
and even with such a precaution, the evil of knotty and unsound wood
(which invariably attends the lopping method) will not altogether be
remedied. If we inquire how nature, in woods of her own sowing,
raises the cleanest and soundest timber of every species, we shall find,
that it is by displacing, early and gradually, the superfluous lateral
branches, and thereby promoting elongation of stem. If we inquire
how she produces the toughest and most durable wood, it will be seen,
that it is by exposure to a colder atmosphere than that, in which such
elongation of stem is generated. Let us, therefore, prune early, and
thin gradually and frequently, after having first planted much more
closely for profitable, than for ornamental purposes. Yet there is a
closeness of collocation, if I may so speak, in natural woods, that is, in
woods raised fortuitously from the seed, which the planter, for obvious
reasons, will not venture to imitate.

With these objects in view, it is pleasing to observe, that the judicioua
system of "cutting in" is now adopted by many pruners of acknowledged
reputation. This consists, when we displace side-branches, in cutting
away at first a third part, or more, at the extremity, and retaining two-
thirds, or even less ; but we must defer the removal of the entire bough
till the following, or even another season. Thus it is found, on the
simplest principles of vegetable physiology, that the power of increas-
ing in size, which the bough possessed, will by this process be sensibly
diminished ; so that, after a year or two, it may be entirely removed,
with the least possible risk of injury to the quality of the wood. In the
same way, if a terminal bud be removed, whether by intention or acci-
dent, a similar result will follow, although naturally in a lesser degree.
According to this principle, which I have of late years adopted, I can
show entire young plantations at this place, which have been very
rapidly and successfully pruned, and their progressive vigour wonder-
fiilly increased, by the removel of terminal shoots, and terminal buds
only, as circumstances required ; and the most effectual assistance has
thus been given to nature, in the production of sound wood.

358

Whoever was the author of this system of pmning, which I have
ventured to name the Terafinai., is entitled to great praise ; and I am
inclined to think, that, if it ever liave been known in horticulture, it has
not been applied to woods, till of late years, and even now, that it is
not commonly so applied. The Encyclopedias of Gardening and Agri-
culture, in which every thing useful and scientific is generally to be
found, but very obscurely allude to such an operation.

There is a meritorious nurseryman in this kingdom, to whom I was,
some time since, indebted for the knowledge of this system, and who
has practised it, as he states to me, for nearly thirty years, without hav-
ing borrowed it from any one. It was first suggested to him, as it appears,
by his own reflection, and has since been confirmed, by considerable ex-
perience, and most unifonn success. He was surprised when I informed
him, that the principle was known and acted on, in some parts of England,
with great effect. This person, who is not less unassuming than he is
ingenious, is possessed of valuable materials for a treatise on the sub-
ject; by which, besides laying do^vn specific rules for the art under
different circumstances, directions might be given, for raising and ma-
naging plantations under this system. According to the author's opin-
ion, the pruning should be practised as early as the third year, after the
plantations are made, and be continued till the eighteenth or twentieth.
He has likewise constructed tables, showing the numbers and distances,
according to which the trees should be planted on an acre of ground,
and the comparative results of the ordinary, and of the terminal
method. In the present low state of our arboricultural knowledge, I
am of opinion, that a present more acceptable than such a treatise could
not be made to the British public.

I request forgiveness of the reader for this long discussion, which
has altogether transcended the bounds of a note, and swelled to a sort
of disquisition. But, independently of my own observations on the
above interesting subject, I was desirous to give as much publicity as
possible to Mr. Loudon's ingenious speculations, and to the Terminal
Method of Pruning, which promises to be productive of such general
utility.

Note VI. Page 133.

It gives me great satisfaction to find, that the opinions here held, re-
specting the character of the ramification on the warmer and the colder
sides of trees, are supported by those of a scientific planter, and inge-
nious observer, tlie late Lord Meadowbank, whose important discovery

359

bf the method of decompounding peat, by means of animal manure, is
so well known to the agriculturist. To a pamphlet printed in Edin-
burgh, in 1815, in which the theory last mentioned, is clearly given,
there is annexed a small tract, entitled " Instructions to Foresters," in
which he states as follows : " If trees are vexed by the winds of an ex-
posed situation, but not destroyed by them, their lateral shoots towards
the exposed point are shortened, and the branches multiplied ; and a
similar appearance may be expected at the tops of lofty trees, however
naturally vigorous, which have reached an unsheltered situation, where
the winds sweep along the upper surface of the forest, without interrup-
tion. These winds must prove unfavourable to the quiet deposition of
prepared sap, on which growth must in some degree depend ; but, of
course, the surplus sap will be employed by the plastic powers of most
trees, in multiplying buds and branches, which, however, must be com-
paratively short, and crowded together. And according to the wise
economy of nature, as very often happens, there is great reason to
think, that the thick clothing of leaves and branches thus provided
for the tops of trees, and for their exposed sides, is of great importance
to their health and preservation." p. 56.

Note VII. Page 138.

1 have now practised this method for so many years, that it comes to
be pretty generally known, in different districts of the kingdom. In
Perthshire, Forfarshire, Berwickshire especially, I have found it quite
prevalent, chiefly through the communications of my worthy friend Mr.
Thomas White, the celebrated landscape-gardener, and his father of
the same name ; and in other districts, as I am informed, it is familiar
to planters, who are utterly ignorant of the source from whence it ori-
ginated. On inquiring lately of a Perthshire gentleman, what benefit
he promised himself, from the practice of reversing the position of his
trees, on removal ? He candidly replied, " that he knew no benefit at
all, that could be derived from It: but understanding that it was the
fashion of the day, he followed it implicitly, as he followed other fash-
ions, without thinking it necessary to inquire about the matter." Now
this gentleman is a person of large property, and an extensive planter ;
which sufficiently shows the state of our general intelligence on the sub-
ject of tvood, and how important it is, if fashion must regulate the bu-
siness, that the fashion should be founded on some principles of science.

Some little time since, I was applied to for advice, by a gentleman,
whose place lies on the west coast, and whose park descends in a gra-

*• 360

dual slope, to the margin of the Atlantic. In this situation, his trees
are severely exposed to the western and south-western gales, which
though mitigated in some sort by the skreen of Ireland, occasion hb
single and detached trees to lean in a remarkable manner to the east and
north-east, and become objects of defoniiity, rather than beauty. This,
he said, was the case with the whole of them, that had not been thinned
out from old grove-wood, and which for a considerable time had had
the benefit of shelter.

I advised him, in all prominent or favourite situations, in the vicinity
of the mansion-house, of approaches, or the like (where the trees were
otherwise of fine figure, and of no very great size, that is, not exceed-
ing from six to eight feet in girth), to loosen them in the ground, as if
for removal, according to the method practised here ; raising the ball or
mass of earth round the stem, and with it the turf unbroken, nine feet
out from the stem at the least ; and endeavouring beyond that distance,
for seven or eight feet more (according to circumstances), to preserve
the whole of the roots, if possible, and especially the minute fibres
entire, in extricating them from the ground. In this way, in good
rooting-ground, he would have roots sixteen or seventeen feet long of a
side. As soon as the tree was pulled down, and that the depth or thick-
ness of the mass, or ball of earth could he ascertained, I further advi-
sed, that the bottom of it should be worked as flat as possible, even
should some downward or perpendicular shoots suffer in the operation ;
when, if there were the slightest declivity in the ground (as generally
happens towards the exposed side), the ball or mass might be wheeled
round on its hottom the entire circle^ and thus the position of the branch-
es be completely reversed.

During this process, it is to be observed, that the most favourable
opportunity would be afforded, supposing the land to be of a shallow
description, to extend the pabulum of the tree, by the introduction of fresh
mould, and suitable compost, during the replanting. No lightening or
mutilating of the top or lateral branches would here be necessary ;
because the person directing the work would necessarily take care to
ascertain, before its commencement, the proper extent of the excavation,
and the due length of the roots and fibres, so as to proportion the roots
to the ivants of the top. Were this process conducted with tolerable
judgment, and according to the directions given in the present Treatise,
I ventured to promise the owner, and I think not rashly, that with expert
workmen, and at the expense of from 15s. to 20s. per tree, he might
substitute a very handsome, for a very unsightly object. In a few years
likewise, it would happen, that ihc tree would be beautifully balanced,

361

by an extension of its branches on ihn deficient side, now turned to lee-
ward, without any loss of the powers of davelopment, in either its
branches, or its roots.

I think it worth while to state the above, as being in a great measure
a remedy for that, for which no remedy seems as yet to have been dis-
covered, and which is an evil of considerable magnitude, to persons so
circumstanced. No one, of course, will suppose, that it is meant to
recommend the reversing or wheeling round of ill-balanced trees, in
ordinary circumstances ; because, where the exposure is not excessive,
and the two angles formed by trees with the ground, on the sheltered
and the windward sides, are not extremely different, judicious pruning
may certainly cure every deformity of top. But in any case, much will
depend on the judgment displayed in the execution.

Note VIII. Page 136.

*rhe notion that trees, whether young or old, suffer greatly on remo-
val, if not replanted in the same exposure, and also in the same position
according to the points of the compass, in which they previously stood,
appears to be a prejudice of great antiquity. Theophrastus, the only
writer in ancient times deserving the name of a phytologist, gravely
states the opinion, and gives his reasons for entertaining it, namely, the
power which habit exerts over all plants, and their inability to resist the
elements. In all this he is accurately copied by the Geoponic writers,
as may be seen by the quotation from Anatolius (Sect. II. Note VII.
anteh.), also by Cato, Columella, Palladius, and others. The mode
prescribed by the whole of them, is to mark the trees, before being
taken up, with white, or other colours, so that the sides, which faced
the north or south, &c., may be regularly turned again to the same
quarters. Pliny, though usually not slow in retailing the fables or the
prejudices of others, is the only ancient writer, who treats the doctrine
with indifference or contempt (See Hist. Nat. L. XVII. 2.). Virgil,
like those who went before him, describes the same process of marking
the south and north sides of trees, but he describes it like a poet ;

Q.uin etiain cceU regioiiem in cortice sigiiant;
Ut quo quaeque inodo steteril, qua parte calores
Austrinos tulerit, qtise terga obveilerit axi,
Restituant: aded in leneris cuiisuescere multum est.

Georg. L. II. 269

It is not to be supposed, that, among the phytologists of the i7th

46

362

century, there would be any dissenting voices against such ancient au-
thorities. Wise, Austen, Cooke, and all our other early arboriculturists
advocate the same system. Even the father of English planting, the
respectable Evelyn, who united practice to theory, is so convinced of
its soundness, that he is regularly angry with Pliny, for treating it with
contempt. " The southern parts of trees (he says) being on a sudden
turned to the north, does starve and destroy more trees, how careful so-
ever men may have been in ordering their roots, and preparing the
ground, than any other accident whatsoever, neglect of staking (i. e.
propping), and defending from cattle excepted****. Which monition,
though Pliny and some others think good to neglect, or esteem indiffe-
rent, I can confirm from frequent losses of my own, and particular
trials, having sometimes transplanted great trees at midsummer with
success, and miscarried in others, where the circumstance of aspect
only was omitted." — Silva, Vol. I. pp. 98, 99. But it may be observed,
that unless these great trees were fir-trees, or other evergreens, this
worthy man should have reflected, that the extraordinary season he se-
lected for the work (a season which, on other occasions, he himself is
far from recommending), suggested good ground for miscarriage, with-
out having recourse to imaginary causes.

There is no writer, ancient or modern, who ever had more science, and
more practical skill united, than MiUer, in the cultivation of wood, and
he distinctly states, that from repeated trials, "he could not observe the
least difference in the growth of those trees, which were so placed (that
is, as they had previously stood), and others which had been reversed."
See Gardener's and Botanist's Diet, in voc. "Planting." A few of the
later phytologists support the same opinion, in which long experience
obliges me to coincide ; although I am surprised to observe, that modern
writers of some name are not wanting, to perpetuate the prejudice.

Note IX. Page 136.

Although I have never, m my own practice, made an exception to
this rule, yet were I to make any, it would be respecting the small ter-
minal shoots of trees, which certainly might be retrenched without
injury, and perhaps with advantage. In a communication with which
I was honoured, from the illustrious President of the Horticultural So-
ciety of London, Mr. Knight, afler approving generally of my theory
ns to the preservative principle, he has the following valuable remarks.

" I have only one suggestion to offer, for your consideration. All
trees have, I think, after they arrive at the age of puberty, generally

363

more slender shoots at the extremities of the branches (which slender
shoots are intended to bear blossoms), than are beneficial to the tree
itself: and if the number of these were reduced in the transplanted
tree, it would still expose as much foliage to the light, as if many more
such slender shoots remained, while the expenditure of sap in forming
shaded, and therefore useless foliage, would be saved, I have trans-
planted fruit-trees of different kinds of a large size, without shortening
their large branches, and I have always found much advantage, in dimi-
nishing considerably the number of their slender terminal shoots."

364

SECTION V.

Note I- Page 152.

The important principle here touched upon is not so fully illustrated
as it might have been. If the reader have attentively considered, first,
the principles promulgated, and next their development and application
in the selection of subjects, the conclusions which he should arrive at
will necessarily follow. In the words of the text, " he may rest assured,
in this case, that his success or miscarriage will be in the precise ratio,
in which his subjects may have obtained the Protecting Properties. If
fully obtained, the progress of the trees will be visible from the begin-
ning ; but if imperfectly, their progress will be retarded, until the defi-
ciency be made up." Yet, as the errors most commonly committed
by planters, and the ill success that attends them, usually result from an.
improper selection of subjects, I shall say a few words upon it liere, by
way of practical commentary.

Nineteen times in twenty, or, much more probably, ninety-nine times
in a hundred, planters, who remove large trees, select their subjects
injudiciously. Perhaps, more correctly speaking, they make no select-
tion at all, according to any preconceived principle, or rule of choice.
Supposing a man carefully to take up and plant a tree so selected, which
has tolerable roots, it necessarily follows, that it must have tolerable
branches. But it may happen, from the circumstances in which it has
been placed, that it is deficient in stoutness of stem, and, what is still
worse, it may have no proper thickness and induration of bark, to pro-
tect the sap-vessels. We shall further suppose, that he has only cur-
sorily perused the foregoing pages ; and without altogether denying the
correctness of the principles laid down (because no man, attentively
viewing natural causes and effects, can deny them), he considers this
as a pretty fair experiment of the efficacy of the Preservative system.

What, then, happens ? The roots being not extensive, and the stem
slender, it is soon discovered, that without propping, the tree cannot
stand. This is thought very strange, indeed, in the new system, which
professes to discard all such unsightly appliances. We will next sup-
pose, that the props are applied with duo diligence and success for two

365

or three years; and meanwhile, that the roots and fibres, being com-
paratively undisturbed, extend under ground for five or six years more.
As to the branches, lew or none having decayed in the beginning, the
tree, by the second year, has probably carried a good leaf, but has made
no shoots of any sort.

Now this tree, as it is not in possession of all the protecting proper-
ties, can develop those which it possesses, only in an inferior degree ;
therefore, " its progress must be retarded (as the text has it), until the
deficiency be made up." If it chance to be in a situation relatively
sheltered, and in a favourable soil, it will, after five or six years more
in this climate, begin to obtain the proper stoutness of stem, and thick-
ness of bark, which it should have had in the beginning : but if the
exposure be great, whatever be the soil, ten or twelve years still may
elapse, ere " the deficiency be made up." Thus, in the last mentioned
case (which is by far the more common of the two), after about eighteen
or twenty years, the tree, having struggled under the unnatural circum-
stances of cold and exposure, to generate provisions, which warmth
and shelter, in the previous plantation, or transplanting nursery, would
have speedily conferred on it, at length surmounts the evils incident to
injudicious selection, and begins to shoot forth with proper vigour. —
Such at least is its progress in the climate of Scotland.

This is no exaggerated picture, but a plain statement of facts, such
as always occur, when the laws of nature are disregarded, and the de-
velopment of the properties she confers are checked in their progress.
The above illustration of the doctrine set forth in the text, that " we
must wait tiU the deficiency be made up," is given on the supposition,
that the tree has tolerable roots and branches, but is without the other
prerequisites. But, on a supposition that the tree possessed the other
protecting properties, and that roots or branches were deficient, there
would be a corresponding result ; and no vigorous progress could in the
same way be expected from the plant, until the deficiency was made
up, in like manner.

366

SECTION VI.

Note I. Page 160.

According to Bergman, the soil best adapted to culture consists of
4-lOths of clay, 3-lOths sand, 2-lOths calcareous earth, and 1-lOth mag-
nesia. Fourcroy and Hassenfratz found 9216 parts of fertile soil to contain
305 parts of carbon, together with 279 parts of oil ; of which, according
to the calculations of Lavoisier, 220 parts may be considered as car-
bon ; so that the whole of the carbon contained in the oil may be esti-
mated at nearly 525 parts, not reckoning the roots of vegetables, or about
l-16th part of its weight. Young, a scientific agriculturist, observed,
that equal weights of different soils, when dried and reduced to powder
yielded by distillation quantities of air, in some measure corresponding
with the ratio of their values. The air was a mixture of fixed and in-
flammable air, proceeding probably from the decomposition of the
water, but partly also, as may be supposed, from its power of abstract-
ing a quantity of air from the atmosphere, which the soil is likewise
capable of doing.

One of the most favourable soils in England, for the production of
fine wood, is said to be Sheffield-place, the seat of Lord Sheffield.
" What is most remarkable (as Pontey observes) is, that the oak and
the larch flourish equally upon it ; though it would seem too light for
the former, and too stiff for the latter." — Profitable Planter, p. 106.
In order to ascertain the constituent parts of a soil so celebrated for the
production of timber. Sir Humphrey Davy submitted one hundred parts
of the entire soil to analysis, of which the following was the result :

Water 3

Silex 54

Alumine 28

Carbonate of Lime 3

Oxide of Iron 5

Decomposing Vegetable matter 4

Loss 3

100 parts.
This, no doubt, is a very favourable statp of rompnnent parts ; nltliougli

367

we might have expected a greater proportion of dccomimsing vegetable
matter, and perhaps of carbonate of lime. Cohsiderable depth may be
supposed to exist above the substratum, which it is surprising that Pon-
tey should have omitted to mention. In as far as tiie growth of timber
is concerned, any account may be considered as very imperfect, without
a specification of it.

Note II. Page 161.

The ancients, although they knew little of the history and properties,
and still less of the anatomy and internal structure of plants, were yet
sufficiently conversant with arboriculture, as an art of practice, and
particularly, they removed large trees ■with, as great success, as any of
our planters of the present day. Accordingly we find, that many of the
best rules and maxims, in our books on planting, are taken from their
writings. A more judicious one there cannot be, than that here men-
tioned in the text, namely, always to give to a transplanted tree a soil
better than what it had before removal. Columella says, " prudentis
coloni est, ex deteriori terr^ potius in meliorem, qukm ex meliore in
deteriorem, transferre." — De Re Rust. L. III. 5. Pliny delivers the
same maxim, but seems to consider similarity of soil as more important
to be studied, even than superiority, for the new site ; in which, how-
ever, he is not borne out by experience. " Ante omnia, in similem
transferri terram, aut meliorem oportet : nee 6 tepidis aut praecocibus,
in frigidos aut serotinos situs, ut neque ex his in illos." — Hist. Natur.
L. XVII. 11.

Note III. Page 169.

Were I called upon to name the person, to whom the farmer, in most
districts of Scotland, and in many of England, is under the greatest
obhgations, I should certainly name the late Lord Meadowbank. The
arboriculturist in both countries must also rank him among his best bene-
factors. In ancient times, such a person might very possibly have been
deified ; at all events, a statue would have been erected to the memorj'
of the man, who instructed his countrjTnen in the art of at once doub-
ling and tripling the whole mass of their farm manure, by a very simple
and certain process. In modern days, likewise, we erect statues, but it
is not for achievements of this useful species.

It is now more than twenfy years since Lord Meadowbank commu-
nicated his discovery to the public, in a small pamphlet, entitled, " Di-

368

rections for preparing Manure from Peat ;" but I do not know whethef
much improvement has since been made, in the art of fermenting that
substance. The general complaint is, that it is nearly incapable of being
decomposed, by the small quantity of animal manure, which Lord
Meadowbank prescribes, that is, a third or fourth part ; and indeed, that
it cannot be decomposed at all, or reduced to the state of a fine dark-
coloured mould, in which neither peat nor dung is discernible.

Having paid as much attention as most persons to this process, for
several years back, for both arboricultural and agricultural purposes, I
am satisfied, that the want of success, so generally experienced, is owing
to two causes chiefly ; first, the too moist condition of the peat, when it
is made up ; and secondly, the exhausted state of the dung employed in
the fermentation ; both of which, as stated in the text, prevent the an-
tiseptic quality of the moss from being counteracted, and the peat from
being rendered soluble.

As to the first point, the moist state of the peat, it seems clear, as
Lord Meadowbank has observed, that, although no active fermentation
can take place without moisture, yet moisture may superabound ; and
therefore, it is necessary to wheel out the peat some weeks beforehand
from the pit, in order that the superfluity may be expelled, by exposure
to the atmosphere. In this state, however, I have seldom found, that I
could, by even thrice fermenting the mass, eflfectually decompose the
peat, and thereby reduce it to a friable mould. In order to remedy this,
I have successfully practised the following method of procuring peat-
moss of superior quality ; which, as it has succeeded with myself, I
shall shortly communicate, in the hope that it may prove of the same
use to others.

Whoever has the command of this valuable substance, must be aware,
that, when dug out for fuel, it is done in sections or banks, from four to
six feet deep; where, after throvdng back the upper strata, on the spread-
field (as it is called), the peat is set out to dry. These masses of the
superincumbent strata, after some years' work, naturally extend, and
soon cover the field to a considerable depth. 'I'hey accumulate here
and there in irregular mounds ; and being exposed to the elements, and
particularly to frost, they gradually advance in decomposition, and
assume the appearance of a black mould, sometimes of a foot and eighteen
inches deep. In this desirable state it is to be carted away, and thrown
up in heaps, for the purpose of fermentation ; a process, which it is thus
prepared lo undergo at once, and with the one-half of the difficulty that
attends the pure peat, as prescribed by Lord Meadowbank.

Besides this improvement, a great saving is made in dung and labour;

369

ihc one-half of the dung only bein^ required to excite fermentation, and
less than the one-half of the labour to turn tlie heaiis. If the fuel be
cut down to the clay in a regular manner, as should always be done ;
or if the spread-field in summer can be turned up with the plough, a
considerable improvement may be made, in procuring a greater mass of
materials, and also in exposing a larger surface to the action of the
atmosphere, and preparing it for future use. With such materials I
have found, that fermented moss-compost may not only be prepared
more perfectly, than by the former method, but at nearly one-half of
the expense.

In respect to the second point, the exhausted stale of the dung, before
being applied. There is nothing more common, than to take dung for
this sort of compost, from the great mass, accumulated for months in
the farm-yard, and never stirred, excepting for the spring or fallow
crops. But for this purpose, dung, supposing it to be the joint produce
of horses and cattle equally, should be regularly carried out, and applied
to the compost-heaps, once a fortnight or three weeks, at the least.
Thus, it will be applied, before much disposition to fermentation comes
on ; after which, it is plain, that all animal manure becomes nearly
effete, and loses the greater part of its value. In order that the fresh
manure may be applied with the greatest effect, sufficient masses or
heaps of peat-moss must always be in readiness ; and should it happen
to be late in the season, that is, after the month of October, it vdll be
necessary to cover them as soon as mixed up, with straw, rushes, shows,
or such other substance, as will prevent the escape of the heat. Were
a farmer or planter, who has the command of peat-moss at a reasonable
distance, diligently to proceed in this manner, it is no exaggeration to
say, that he would annually double, or more probably triple the amount
of his disposable manure.

The preparing of moss-compost with lime in a proper manner, so as
really to decompose the peat, and preserve the qualities of the lime, is
a process which is not generally understood. The common way is to
mix, in nearly equal portions, lime newly calcined [Scot, lime-shells),
and peat-moss ; by which means, heat being disengaged, in far too great
proportion, and the lime suddenly slacked by the moisture of the moss,
the heat becomes so violent as to reduce the peat to charcoal ; to dissi-
pate in a gaseous state all its component parts, excepting only the ashes,
part of the carbonaceous matter, and the fixed air absorbed by the lime.
Thus, the lime is rendered nearly powerless, as mentioned in the text,
and brought back to the state of mere chalk, instead of forming such a

47

370

combination with the peat, and the gas generated in the process, as, on
being apphed to the soil, will promote the growth of plants.

The late ingenious Lord Dundonald, our earliest writer on agricultural
chemistiy, was the first person who taught the method of preparing this
valuable compost, both cheaply and scientifically, in his useful work on
" The Connexion of Chemistry with Agriculture." From his residence
at one time, in the higher districts of Lanarkshire, where peat-moss
abounds, he had a better opportunity, than most of our chemists, of at-
tending to its effects. I shall therefore give his directions, which are
taken from real practice, in his own words. Lime-compost, he observes,
is prepared, " by mixing newly made, and completely slacked lime, with
about five or six times its weight of peat, which should be moderately
humid, and not in too dry a state. In this case, the heat generated will
be moderate, and never sufficient to convert the peat into carbonaceous
matter, or to throw off, in a state of fixable air, the acids therein con-
tained. The gases thus generated will be inflammable and phlogisti-
cated air, forming volatile alkali, which will combine, as it is formed,
with the oxygenated part of the peat, that remains unacted on by the
lime, applied for this especial purpose, in a small proportion. By this
mode of conducting the process, a soluble saline matter will be procu-
red, consisting of phosphat and oxalat of ammoniac, whose beneficial
effects on vegetation are already well known to the argriculturist." —
Pp. 109, 110.

It appears, from what has been said above, that an ignorance of the
true nature of these ingredients, has probably disappointed the farmer,
not less than the planter, in the application of this excellent compound ;
which I can particularly recommend, either for a top-dressing for grass
grounds, or a valuable compost for the roots of trees. The proportion
of the lime to the peat-moss here given should be carefully observed :
and it would be a great improvement, in order to insure its full effect,
were the preparation to be made under cover^ in a shed or outhouse
dedicated to the purpose ; because a superabundance of rain, or too
great an exposure to the air, will prevent a due action of the lime upon
the peat. As is truly remarked by the ingenious nobleman above refer-
red to, the success of most operations, but more especially those of a
chemical nature, greatly depends on a sedulous observance of circum-
stances seemingly trivial ; and it is by the neglect of these, that the
most important objects dependent on them are generally defeated.

I believe, there arc many gentlcniuu good planters, but ardent agri-
culturists, who, in perusing this essay, and perceiving what science

371

might accomplish, towards the improvement of thoir parks l)y means of
the transplanting machine, might yet be deterred from a due preparation

of the soil, by the seeming quantity of manurr ihnt is proscribed for
it. But here is a noble, and valuable compound, adapted to all soils
and climates, and which may bo applied at a very small expense, with-
out encroaching on the stercoraceous collections of their farm-yards.
There are comparatively few situations in this kingdom, in which peat
moss of tolerable quality is unattainable on account of distance ;* and
it is fortunate that it is so ; because we know no given substance that
could supply its place. In many districts (as is seen in the present
section), it costs, when made up with lime, according to the above men-
tioned method, not more than Gd. per cart-load ; and there are others,
in which it may be had at a still smaller cost. But much depends on
the skill and attention that are bestowed on making it up.

Note IV. Page 192.

I conceive that I have made a considerable improvement on the ordi-
nary method of trenching or double-digging of ground, whether for
horticultural or arboricultural purposes. Common gardeners' trenching
is often a mere turning up and turning down of the soil, in regular strata,
without effecting any pulverization, or comminution of the parts ; and
although it deepens, it generally does nothing more, especially when the
trenching is done on grass-grounds; The method which I have prac-
tised with great effect, for twenty years, I can much recommend to
others.

In trenching eighteen inches deep (and any thing less is of little use),
instead of keeping the bottom of the trench eighteen inches wide, or,
as it is generally done, only a foot, I would have it kept two feet wide ;
and, instead of executing the two spits deep successively, Mdth a regular
shoveling after each, I would have three spits executed, luithout any
shoveling, but with a good Scotch spade (as it is called), of which the
mouth is at least ten inches in length. The solid side of the trench is,
of course, cut perpendicularly ; but the loose side, or face of the work,
should be kept at a slope of not less than an angle of fifly or sixty
degrees, in such a way, as that in throwing on the contents, the surface

* "In two-thirds of all the land in Scotland (says an intelligent writer), moss suffi-
cient for making compost, may be found within a inilc. Unless it be in some parts of
the counties of Edinburgh and Haddington, there is scarce one farm in ticolland, south
of the Forth, but can have moss within five miles; and not one farm in a thousand, but
may find it within three miles "—ytiiore's Treatise on Moss- Earth.— x\ 174.

372

mould may crumble down, and m some sort mix with the entire mass
excavated. When I thought of this method twenty years ago, the
workmen ohjected to the execution of three spits deep, at the same
price per fall (Anglice pole), as had been paid for two spits. But, on
persuading them to try, they discovered, that instead of being more, it
was less laborious than the two spits, with the two shovelings ; and thus,
after a little practice, I was enabled to add another inch, and sometimes
two, to the depth of the work, for the same expense, and likewise to
obtain a far greater comminution of the parts. Since that time, we
never trench according to any other method here ; and the benefit re-
sulting from it has induced others to adopt the practice. In the Ency-
clopedia of Gardening (§i 23G.), there is an excellent style of trenching
described, for mixing soils, but on too extensive a scale for any thing
but horticultural purposes of the most expensive sort.

The trenching or deepening of ground is a practice of first-rate
importance in arboriculture, whether to trees during infancy, in the nur-
sery-ground, or after they have obtained a more advanced age. In the
present section, the benefit attending it has been so particularly insisted
on, that no more could be necessary to be said upon the subject in this
place, had not the public attention been particularly turned to it by a late
writer, Mr. William Withers, junior, of Holt, Norfolk.

This gentleman has lately published two pamphlets on the practice in
question, the object of which is to show, that by trenching the ground
previously to planting, and then keeping it clean for some years after-
wards, greater progress will be made by wood of every sort, and conse-
quently a greater return to the planter, in ten or twelve years, than in
five-and twenty and thirty, by the common method. The system is not
new, having been well known in England for more than two centuries :
yet the author, in the first pamphlet, makes out his statements in a
manner so clear and satisfactory, as to excite considerable interest ;
and as ingenious experiment is his forte, and not scientific inquiry, he
corroborates the whole by an animated and confident appeal to his own
practice. By all impartial persons, who are acquainted with the sub-
ject, the account given by Mr. Withers of his operations will be
admitted to be extremely candid ; and I agree with Mr. Cobbett (See
Reg. Nov. 1825), that it is "neat, plain, unassuming, and full of in-
terest."

373

The fact is, that the practice of trcnchiiij^ and inanuriitg land for
plantations (as may be seen in Sociion VII. of the present work), had
considerably attracted my own attention, about forty years ago. I have
since made many comparative and pretty extensive trials of the deepen-
ing and the common metliod, which led to the same results as those
stated by Mr. Withers ; and, had not that gentleman brought forth his
first pamphlet when he did, I probably should, ere now, have drawn up
a similar tract myself, for the purpose of illustrating, to a certain ex-
tent, a similar practice.*

The principle of deepening and pulverizing soils, to forward the
growth of trees, is, as already said, far from being new. It is a mode
of culture, which was well known to the ancients. It was fully recog-
nised and acted on in the days of Evelyn and Cooke ; and it has, since
their time, been familiar to every well-instructed gardener and nursery-
man in the United Kingdoms, down to the present period. The main
use, therefore, of Mr. Withers's pamphlet, is to show its superior advan-
tages, and give a more extensive application. Why it has so seldom
been applied by land-owners beyond the kitchen garden and the shrub-
bery seems very surprising, since the slightest trial is sufficient to con-
vince any gentleman, that plantations made on any land susceptible of
culture, may in this way certainly be more speedily raised, and probably
more cheaply, than by any other method. The scientific principles on
which the process should be conducted, and my anxiety to impress them
on the minds of planters, are sufl[iciently shown in the present Section
and Notes, whether for arboricultural or agricultural purposes, to which
Mr. Withers's able pamphlet may serve as a practical commentary.
The most material point, on which he has gone wrong, is the application
of fresh-made dung or " muck" to the roots of woody plants, which, on
considering what I have stated, he will readily perceive to be both phy-
tologically and chemically erroneous ; and that the intervention of a
green-crop, while it constitutes a superior practice, creates a vast sav-
ing of expense in executing the work. See Section VI. of my Trea-
tise (Second Edition) p. 190-200 ; also p. 202-204, et seqq.

For all plantations in parks and pleasure-grounds, and even in many
that are intended solely for profit, I highly approve of previous trench-
ing and manuring, and keeping the ground clean with the hoe, but by no

* If Mr. Withers will take the trouble to peruse the next Note, namely, No V., being
the last of the present Section, and the text to which it refers, he will see, that I have
had some experience in the business of trenching, and that I have long had occasion to
apply it to sonic striking objects of utility, as well as ornament.

374

means digging it with the spade, for a few years, that is, in situations
where the nature of the ground will admit, and where sufficient manure
for a green-crop can be procured. Having for many years successfully
followed this method myself, I can with the greater confidence recom-
mend it to others. But from the very nature of the thing, it is evident
that it cannot be adopted for General Planting, or ever come into
universal use. All men, however, will admit, that Mr. "Withers is
entitled to great praise, for so earnestly pressing it on the public atten-
tion.

There is one thing, at which I have been rather surprised, in Mr.
Withers's pamphlet, and which cannot be passed over Avithout notice,
by any person of intelligence, and that is, his denominating the ordinary
or pitting method of planting, as every where practised, without any
previous deepening of the soil, " the Scotch system ;" and for no other
alleged reason that I can discover, on the most attentive perusal of his
publication, than that some Scotch contractors had executed about forty
acres of plantation for Admiral Windham, according to this method, and
that the thing had turned out "a total failure."

It is certainly very candid in Mr. Withers to inform us, that he knows
nothing of Scotland or Ireland, and that his observations on wood, and
his practice in raising it, are wholly confined to Norfolk. His pamphlet
as clearly informs us, that he knows nothing of general planting, or of
its history and progress in Britain, and the rest of Europe ; and that the
anatomy of plants and vegetable physiology have not come within the
range of his studies. Now, in these circumstances, it would have been
as well, if he had not insisted on it, that the common and well-known
style of executing general planting, in every country where it is known
and cultivated, is peculiarly " the Scotch method ;" because the En-
glish, Irish, French, German, or any other national epithet, would have
equally designated the practice. The Germans have about a hundred
writers on Woods and Forests (double the number that Varro enumerates
in his time), among whom M. Biirgsdorf, Master General of the Forests
of Prussia, and M. Hartig, who held the same situation in the princi-
pality of Solms, are the most celebrated. The French, in the same
way, have nearly thirty authors on this subject, of whom MM. De
Perthuis, Baudrillart, and Varenne-Fenille are the latest and best.
These, together with our own Evelyn aud Cooke, Miller, Pontey, and
Speechley, all treat of both the trenching and the pitting method ; but
not one of them ever made the notable discovery, which has been made
by Mr. Withers, that the latter is peculiarly the Scotch method. On
the contrary, they all mention both systems, as practised in their diffe-

375

rent countries, and practised in rsacli under different circumstances, aa
it is in England.* Had some conceited Scotch gardener, now fattening
in that cotmtry, committed this " fundamental error" iti a public state-
ment, and on the titlepago of a book, we should not liavc been so much
surprised, and attributed it merely to ignorance ; but as it is, it certainly
must appear very striking, in a person of Mr. V/ithcrs's education and
intelligence. By a statement so often and so confidently repeated, un-
informed readers are led to believe, that, in the arboriculture of Scot-
land there are some strange and peculiar modes of executing large
designs of wood, quite different from those known in England, and
which its gardeners (who every where abound) are desirous, from some
unintelligible motive, to introduce into the latter country : whereas, the
truth is, as I have more than once stated in the present work, that it is
to the English alone, that the Scotch are indebted for any knowledge
they possess of the useful arts, and of that of planting among others ;
that they are ambitious to practise, and do practise them, solely after
the English methods ; and, if they ever venture on any improvements
of their own (which in this instance has not been the case), that it is
with becoming deference to such able instructors. It is therefore to be
hoped, that so judicious a writer as Mr. Withers, when he next publishes
on the same subject, will correct a statement, which is unfounded in
point of fact, and besides rather savours of national prejudice ; a feel-
ing decidedly illiberal, and altogether out of fashion in the present day.
The very favourable manner, in which Mr. Withers's first pamphle t
was received by the public was, of course, very gratifying to the author,
and seems to have led him to assert the universal applicability of the
trenching method. What was good for Norfolk, he naturally thought,
could not well be bad for any other tract of country, whether the High-
lands of Perthshire, or Yorkshire, or Connaught ; and that whatever
system of planting was calculated to produce (as Pontey expresses it),
" the greatest weight of marketable wood," and to produce it soonest
and cheapest, must necessarily be the best for all possible purposes,
whether manufacturing, agricultural, or naval. Fully impressed with

* Mr. De Perthuis is of the opinion usually entertained in England, and also by Sir
Walter Scott, that trenching with the spade is too expensive to be practised by the land-
owner, unless for plantations intended for ornament near the mansion-house On sent
que le defoncemenl ne peut sire fait qiC U bras d'hommes ; el cotnme il occasionne une
grande depense au pruprietaire, il no pcut guercs e7ii2ilot/er ce moyen. lorsque sesfac-
ultes pecuniaircs Ic lui permcltent, que da7is Ics plantations dcslinecstl la decor ation
de sa maison — P 2S~. The Fiench have likcwiijo an odd way of cultivating planta-
tions, en rayons, that is, in narrow strijis for the trees, leaving the intervale unculti-
vated.

376

this conviction, Mr. AVithers nndertook to draw up a second pamphlet
more extensive than the first, chiefly as it appears, with the view of Im-
proving THE Management of the Royal Forests, and Raising su-
perior Timber for the Navv.

The object, it will on all hands be admitted, was highly laudable, and,
could Mr. Withers have accomplished it, was sufficient to have placed
him at the head of the arboriculturists of the present day. Of the
method in which he has attempted this (with the best intentions, as I
truly believe), there is room only for a very rapid and cursory examina-
tion in this place; and as I have been indirectly called upon for an
opinion upon his method by his majesty's government, I shall give it
candidly, and in the most concise manner I am able.

It is well known to those, who possess the best judgment, and the
best opportunities of judging, that there are few departments under
government, which are managed with more diligence and ability than
that of the " Woods and Forests." The noble lord and First Com-
missioner, now at the head of that department, are both unremitting in
their endeavours to put the affairs of the royal forests on the best foot-
ing, and under the superintendence of men of the greatest skill and ex-
perience ; and the late improvements made, as I understand, are such
as entitle them to the highest praise. On comparing these forests with
the best-managed woods and plantations belonging to private individuals,
it will be found, that the defects in either are far more to be attributed
to the general neglect of the art of planting in Britain, and to the want
of that useful assistance which might be afforded to it (as I have already
observed) by agricultural chemistry, as well as phytological science,
than to any other cause. Whether Mr. Withers's pathetic lamenta-
tions of the defective management of the royal forests, and "the shame
and indignation," which he virtuously feels on that account (p. 27.)
proceed from an ignorance of these well-known facts, and an unac-
quaintance with the manner in which those forests ought to be managed ;
or whether they are put forth ad captandum, and for the purpose of
catching that " gale of popularity," which every one in a free country
is sure to obtain, who makes an attack upon the government, I shall not
take it upon me to determine ; but from the apparent sincerity and frank-
ness of his whole manner and character, I should far rather attribute
them to the former motives.

Not long before the appearance of his second pamphlet, that is, in
the end of last year, it so happened, that the greatest writer of the age,
Sir Walter Scott (who, to his other multifarious accomplishments, adds
considerable experience in the management of woods), drew up an

377

" Essay on the Planting of Waste Lands." It appeared in the seventy-
second number of the Quarterly Review; and I must say, that, as far
as I am a judge, it is, independently of its other merits, one of the most
powerful, judicious, and useful practical tracts existing in the language.
Such is the essay, and such tlie author, whom, in his second pamphlet,
Mr. Withers considers himself as quite able to put down ! From the
singularly rapid way, in which the great author is known to write, and
from the circumstance of his professing no accurate knowledge of phy-
tology, it cannot seem wonderful, that some errors, both in the theory
and the practice, should have crept into the essay. But the celebrity
of the illustrious person in question, and the fact of his belonging to this
side of the Tweed (which gave an additional colour to Mr. Withers's
misrepresentation as to the Scotch method), added to Sir Walter's
speaking rather slightingly of trenching, as a preparatory measure,
seem to have induced Mr. Withers to adopt a personal mode of address.
The pamphlet, therefore, is thrown into the form of " A Letter to Sir
Walter Scott, Bart., exposing certain Fundamental Errors in his late
Essay on Planting Wa,ste Lands, &c., the great loss and disappoint-
ment generally attending the Scotch Style op Planting ;" — cum mul-
tis aliis.

Respecting the manner of this composition I shall say little, as "plain
and unassuming" are epithets which cannot be applied to it ; and I shall
say the less from being informed, that the public in general, and the
author's friends in particular, loudly condemned the whole style of
address adopted ; and I entertain no doubt, but that his own good sense
will ere long induce him to condemn it himself. Mr. Withers may rest
assured, that neither the interests of learning, nor the advancement of
science, among a polished nation, ever yet were promoted, by a gratui-
tous departure from the rules of decorum and urbanity. But the matter
is an object of far greater magnitude than the manner ; and as the former
might, by possibility, have some weight with the Commissioners of
Woods and Forests, I feel called upon to obviate, in as far as I can, the
extensive injury, which the principle contended for might occasion, to
the " future navies" of the empire.

The first thing, then, that Mr. Withers does, is, of course, to fasten
with eagerness on some of those trivial errors, which, as already said,
appear in Sir Walter's powerful specimen of didactic writing, and to
magnify them into defects of the most portentous species. This is just
the sort of tactic that might have been expected. The next thing is, to
fasten as eagerly on Mr. William Billington, a good, plain, and common-
place person, who was, some years since. Surveyor General, under the

48

378

authority of the Commissioners, for planting the forest of Dean. This
worthy person is then completely shown up. His ignorance, his arro-
gance, his weakness, his self-delusion, are all depicted in glowing co-
lours ; and certain statements in his book,* which, to say truth, are
neither the most able, nor the most luminous, are very adroitly turned
against himself. In fact, they are made to prove, that by means of
trenching, he might have executed the work much cheaper, than by
what is pertinaciously called " the Scotch system," and thus have gone
over the entire eleven thousand acres of Dean Forest ! Flushed with
this supposed advantage, Mr. Withers forthwith returns to the charge
against the great author. " Why, Sir Walter (says he), his opinions
are more erroneous than yours, which is saying a great deal, and may be
some comfort for you to know.****This surely beats every thing that
was ever put into print !" At last, he sums up his argument with great
eloquence and energy : " If I were to cite all the authorities, urge all
the arguments, and state all the facts, which could be brought forward
in support of my position, that trees planted on prepared land will grow
faster, and come much sooner to maturity than trees planted on 'the
Scotch System,' the present pamphlet would extend to as many vol-
umes as your Life of Napoleon," May I be permitted to observe, with
great deference to Mr. Withers, that, indeed, this does beat every thing
that was ever put into print !

Having proved, to his owti satisfaction and that of his friends, that the
trenching system of planting is not only better, but also much cheaper
than the pitting system (which he still persists in calling " the Scotch"),
and the only one proper to be adopted by men of sense, the next point
to be examined is : Is it a system of general application, as alleged by
Mr. Withers, and fitted for " the planting of Waste Lands," the object
of Sir Walter's able Essay ? — As I conceive, it certainly is not. The
most judicious critics, and those most conversant with Woods, (such as
the Editors of the Gardener's and the British P^'armer's Magazines),
have fiilly decided the point, in their reviews of Mr. Withers's pamphlets.
All experienced planters will agree with them in thinking, that in wild
and mountainous regions, preparation must be out of the question ; or
wherever it would be obstructed by rocks, bogs, inaccessible steeps, or
unstable surfaces ; all of which regions being nearly useless, might, at

■ A series of Facts, Hints, Observations, ami Experiments on the different modes of
raising Young Plantations of Oak, for Future Navies, &c. &.C.— By Williani Billington,
Member of the Calrd. Hurt- Soc, Superintendent of Planting 11,000 acres of land in
the Forest of Dean, fee— London, 1S25.

379

a moderate expense, and by the pitting method, be made eminently pro-
ductive in Wood.

But Mr. Withers has a ready answer to this. Instead of an entire
mountain or moor, take (says he), a few acres only of the best parts of
such districts : if you cultivate them higlily, they will cost no more ex-
pense, than if you included the whole, and they will pay you sooner for
your labour : " Profit, and profit alone, ought to be the object of the
planter." p. 74. "Now (says Mr. Loudon, one of the judicious critics
just now alluded to), every planter of general experience will differ on
this point with Mr. Withers. What we maintain is, that in Scotland
and Ireland, and in many parts of the North of England and Wales,
1000 acres of wood of any sort confer more value on an extensive
territorial surface, than the most thriving plantation of a few acres,
however profitable the latter might be, when taken by itself. In esti-
mating the value of Mr. Withers's system, therefore, it is necessary to
take this view of the subject into consideration; for a plantation may
yield no profit for many years, and yet add greatly to the value of an
estate, by its effects in an ornamental point of view, by its shelter for
game, &c. and its ultimately forming a nucleus for raising the more
valuable timber-trees." In this sensible opinion I fully concur, after
many years experience ; and I should certainly prefer, for most purpo-
ses, to plant a thousand acres of a moor or a mountain, rather than a
few acres only of such a surface, if both could be executed at equal
cost. Still I own, that I am extremely partial to the Trenching and
Manuring system, (under certain circumstances, provided manure can be
found for a previous green-crop,) and I trust, that it will be brought into
much more extensive use than heretofore, where a speedy return of
crop, and marketable timber, but nothing further, are expected.

The most material question, however, between the advocates for the
Trenching asd the Pitting systems, remains yet to be examined ; by
which it will appear, that profit is by no means the only rule by which
the merits of the former are to be tried. Mr. Withers, having per-
formed so many feats of prowess in this controversy ; having beat down
the surveyor of eleven thousand acres of woodland, and contumeliously
trampled him under foot ; having had a tough encounter with one of the
most successful planters, and certainly the greatest writer of the age,
and, in his own opinion, discomiited him also, we cannot think it wonder-
ful, that he should, after such a triumph, feel quite competent to the task
of raising (as he says) a crop of oak, " to which we may look forward
with some confidence, for future navies." — p. 29. The judicious phy-
tologist, however, will pause, ere he assign, even to such a champion.

380

his laurels, and anxiously inquire, whether the promised timber will be
of the BEST QUALITY ■? For "good marketable wood," which Mr. Wi-
thers clearly may raise, and raise speedily, would hardly satisfy his
majesty's commissioners of woods and forests, for the important purpose
of constructing British Ships of War. Whether high cultivation and
manuring should now be introduced over the whole royal forests, because
Mr. Withers in Norfolk is raising good wood by that method, and has
■written two successful pamphlets on the subject, is a question of some
public interest. I must say, it is a method of obtaining the 7nost dura-
ble oak-timber, which is certainly new, and is contradicted by all exist-
ing facts, as well as all former practice. Those facts, therefore, are
deserving of a short consideration, which is all that the limits of the
present discussion will admit.

The effects of Culture on the whole kingdom of vegetables (as the
author of the Encyclopedia of Gardening well observes), are so great, as
always to change their appearance, and in a considerable degree to
change their nature. Culture, as phytologists admit, has nearly the
same tendency towards affecting the growth of plants, as the removing
of them to a better climate, by expanding the parts of the entire vege-
table. To any one at all acquainted with vegetable economy this is
well known, and it is remarkable in all culinary vegetables and cultivated
grasses, which assume an appearance in our gardens and fields, widely
different from that, which they display in their wild or natural state.
In the same manner, the absence of culture, or the removing the vege-
table to a colder climate, and a worse soil, tends to contract or consolidate
the plant.

The same general law operates in a similar way on all woody plants,
but of course less rapidly, owing to the less rapid growth of trees, from
the lowest bush, to the oak of the forest. In all of these, the culture
of the soil tends to accelerate vegetation, and by consequence, to expand
the fibre of the toood. It necessarily renders it softer, less solid, and
more liable to suffer by the action of the elements. Let us shortly give
a few examples of the uniform effect of this law of nature.

Every forester is aware, how greatly easier it is to cut over thorns or
furze, that are trained in hedges, than such as grow naturally wild, and
are exempt from culture. Gardeners experience the same thing, in
pruning or cutting over fruit-trees or shrubs ; and the difference in the
texture of the raspberry, in its wild and in its cultivated state, is as re-
markable ; for although the stem m the latter state is nearly double the
thickness of that in the former, it is much more easily cut. On com-
paring the common crab, the father of our orchards, with the cultivated

381

apple, the greater softness of the wood of the latter, will be found not
less striking to every arboriculturist.

Further : The common oak in Italy and Spain, where it grows faster
than in Britain, is ascertained to be of shorter duration, in those coun-
tries. In the same way, the oak in the highland mountains of Scotland
or Wales, is of a much harder and closer grain, and therefore more du-
rable, than what is found in England; though on such mountains it
seldom rises to the fifth part, or less, of the English tree. Every car-
penter in Scotland knows the extraordinary difference between the
durability of Highland oak, and oak usually imported from England,
for the spokes of wheels. Every extensive timber-dealer is aware of
the superior hardness of oak, raised in Cumberland and Yorkshire, over
that of IMonmouthshire and Herefordshire ; and such a dealer, in select-
ing trees in the same woods in any distrct, will always give the prefer-
ence to oak of slow growth, and found on cold and clayey soils, and to
ash on rocky cliffs ; which he knows to be the soils and climates natural
to both. If he take a cubic foot of park-oak, and another of forest-
oak, and weigh the one against the other (or if he do the like with ash
and elm of the same descriptions), the latter will uniformly turn out the
heavier of the two.

As an analogous case, I may refer to some facts collected by Lambert
(no mean authority), respecting the Scotch fir [Pinus stives tris). He
says, that it does not stand longer than forty or fifty years on the rich
and fertile land in both England and Scotland, where it is often planted,
and where it rushes up vdth extraordinary rapidity. In the northern
districts of Scotland, on the other hand (a thing well known to myself),
the difference between park fir and highland-fir is universally known and
admitted ; and the superiority of the latter is proved, by its existence in
buildings of great antiquity, where it is still found in a sound state ; a
difference, which can be ascribed to no other cause than the mountainous
situations (that is, the natural state), in which the former timber is pro-
duced, and "where the trees being of slower growth, the wood is
consequently of a harder texture." — Monogr. on the Gen. Pin. p. 34.

To the above I may add a circumstance connected with the larch,
another tree possessing a dense, hard, and durable fibre in its natural
state. A friend of mine had some trees of this species, which had
grown nearly fifty years, in a deep rich loam, close to some cottages
and cabbage-gardens, where they had amply shared in the benefit of
culture from the latter. Wlien felled, the wood was soft and porous.
It turned out of no duration, when cut up into floors and field-gates ;
and it was even found to burn as tolerable fire-wood, which larch of

382

superior quality is known never to do, at least without the assistance of
some other wood.

From these facts, and others that might be brought forward (if room
permitted), as well as from vegetable anatomy in general, and the nature
of the sap's descent in particular, we may deduce the following Practi-
cal Conclusions, regarding the question at issue.

First ; That all timber-trees thrive best, and produce wood of the
best quality, when growing in soils and climates most natural to the
species. It should, therefore, be the anxious study of the planter, to
ascertain and become well acquainted with these, and to raise trees, as
much as possible, in such soils and climates.

Secondly ; That trees may be said lo be in their natural state, when
they have sprung up fortuitously, and propagated themselves without
aid from man, whether it be in aboriginal forests, ancient woodlands,
commons, or the like.* That in such trees, whatever tends to increase
the wood, in a greater degree than accords with the species when in its
natural stale, must injure the quality of the timber.

Thirdly ; That whatever tends to increase the growth of trees, tends
to expand their vegetable fibre. That when that takes place, or when
the annual circles of the wood are soft, and larger than the general
annual increase of the tree should warrant, then the timber must be
less hard and dense, and more liable to suffer from the action of the
elements.

Fourthly ; That a certain slowness of growth is essentially necessary
to the closeness of texture, and durability of all timber, but especially
of the oak ; and that, wherever the growth of that wood is unduly ac-
celerated by culture of the soil (such as by trenching and manuring), or
by undue superiority of climate, it will be injured in quality in the pre-
cise ratio, in which those agents have been employed.

Fifthly ; That, as it is extremely important for the success of trees,
to possess a certain degree of vigour in the outset, or to be what is tech-

• Some trees, however, and herbaceous plants may be said to be naturalized to cer-
tain situations, in which, wilhonl the aid of art, they never would have been found.
Thus, says Mr. Loudon, we sometimes find mountain plants common in plains, and
even in meadows ; and alpine trees which disseminate themselves in warmer, and
more level districls. But the botanist, by comparing the eficcts of these diffeient situa-
tions on the vegetable, always knows how to select, as geip ral nature, that which per-
Jecla all its parts, and where the soil arid situation are best suited to the reproduction of
the species, and the prolongation of individual life. These rule.=, adds he, are founded
in nature. For example : no person, judging from them, could mistake a warm Uuglish
common, for the natural soil and siluiition of the Scotch fir, though it frequently is found
Crowins there.— Form, and Improv. of Coutitiy Resid.

383

nically called "well set off," the aid of culture is not in every case to be
precluded, by a consideration of the general rule. That if trees be in
a soil and climate worse than those that are natural to them, then cul-
ture will be of some advantage ; as the extra increase of wood will be
of a quality not inferior to what in its natural state it would obtain ;
or, in other words, it will correspond witii that degree of quality and
quantity of timber, which the nature of the species admits of being
obtained : but culture, in this case, must be applied with cautious dis-
crimination, and a sound judgment. That, on the other hand, if trees
be in a better soil and climate than are natural to them, and, at the same
time, that the annual increase of wood be promoted by culture (as already
said), it will be a decided disadvantage, and deteriorate the wood. In
the same way, if trees be in their natural state, the annual increase of
timber, obtained by culture, will injure its quality, in a degree corres-
ponding with the increased quantity.

Sixthly : That such appears to be a correct, though condensed view
of the operation of those general laws respecting growth, which govern
the whole vegetable kingdom, and especially their effects on woody
plants, and of the salutary restraints, which science dictates to be laid
on artificial culture, of which pruning, as well as manuring, forms a con-
stituent part, as has been explained above, at so much length. That it
is by a diligent study of the peculiar habits of trees, and the characters
of soils, illustrated and regulated by facts drawn from general experience,
that rash or ignorant systems of arboriculture are to be best corrected,
and science brought most beneficially to bear on general practice.

If the foregoing propositions be fairly deduced, as I conceive them to
be, from facts, and be also consistent with phytological principles, it
follows, that the pitting system, as already practised by most nations
(but what Mr. Withers confusedly calls the Scotch method), if duly
regulated by science, must be the best system for the " Planting of Waste
Lands," or, in general, for large designs of wood, and especially for the
royal forests, where the quality of the timber is the main object.
That if the system of culture, by means of trenching and manuring,
were, as is proposed, to be universally introduced into those forests, it
would create a vast national loss, by deteriorating the value of this im-
portant part of the public property ; — although particular spots in these,
as in all extensive woodlands, might be advantageously managed by it,
under peculiar circumstances.

Further, it follows, that Sir Walter Scott, in his able essay on the
"Planting of Waste Lands," has committed no "Fundamental Errors"
(as allege-d by Mr. Withers), by advocating the pitting system of plant-

384

inp, but that such errors most obviously have been committed by Mt^
Withers himself: tliat he has done this, by endeavouring to give general
and indiscriminate currency to a system, which, how excellent soever
for many purposes, cannot, any more than other systems of arboricul-
ture, be properly practised, unless under the co7itrol of science.

For these, and other reasons that could be given, if room permitted
here, I would hiunbly offer it as my opinion, to his Majesty's Commis-
sioners of Woods and Forests, that the system of trenching and ma-
nuring could not be introduced into the royal forests, ivith safety to the
quality of British oak, which it has been the pride of this country to
raise, in such unrivalled perfection. I should, therefore, with great
deference recommend it to them, to persevere in the same steady and
judicious course of management, which they have been for some time
pursuing. In this view, I should wish to see them employ, for the
operative part, none but the most experienced foresters that can be had,
whether in our own country, or in Germany, where the management of
woods is better understood ; and to procure, if possible, for the superior
departments, superintendents, who are not mere gardeners, like Mr.
Billington and others, but who, to a thorough knowledge of planting, as
practised in the best districts, unite some pretensions to phytologiceil
intelligence. Mr. Withers has talked of a parliamentary inquiry, and
even expressed an anxious desire for it. Let himself or his friends come
forward with it when they please. The more that management like the
above is investigated, the more it will merit the thanks of the country.

In respect to Mr. Withers's first pamphlet, I have already expressed
the opinion which I entertain of its merit. It is impossible for me not
to respect the ardent mind, and active industry of a writer, who is a
fellow -labourer with myself, in the uphill work of improving British ar-
boriculture. Although we differ on some points, yet I am certain that
he will now agree with me, as to the low, or at least the unsettled state
of our knowledge in the art of planting on scientific principles ; of
which a better example cannot be given, than that, in 1825, Mr. William
Billington published an account of his own, and Messrs Driver's bun-
gling operations in planting the Forest of Dean ; and that three years
after, namely, in 1828, as a remedy for those evils, and in order to raise
the most durable Oak for " future natives," Mr. Withers himself brought
forth his recipe of high cultivation and manuring of the soil. It is fur-
ther worthy of remark, that in the numerous and excellent communica-
tions received by him (as appears by his book) on the same subject,
from planters certainly of judgment and experience, not one of them,
Mr. Cuthbert Wm. Johnson excepted, appears to be a man of science.

385

Nevertheless, it would be unjust not to add, that the reader will find,
in this second publication, some valuable remarks on " the Pruning and
Thinning of Trees." Also, he will find, in the more homrly and un-
pretending production of honest William Hillington, probably the best
inslnictions for conducting those two important processes, tliat exist in
the language, together with much good sense and judicious practice, in
several other departments.

The truth is, altliough the public attention has been of late more ex-
cited towards the important department of planting than heretofore, it is
yet too much regarded as a mechanical art. I entirely agree with the
judicious author of the Encyclopedia of Gardening (from whom much
of wliat I have said above is taken) on the elTect of culture on trees,
and that it is a branch of planting which seems to have been wholly
neglected by practical men. They appear, as he justly observes, to
have carried it on, with reference to no other end, than the increase it
produces on the quantity of timber. To exclude either pruning or cul-
ture from a proper system of arboricultural management can never be
the design of any sound phytologist : but they are both very questiona-
hie agents in the hands of unscientific persons, and they can be employ-
ed by no one without extreme caution, and a due regard to those laws,
which nature has established as paramount in her works.

Messrs. Withers and Pontey, the most distinguished advocates of these
practices, I take the liberty to think, have fallen into this general error;
and content with the hulk of the marketable article, and the shortness
of the time within which it can be produced, they have suffered the
solidity and durability of timber to escape their notice. With a par-
tiality to culture, nearly equal to Mr. Withers's, and deeming it applica-
ble to many purposes to which it has not as yet been applied, I conceive
that the indiscriminate recommendation of any practice, without a
mature consideration of its nature and consequences, is inconsistent with
sound science. We should reflect, that the practice we have been con-
sidering, would, with all its excellence, ii universally introduced, be an
evil the more formidalile on this account, that its effects might not he-
come apparent, until it was past a cure.

Note V. Page 176.

In the foregoing Note, a good deal has been said, respecting the na-
ture and use of trenching. I will now make a few observations on one
of the most important and interesting objects, to which that process can
be applied, I mean the removal of rushes from land. A greater impedi-

49

386

raent to agricultural as well as arboricultural improvement cannot exist,
than this unsightly weed ; because wherever there are rushes, there must
be superfluous moisture; and that excess of an indispensable element, is
equally hostile to abundant grain-crops, good pasturage, and good wood.

To point out a method of eradicating the rush effectually is a problem
that has not as yet been solved, by men in either of these departments.
The causes which occasion it are twofold : first, underground water; in
which case, it is completely to be removed by draining : and secondly,
tenacity of soil, which retains moisture, as if in a cup; a species of
evil, for which no cure has ever been found. Observing, some years ago,
that, on no land where the subsoil was completely dry, were any rushes
ever kno\m to spring up; and reasoning on the indisputable maxim, that
Sublaia causa, tollitur ejfeciiis, I conceived, that if any means could be
devised to carry off superfluous moisture, from underneath the soil, and
to carry it oS speedily, the rushes would disappear, as a matter of course.
Experience had shown that, from underground drains, however carefully
executed, no such effect would follow; because numerous examples exist
of persons, who, from an anxiety to lay dry particular fields, have inter-
sected them with drains in all directions, within five and six feet of one
another, and still rushes have sprung up, even on the top of their drains.
Nothing, therefore, promised to be effectual, except some method oi ren-
dering the entire snhsail a drain, and thus carrying off the water, which
descended from the higher grounds, or fell from the sky, before it had
time to stagnate.

For this important purpose, deep trenching seemed particularly well
adapted ; as the first principle of it consists, in reversing the order of
the natural strata, and putting down, to any given depth, the loose and
friable soil, which has been the subject of culture. By that means, a
subsoil of an entirely different quality, namely, the fine mould of the
surface, would at once be created at the bottom of the trench, and
through which the superfluous water, formerly retained by impervious
strata, would now readily percolate. Besides this, another object of
immense interest presented itself, and that was, the sudden and effectual
alteration, and therefore melioration of the soil, from wet to dry, from
stiff to porous : and if it were true, as already stated, that " the best
soil, whether for wood or agricultural crops, was one, that is at once
loose and deep," here both depth and looseness would at once be obtain-
ed, with the power of retaining water only to the i)roper extent, and
exerting a great chemical agency for the preservation of manures.

My first experiment in reducing this theory to practice, was made on
about two eicres of old meadow-land, on which rushes had been abundant

387

from time immemorial, from twato three feet high. Having previously
ascertained that there were no great underground springs, I directed the
whole to be trenched, eighteen inches deep. The trenching was effec-
tively executed in the line of the slope or declination of the surface, so
that, if any interstitial mounds of subsoil (see the foregoing Note) hzid
been inadvertently left in the bottom, no obstruction, after rain, should
be given to the speedy descent of the water. The surface mould not
being above six inches deep, the whole was deposited by the first spit,
at the bottom of the trench- The next six inches consisted of strong
loamy clay, and were tiirown immediately upon the first ; and the last
six inches, which were of as obdurate a clay [Scoitice till) as could well
be imagined, formed the top of the new surface.

Being in haste to return the land to its former condition of meadow,
I did not bestow the proper time, as I ought to have done, in working
it, by means of a complete summer-fallow, or drill-crops well manured;
but, after merely reducing the clay to a good state of pulverization, I
gave it an abundant top-dressing, first of mild lime, and then of dung-
compost, prepared with peat-moss, according to Lord Meadowbank's
method, and immediately sowed it down with grass-seeds. This took
place in 1810. The hay-crop that followed was immense. It has been
cut in hay repeatedly since that period, and twice dressed with lime-
compost : but since the time of the trenching (now seventeen years),
not a rush has ventured to put up its head. Had the cure been only
termporary, rushes certainly would have appeared again in greater lux-
uriance, in consequence of the culture, after the third or fetlf!!r season.
- The next experiment I tried, was on the sheepwallt of the park, of
which a particular quarter, near the margin of the lake, "being of strong
rich loam, eight or nine inches deep, with a clayey subsoil, was apt to
be rushy, after being some years in pasture. This space of ground ex-
tended to about four acres. It was trenched in 1821, nearly twenty
inches deep. It was treated nearly in the same style as the meadow
just now mentioned, and got the same dressing of lime and compost
slightly ploughed in, and completely pulverized, and was then sown down
in pasture. After six years, I can truly say, that no rush has ever ap-
peared upon it ; and now, after another year, (in October, 1828), I can
attest the same result. — Let it be observed, that this experiment differed
somewhat from the other ; for pasture immediately succeeded the sow-
ing down, and no cutting of ha)'^ took pla^e.

In 1822, I made various other trials, all attended with the same uni-
form success. From one and all of them I was led to the conclusion,
that in deep trenching on cultivated land, properly executed, a certain

388

cure will always be found for rushes, proceeding from the worst cause
in which they originate, viz. tcnacitij of soil. The simple theoiy is this,
that if a new and permeable subsoil, composed of the uppermost friable
strata, be thus fonncd underneath, it will act nearly as if gravel or sand
had been substituted : and we know that, if either soils or subsoils be
once fairly stirred, no complete consolidation will afterwards take place.

It is probable, that this method of eradicating rushes has not as yet
become very extensively known, and therefore has not been much veri-
fied by the experience of others.* In the end of 1821, or beginning of
1822, a scientific friend of mine, who saw the work going on in the
park here, was so much struck with its importance and simplicity, that
he drew up a short account of it as managed at this place, and publish-
ed the article in the Farmer's Magazine of Edinburgh, where the reader
will find it. But in that article, as far as I remember (for I have it not
at hand), the depth of the trenching and the expense attending it, are
both underrated. In respect to the trenching, I never trenched less than
eighteen, and sometimes twenty inches in depth; and as to the expense,
it never amounted to less than Is. per pole, or per fall, Scotch measure
(which bear the same proportion to each other, as the higher national
rates do), or 8Z. per acre, when spade work only was necessary. If the
aid of the pick was called in, it amounted to 2d. more per fall, or 26s.
per acre. But in such a case, previous outlay is of little moment, if we
can only rely on an adequate or profitable return.

It is a curious fact, and may be verified by those who are disposed to
make the experiment on a single acre, or less, that the trenching of
ground, if done only deep enough, has (besides eradicating rushes), the
extraordinary effect of rendering wet land dry, and dry land moist, for
the most beneficial produce either in timber, or agricultural crops. In
respect to the former soil, it is obvious on the face of the proposition,
and from the foregoing experiments. As to the latter, I have more than
once verified it, by trenching a sandy soil fifteen inches deep, when there
were not more than four inches of good mould on the surface ; and when

• So little does this seem to be known, thatan intelligent friend of mine (than whom no
man docs more work, or does it in a better stylo of execution) is, at this moment (Octo-
ber, 1827), engaged, with the help of a professional drainer, brought at some expense
from a distance, in endeavouring to extirpate the rushes in his park hy surface drains,
at twenty and thirty feet distance. It would be quite in vain for me to tell hini, that his
drainer has no science, and that his rushes, in this way, cannot be pp,rmanently eradi-
cated. There are very few men, who put any value on advice that is gratuitous. Be
sides, I am too near at hand (not five miles oJT) to be of any use to him. Were I to coma
from Lincolnshire, or the Landsend, oflering for fifty guineas to communicate my se-
cret, I believe I could render him very material service.

389

the rnoiild was unscrupulously put down lo the hottom of the trench, and
eleven inches of pure sand superinduced upon it ! Nevertheless, the
oats sown the first year upon this soil, and manured and treated as above,
at once reached the mould at the bottom of the trench : and they would
have gone down double the depth, had tlioy had an opportunity. On
trying oats in the mould of a hothouse, the roots were found to descend
two feet nine inches !

I regret that there is not room, in the brief space of an ordinary note
(which has been now so greatly exceeded), to demonstrate the reasona-
bleness of the experiments made, on chemical principles, so as to satisfy
the man of science. The man of practice may very easily satisfy him-
self. He, who tries the thing, will be convinced, that, while by deep
trenching he will raise the value of his land (as held out in the text), by
the one-half in some cases, and by double in others, especially if he take
a green crop the first season, his entire expense, for both labour and
manure, will generally be repaid by that crop : so that, whether he
operate as a husbandman, or an arboriculturist, he will, by the second
season (as the saying is) be fairly " on velvet ;" or, in other words, that
this improvement of the subject will pay itself after a twelvemonth.

I am aware that the trenching of land, whether in theory or practice,
is a subject not fully understood, not even by Mr. Withers himself, not-
withstanding his two pamphlets, which are drawTi up to illustrate it.
The extraordinary and wonderful effects, produced by deepening, and
the comminution of the parts (but the one is useless without the other),
are known comparatively to few persons, notwithstanding the success,
with which chemistry has already been applied to agriculture ; and none
but gardeners and nurserymen are as yet prepared to believe the vast
•power which they put into the hands of a man of science and enter-
prise.

390

SECTION VII.

Note I. Page 194.

I F«KL particular satisfaction in paying this just tribute to the memory
of a superior and ingenious artist. His professional character has been
slightly, but justly sketched in the passage, to which this note refers ;
and all, who remember him, will unite with me in doing justice to his
private worth, his pleasing manners, and his extensive information on
all subjects connected with rural affairs. Mr. White was an excellent
agriculturist, an ingenious mechanic, and a planter of great skill. Like
his master. Brown, he was in the habit of undertaking the execution of
his own designs, and also, of plantations of considerable extent, in both
England and Scotland, imtil his business as a landscape gardener, in
the latter country, became too extensive to admit of such undertakings.
In this way he had planted, before the year 1780, for Lord Douglas, at
Douglas Castle, about fifteen hundred acres of ground, which are now
covered with fine wood, and of which the thinnings have long been a
source of considerable revenue to the noble owner.

About the year 1770, Mr. White made the purchase of an estate in
the higher parts of the county of Durham, on which he planted so ex-
tensively and successfully, that it may be worth while, for the encourage-
ment of the young planter, to give some idea of the returns which it made
to him. But these are so wonderful and portentous, that to the ordina-
ry reader, they may rather seem referable to the feats of some arbo-
ricultural Miinckhausen, than to the sober results of judgment and
industry.

The territory of Woodlands (for so it was named by the new owner)
extended to between seven and eight hundred acres, and cost Mr. White
about 750 Z. It was situated in a high, and at that time a barren tract
of country, about eighteen miles from the city of Durham, and wholly
destitute of wood. But, as it was surrounded with coal-mines, he had
the sagacity to foresee, that there was scarcely any return, that might no
be expected from fir and larch, and other quick growers judiciously
planted and on a suitable soil. The first thing he did, therefore, was to

391

enclose with a strong ring-fence the whole estate, in which, of course,
he had the benefit of aid from his neighbours ; and having previously
drained such parts of it as were swampy, he immediately proceeded to
plant the whole excepting only an arable farm of a hundred and forty
acres. This took place about 1777. The soil was a brown mould, the
subsoil light and gravelly ; and although he covered it with trees of every
common species, yet he resolved that the larch, and the Scotch fir, for
which he had a peculiar predilection, should form the staple of his woods.

The singular spectacle of nearly an entire property dedicated to trees,
did not fail to attract the attention of his neighbours, who entertained
no belief of the extraordinary success of wood, in these high latitudes;
but the repeated premiums and medals, conferred by the Society of Arts,
soon attested the importance of his operations. After the plantations
had grown for five-and-twenty years or more, Mr. White began to think
of establishing his residence on the spot. For that purpose, he built a
commodious house and offices ; he laid out an excellent kitchen-garden ;
and added shrubberies, a piece of water, and a handsome little park, all
cut out of this extensive woodland. Enclosures adapted to tillage soon
followed, which were added to the arable farm, already in his ovm oc-
cupation. But the wonderful part of the story still remains to be told.
It is well known to those, who chance to have subjected to the plough
old woodland, how inconceivably even the poorest soils are meliorated
by the droppings of trees, and particularly of the larch, for any con-
siderable length of time, and the rich coat of vegetable mould, which is
thereby accumulated on the original surface. The first years' crops of
corn were accordingly immense ; and those that followed were such, as
to give an extraordinary impulse to the good culture, which gradually
took place. After the park was laid down, and the farm improved, the
land-rent, fairly estimating its value to a tenant, amounted to no less than ^
about 250/. a year. S / 2- *) i^

In respect to the plantations, after the first ten or twelve years, they
began to pay admirably in pit-wood, hedge-stakes, and other country
uses ; and the fir and larch the best of all, from the tanning principle so
powerfully possessed by the latter, over and above the value of the wood.
On inquiry many years ago, I found, that the larch-wood alone returned
Mr. White 650 Z. a year, a sum not greatly less than the price he had Ji 3 1/^6
paid for the entire estate : and five or six years since, it appeared, that
his son, the present Mr. White, had often drawn more than 400 /. a year,
for his larch-bark only, and 1000 Z. a year, as the entire revenue from
his woods ! — This, it is to be observed, was derived merely from the

392

thinnings of these thriving plantations, including of course, the cutting
out of the place and park, as already stated.

To those acquainted with the rapid progress made by the larch, on a
gravelly soil, on which any tolerable quantity of vegetable mould has
been aggregated, it is a fact well known, that it doubles its value every
three years, after fifteen years old, and every five years, after ilve-and-
twenty ; so that it was obvious, that in that ratio it must soon reach the
greatest size and value, which the soil and climate would admit. This
period has now nearly arrived ; and a valuation having been made of the
whole of the fir and larch wood on the estate, it amounted last year
(1826) to the surprising sum of 30,000/., putting little value on any other
species of wood ! ! ! Whatever is at its best, it is pretty clear, can admit
of no further improvement ; so that the judicious owner, as I am inform-
ed, has it now in contemplation to cut down the whole ; and, after taking
two crops of corn (which must be of the most abundant sort), to plant
the estate anew, in order to create a second fortune for his family !

I regret that I am not so much acquainted with the details, as to give
a comparative view of the expenditure, and the returns from the begin-
ning ; as it might prove interesting to those who are embarking, or who
may hereafter embark, in similar designs. But there is good ground to
believe, that arboricultural skill and perseverance were never more am-
ply or speedily rewarded, even during the lifetime of the planter, than
by this judicious, and most successful speculation.

393

SECTION VIII.

Note I. Page 209.

I BEG to take this opportunity of accounting to the critical reader for
a few new words, which I have taken the liberty to introduce, such as
the one to which reference is here made ; and my only apology is, that,
in a new art, the practice may perhaps be admissible.

"To machine a tree," is an expression, which I have, for many years,
applied to the act of putting a tree on the machine. Hence, " the ma-
chiner" is the person who operates in this way; and both words have,
for some time, been current in this part of the kingdom. In the same
manner, I have taken the liberty to introduce the expression, that ground
is "sinky," when it yields easily to the foot of man, or other animals ;
that plants are " stemmy," when they are tall and slender, and have few
branches on the stem; and that earth is "spadeable," when it is capa-
ble of being worked with the spade. I have said " decalcation of the
surface," for treading it with the foot ; "to spade earth," for to throw
or turn up earth with the spade ; " to handle roots," for to distribute or
arrange them with the hand ; and hence, " a handler," for one that so
distributes or arranges them. Of these it may probably be said, that some
are fair derivatives, particularly " decalcation, sinky, stemmy, and spade-
able ;" and that, according to the rule of Horace, they may be consider-
ed as adding to the copiousness of speech. In favor of " machiner"
and " machining," " handler" and " handling," I have little to offer, only
that they stand us in good stead in field-practice.

On the same ground, I have also to apologize for the application of a
few known and established expressions, which is rather different from
that generally in use. Thus, I have said " to transfer a tree," for to
transplant or remove it; and " transference" for transplantation. These,
however, I consider as good words, though pure Latinisms. But " a
severe exposure," for a place severely exposed ; " a staring view," for a
view stared at; these and such like terms are not so defensible, although
they may have been used by landscape gardeners and others. In this

50

394

understanding, it is merely (as the schoolmen say), taking the objective
for the subjective, or vice versa, as may suit the circumstances of the

case.

Note II. Page 217.

I am not certain, if" janker" be a term known to the English wood-
merchant. In Edinburgh, Glasgow, and other great towns in this king-
dom, a pole or beam, from fifteen to thirty feet long, of great strength,
and fortified with iron, when mounted on a crossbar, with a pair of high
wheels at each end, is called " a janker ;" and the immense logs of wood,
■which are transported by means of it, from one place to another, are
swimg under the axle : and consequently under the pole also of the
machine.

In the transporting, or the planting of spreading trees, with a ma-
chine constructed on this model, there could be no room for the tops ;
because the branches would be chafed to pieces, and destroyed by the
hind wheels. But were the top to be much lightened, or still more, were
it to be pollarded, as is often done in both Scotland and England, and
reduced nearly to a log of wood, the janker would act as a most efficient
implement, and very heavy subjects might be removed by it. More-
over, the work would be executed far more rapidly, and at a fourth part
of the expense of the platform, and the preserving of the upright posi-
tion of the tree. I have sometimes thought, that it might be practicable
to apply this sort of machine with advantage to the Preservative system,
by making the length of the pole equal to the full height of the tallest
tree you mean to remove, and so the hind wheels would raise the top
sufficiently off the ground. If the fore wheels, for example, were six
feet high, the hind ones might be eight, which would afford sufficient
room for elevation ; and thus the branches might perhaps be managed
with greater facility and safety, than by any other method. But the use
of such a machine would necessarily be limited to operations on an open
surface. It must be all " plain sailing," as the seamen say, and no sud-
den turns, intricacies, or narrow passes, such as often occur, would be
admissible in its route.

395

SECTION X.

Note I. Page 249.

** Shows," as the refuse of a flaxmill is usually called, in this part of
the kingdom, when freed of dust and other impurities, form an excellent
thatch for houses, the peculiar qualities of which I shall mention here,
for the benefit of those who may not have experienced their utility for
that object.

Five-and-twenty years since, when no value was put on this useful
article, it was generally thrown into the river or stream, on which the
flaxmill was situated, and carried away by the next flood. Observing
that when shows abounded, the people about the mill used to throw them
on the roofs of the sheds, where they seemed completely to turn the rain,
I believe I was the first, or among the first, who thought of applying them
to the roofs of cottages. Accordingly, expert persons were here set to
work to draw and bundle them up, like straw used for thatch ; and the
shows were put on, about twelve inches thick, either by sewing them with
marline, or otherwise, by superinducing them on a thin coat of fresh turf,
as is often done with straw in Scotland. About the same time, likewise,
was contrived a wooden tool, of about fourteen inches long, but of the
rudest sort, named a comb, for smoothing the thatch, after being fixed
on, and properly laid with the hand, which soon brought it to a fiiie
surface.

This covering was, of course, white, and when first put on, extremely
beautiful : and although it might be supposed inflammable in its nature,
and therefore hazardous on account of fire, yet it turned out on trial, to
be quite otherwise : we found, as the shows lost their light colour, and
became brown by the weather, they obtained a skin so hard and smooth,
as equally to resist wet and drought. Even Uve coals might be thrown
upon it without danger. In so far, then, this covering has been found su-
perior to straw, while in point of durability, it greatly exceeds the latter.
From any information that can be obtained from the flaxdressers, respect-
ing the roofs of their sheds, it appears, that they will turn rain iox forty
years or more. Of that length of duration, however, I can say nothing,

396

from my own experience : but on cottage-roofs, when the thatching is
properly executed, I can answer for more than twenty years, with very
little repair being wanted.

At first, this sort of thatch could be procured at a small expense,
merely that of drawing or preparing the material ; but, now, since it
has got into some repute in this district, about a third part more than
the price of straw is usually paid for the shows. As a substantial and
durable covering for houses, however, I can much recommend it, and
especially in situations where roofs are exposed externally to risk from
fire. But it is to be observed, that this remark applies to the outside
only; for internally, and on the under side of the thatch, which is be-
yond the action of the atmosphere, it does not lose its character as tow,
and is very easily ignited.

Note II. Page 262.

As the banks of the Clyde, in this immediate neighbourhood, and the
rich vale of the Tay, or Carse of Gowrie in Perthshire, are celebrated
for their orchards, the hint here given respecting a method of manuring
them, superior to the one connnonly practised, may perhaps be worthy
the attention of the owners or occupiers of such grounds, and it shall
have a cursory notice in this place. In the district between Lanark and
Hamilton alone, in a favourable season, the value of the fruit carried to
Glasgow and elsewhere, independently of what is consumed on the spot,
amounts to not less than between 3000 Z. and 4000 Z.

In these orchards, which are in general extremely well managed, the
trees are planted in rows, about forty feet distant from one another, and
from fifteen to twenty from plant to plant. When the ground is to be
manured, which must be repeated from time to time, in order to refresh
and invigorate the roots, the practice usually is, to dig in farm-yard
dung over the whole surface, and to take a crop of potatoes ; or some-
times to ridge in the dung, in the line of the intended potatoe-drills.
Now, instead of this, let half the quantity of dung be taken, and made
up according to Lord Meadowbank's method, with a like quantity of
peat-moss, which last is to be had at no unattainable distance from any
of these orchards. If the peat be in a very advanced state of decom-
position (from having been wheeled out some time before, or any other
cause), then only one-third part of the dung will be required, and two-
thirds of peat. Let a trench then be opened, in the centre between the
TOWS, four, or four-and-a-half feet wide, and cut as deep nearly as the
depth of the trenched ground, or stirred earth, of which the orchard-

397

soil has been originally formed, say from sixteen to eighteen inches.
Let the contents be thrown up in the autumn, and spread out, in order
to become friable by the winter's frost. In the month of March follow-
ing, mix this earth, as intimatehj as possible, with the dung-compost,
so prepared and fermented as above, turn it twice, and spread the whole
round each tree in the rows.

From what I know respecting the quantity of dung employed, accord-
ing to the ordinary method, the largo portion of peaty earth, with which
it is to be mixed as above, added to the contents of the trench, I am led
to believe, that if very intimately mixed, it will form a mass of mate-
rials, well calculated to enlarge the pabulum of the trees to a considera-
ble extent. If the soil be clayey (which is generally the case in these
orchards), and sand be at no great distance, it would be a sensible im-
provement, to add a fourth part of that earth to the entire mass, even
though in a state of considerable purity, and of itself incapable of pro-
ducing vegetation. Let the whole mass then be regularly spread round
each tree, beginning at the stem, at six or eight inches deep, as you can
afford it, and ending at two or three inches; and lastly, let it be pointed
with the spade, to the depth of two inches only, into the original soil.
Thus, an area will be covered of twelve feet or more out from the tree,
or as far as the branches extend. Lastly, let the new surface be level-
led with the rake, and sown down with grass-seeds.

It will suffice to give the trees a supply of fine mould such as this,
once in seven or eight years ; and when this is laid on, if attention be
paid to give the whole surface of the orchard a good top-dressing for
grass, in the ordinary manner, I could venture to promise, that the
superior produce, by the second year, in hay and fruit, will amply repay
the extra expense and labour attending the work. Should this expense
be grudged, and brought into a disadvantageous comparison with the
immediate return from the potatoe crop, the following method may be
tried.

Let the central trench be opened, as already directed, and the contents
rendered friable, by a sufficient exposure to the elements. Let one-
fourth part of quick lime (that is, lime-shells), in the succeeding spring,
after being well slacked, twice turned, and brought to the most powdery
state possible, be applied to the contents of the trench, and intimately
mixed with them, observing that, by twice turning at least, the minutest
comminution of the parts takes place. Let this compost then be spread
round the stems of the trees, pointing it in with the spade, as before,
two inches deep, and sowing down with grass-seeds, in a similar
manner.

398

This species of top-dressing, though less expensive, will not pay
nearly so well as the other, in proportion to the money laid out ; but
that will not probably amount to more than one-third of the former
cost. In either case, the pabulum of the tree will be surprisingly
enlarged, and in a way far more effective, than by any digging among
the roots ; while no injury will be done, by the former method, to the
numerous, minute, and capillary fibres, which in every case form the
true absorbents of the root.

To the fruit-borders of a kitchen-garden, the same sort of manage-
ment may be very successfully applied. But in that view, I should
recommend, that the compost be made up of one-fourth part of coal-
ashes, completely freed of cinders, and three-fourths of any tolerable
soil. The whole should be prepared, in the manner already more than
once directed in the text, for planting, and also for invigorating trees in
the open park. If the fruit trees to be manured be planted against a
wall, the compost should cover the space of ten feet out : if they be in
the open borders, six feet may sufficiently answer the purpose. This
practice will by no means preclude the cultivation of leguminous crops,
and those especially, of which the roots run near the surface, and which
should always be preferred for such situations.

Note III. Page 263.

As the great object about all places, whether to the husbandman, or
to the arboriculturist, should be to increase the quantity of disposable
manure, it has been found by experience, that the juice or exudation
from the dunghill may be far more advantageously employed for that
purpose, than for watering the roots of trees. From this rule, however,
we must always except the roots of vines in the hothouse ; for no supe-
rior method has ever been found, of giving an immediate stimulus to the
growth of these plants.

The object, to which I here allude, that is, the mode of employing
the juices of the dunghill, was, I believe, first suggested by the late
Lord Meadowbank, to whom alone we are indebted for the discovery of
the method of converting peat into manure, by means of fermentation.
The object is, to water peaty earth, if in a very decomposed state, and
80 produce excellent manure within a short period. That this liquid
will decompose pure peat itself, we are well aware ; but much time and
patience would be necessary to decompose it to any extent, and also a
greater command of the liquid, than could be easily procured. Who-
ever has dry peat-moss at hand, however, should not omit, when his

399

dung-yard is cleared out, to lay a stratum of it at the bottom, so that,
when the contents are taken out some time after, it will be found as
valuable a manure, as any other in his possession.

Every diligent arboriculturist, and every one residing at a distance
from a town or considerable village, where dung can be purchased at
pleasure, should have a well or pit at the lower side of his dung-yard,
to which the juice naturally tends, and without which great loss of a
valuable substance is always sulTpred, especially in rainy weather. This
pit should be carefully lined with dry-stone, and secured underneath,
and at the sides, with a good wall of well made clay -puddle, a foot
thick. It should have erected in it a pump of cast iron (for wood in
such a situation, is of no durability), of which the working-barrel is
about four inches and-a-half in diameter.

The method of making this manure is extremely simple. Once in
ten days in winter-time, and about three weeks in smmner, the liquor
collected is pumped up into a large barrel, mounted with a three-inch
brass cock. The barrel used for watering your trees in tlie park, will
answer the purpose admirably. Having prepared a heap of peat-moss,
as dry, and as far advanced as possible toivards decomposition, and hav-
ing conveyed the water-cart to the spot, the liquid is to be drawn off in
stable-pails, and poured leisurely over the heap. A s soon as it has in
this way got two complete waterings, it is to be turned and thoroughly
mixed ; and, provided the liquid be pretty strongly impregnated with the
fertilizing juices, a second course of both, that is, in all four waterings,
the whole will be found converted into valuable manure, fitted for every
purpose of husbandry, arboriculture, or horticulture.

One thing only in the department last mentioned, may be noticed, and
that is, that the application of this manure, or indeed of any other, of
which peaty matter forms a part, should be confined, by the gardener,
to crops cultivated with the spade, or the hoe. For those raised from
small seeds, and which require hand-weeding, it is not so suitable, from
the quantity of chick-weed that decomposed peat is apt to engender,
especially in the first season.

400

SECTION XI.

Note I. Page 285.

The lodge and entrance-gate to the park, with their combined fea-
tures woody and architectural, if properly executed, should be one of
the most pleasing accessories to the landscape, in a well laid out place.
As they are the first to meet the stranger's eye, so they should, like a
good saloon or entrance-hall to a house, convey a favourable impression
of the propriety and good taste of the arrangements within. A good
lodge should present the idea of an " ornamental cottage," always
harmonizing with the style of the mansion-house ; not a fantastical or
non-descript hut, covered with thatch, and buried in creepers, and har-
monizing with nothing good or bad, natural or artificial, about the place.
But lodges and gateways, in which we should expect the joint skill and
taste of the architect and the landscape gardener, are, generally speak-
ing, very dull and monotonous things, which can do little credit to the
artists, and give no pleasure to the owner.

It must, however, be acknowledged, that it is the landscape gar-
dener, and not the architect, who is chiefly in fault in this business.
Mr. Hunt, and other late architects, who have turned their attention to
rural decoration, have sufficiently redeemed the credit of their art, by
various sketches for buildings of this description, so that we are not now,
as heretofore, without models, from which to form a very tasteful selec-
tion. With regard to the other department, I shall beg leave, as a sort
of ex-professor of that art, to offer a few hints, for the improvement of
park entrances, on the present occasion. By rendering them better
pictures, than they now display, I should hope, that they might become
at once more interesting to the traveler who passes by, and more attrac-
tive to the visitor, who enters the grounds to which they belong.

In accomplishing this object, I propose to proceed on two simple prin-
ciples. The first is, to recommend the study of open work, more than
has usually been adopted, in the disposition of the woody accompani-
ments of the buildings : and the second is, to give i\vem foreground and
consequence, by throwing them back from the public road to a certain

401

distance, thus producing something like landscape effect, by the ex-
ternal wooding of the intermediate surface.

In respect to the first principle, it is plain, that the wholly shutting
up, and rendering impervious to the eye of the traveler, the entrance
to a park or place of any tolerable extent, can never be consistent with
good taste. To admit, from tliis station, such open views of the inter-
nal scenery of the place, as often delighted our ancestors, is now out of
the question ; and it is accordingly not less reprobated than proscribed
in an age, which places privacy and seclusion in the foremost rank of
rural enjoyments. All that I should for our present purpose recommend
is a limited hut striking landscape, in which the lodge forms the central
point of attraction, bounded on all sides by grove and underwoodj»and
not stretching beyond a hundred yards in length, and half that number
in breadth, towards the park side, both within and without the railing
or pales of the entrance. This, for the largest places, I conceive
would be sufficient ; and for smaller ones in proportion, according to the
taste and fancy of the owner.

As to the second principle, the throwing back the lodge to a certain
distance from the road, thirty yards or ninety feet seem ample, for the
residences of most private individuals ; that is, allowing thirty feet or
more of the number, as a sufficient space between the railing or open
pales, and the lodge. The grassy margins along each side of the car-
riage-way (which should extend from the pales the whole way through
the bounding-line of plantation, tUl they reach the open park,) might be
from thirty to forty feet broad, having scattered over them, at wide dis-
tances, say, from twenty-four to thirty feet, stately standard or grove
trees interspersed here and there with underwood, through which the
eye might be partially let in, so as to catch a view of the park. These
grassy margins, on which the sheep or deer could browse down to the
gateway, would form a pleasing connexion with the external ground,
which is also to be wooded, and being separated from it by the open
pales or railing, would give considerable intricacy to the picture.

The external ground itself, on which the main effect depends, should
be richly clothed, like the grassy margins as above, with grove-treea
and underwood in the same way intermixed, relieving and massing up
the building, so as to form the most interesting landscape, that the
nature of the ground, and the limited view into the park will admit. In
order to give proper effect to the lodge, as its distance from the open
pales should be thirty feet or more, as already mentioned, so it should
stand eighteen or twenty feet off the carriage-way. And to this it may
be added, that the entire length of the external plantation or grass-plot,

51

402

Ehould be at least a hundred yards, if the ground will allow It, and that
the pales and gateway should, of course, cross the coach-road at right
angles. Moreover, the external grass-plot, which in front should be
kept neat with the sythe, must be protected from stray-cattle on the
turnpike road, by a low rough fence of larch-stakes, about two feet high,
or less, of which the I)ark is allowed to remain upon the stakes.

If, in laying out an entrance-gate, on such picturesque principles, at
an old place, where great trees could be commanded for the external
wooding, and for the park-like margins on each side of the carriage-
way, the effect would be splendid, were any tolerable skill displayed in
the execution ; and it would, I am certain, do much to bring this style
into fashion in any district, in which it chanced to be executed. Without
the passport of fashion, I know, that nothing will go down in England ;
as even there, picturesque effect, in the details of the handsomest places,
is not always studied. In Scotland the things is neither known nor stu-
died at all : but wherever it does appear, it seizes our approbation we
know not why, and powerfully detains it, without our being able to
assign the true cause. — At places where great trees cannot be com-
manded, the power of the transplanting machine may be called in to
our assistance ; and that with a good choice of subjects spreading and
spiral, as the different parts may require to be brought out, will accom-
plish any design of ordinary magnitude, within a short period.

One of the chief recommendations of the plan of improving park
entrances by external wooding consists in this, that it surmounts all
obstacles, and cures all deformities, at least possible expense. The
means of cure, namely Wood, is so beautiful in itself, that it throws
its own delightful character over every thing which it touches. If your
ground be high, it will give it shelter ; if tame and flat, variety and eleva-
tion ; and if it be irregular and deformed, it will oftentimes convert those
seeming obstructions into playful intricacy, and unexpected beauty.

Note II. Page 288.

Although, from the estimate given in the text, it appears, that, by the
common method of planting, park-wood may be obtained at thirteen
times the expense of wood obtained at once by the transplanting ma-
chine, yet I believe, if full justice were done to the comparative state-
ment, that the superiority of the latter would appear still greater.

There are many items, which have been omitted here, that would teU
surprisingly in a correct estimate. For example ; independently of the
immediate and picturesque effect of the removed trees, on which no

403

value has been put, there is groat beneficial effect. Cot which eomething
considoral)le should iiave boon allowed ; first, in the direct shelter given
to the ground by this plantation ; and secondly, by the immediately in-
creased value in pasture, in consequence of the grass-produce round
each tree, to a wide distance, being doubled. This the manuring and
pulverizing of the soil, at the time of planting, completely brought about,
in the instance adduced ; and, as those enriched spaces nearly touch,
the pasture of the entire ground planted was fairly doubled, and must
continue so for many years, until the roots exhaust the ground, or the
branches overshadow it. On the other hand, although the expense of
renewing the railing has been stated, yet no charge is made for keeping
up the fence, for thirty years. Other items might be mentioned, such
as the inconsiderable value of the thinnings of the wood, under this
head ; because the opening up must be performed at an early period,
and continued to wide distances, on account of the severe exposure of
the site, and the conferring on the trees that are to remain the protecting
properties.

The truth is, that it is utterly impossible to procure such profusion
of park-wood, as is desirable round a nobleman's or gentleman's resi-
dence, at a moderate cost, except by the transplanting machine. The
ordinary modes of planting in very large masses, and afterwards cutting
out the wood required, cannot be done without immense expense. But
the reason why the expense, when laid out, often escapes observation,
is, because it is laid out gradually, during a long course of years, and
is therefore seldom paid by one generation. Perhaps the better way
would be, to adopt the late Mr. White's system, and plajit the entire
surface. That would be a strong measure, where much revenue was
to be sacrificed, although I have little doubt that it would pay the second
generation, if larch were made the staple of the wood. Yet two gene-
rations could perhaps not easily be found, who would consent either to
sink so large a capital as must inevitably be sunk, if the land were
valuable, or to live for thirty or forty years in the midst of a thicket.

Note III. Page 293.

I regret lately to learn, that this gentleman, in the severe summer of
last year (1826), had the misfortune to lose a good many of his trees,
from not being aware of the necessity of watering abundantly during
the first season, and securing the roots ivith shoivs or moss, against the
drought. Although half a century might pass away in our variable
climate, without the recurrence of a similar season, yet I think it of

404

some Importance to state, In tlils place, what happened to my own trees
of that year, as it gives a strong view of the value of after-work (which
has been fully treated in the foregoing section), and shows, that it is as
deserving of the planter's notice, as any part of the treatment of wood.

During the spring, which preceded this truly tropical summer, that is,
in February and March, 1826, I transplanted about a hundred and ten
trees, partly in close woods, and partly in the open park, from twenty-
five to thirty feet high. Within three weeks after being planted, they
were carefully watered, and covered with shows, after the manner direc-
ted in Section X. By the end of May, we were forced to commence
our summer watering of the roots. That of the tops was never attempt-
ed ; nor was it necessary, from the copious dews, which fell during the
night, and were, of course, absorbed by the leaves. And, as there is
great command of water about the place, the former was continued
more or less, between three and four months ! Of the whole number
of trees planted / lost only one, although they consisted mostly of oaks
and beeches, the plants of all others the most sensitive of drought !
Several bushes, however, or stools of underwood died, and I am persua-
ded, that it was in consequence of over-watering ; an error which is
more easily committed than planters will perhaps believe.

I am satisfied that, with workmen trained in the school of my inge-
nious friend Mr. Smith, the trees at Ibroxhill were just as skilfully taken
up and planted, as those transferred at this place, although the latter
might have the advantage, in the preparation of the soil. But I am the
more anxious here to state the above remarkable fact, together with the
circumstances which attended it, that it is impossible to press the im-
portance of after-work too earnestly on the young planter's mind. For
a similar object, namely, that of preserving the vigour of his trees dur-
ing his first season, I earnestly request of him to give an attentive peru-
sal to pages 262, 263, et seqq. anteh., containing an "Inquiry into the
Causes of Backwardness in Trees," as he will find, that the circum-
stances above stated bear strongly on that discussion, and tend to illus-
trate it in a very striking manner.

That the art, which has been the subject of the foregoing pages, will
ere long be practised by many, with a success and a skill superior to mine,
I entertain no sort of doubt. I have laboured, and, I trust not unsuc-
cessfully, to refer to Principles of Science that which was vague and
fortuitous, in tliis department of rural pursuit ; and to induce plantero

405

to follow iho Laws of Nature, by carefully studying them In her own
ample volume, rather than by trusting to the dogmas, or the prejudices
of any class of men. What I have in this way begun, I hope, that
others better qualified may perfect, bringing superior ability, if not su-
perior diligence, to the advancement of an art, which requires only to
be more fully known, in order to become both popular and useful. For
this purpose, however, I am aware, that it must be brought into notice
by those, who lead the fashion of the day, in arts as well as letters.
When Vegetable Physiology comes thus to be better understood, and
Arboriculture, zs an interesting art, more generally studied by land-own-
ers and country-gentlemen, it will no longer remain doubtful that any
man, possessed of science, and capable of industry, may give Immediate
AND CERTAIN Effect TO WooD in any manner, and to any extent he
pleases.

APPENDIX.

APPENDIX.

REPORT of a Committee of the Highland Society of Scot-
land, appointed to inspect the operations of Sir Henry
Steuart of Allanton, Baronet, in transplanting Large Trees
and Underwood, and to report to the Society thereupon.

At the General Meeting of the Society, on 8th January, 1823, a
Letter was read from Sir Henry Steuart of Allanton, Bart., stating his
haviiig, for several years, practised extensively and successfully on his
estate, the operation of Transplanting Large Trees and Underwood,
without mutilating their tops, or in any way injuring their appearance,
and requesting, that the Society would appoint a Committee to inspect
his operations. The Society accordingly named the following Com-
mittee of its members, for that purpose : —

The Right Honourable Lord Belhaven.
The Honourable Lord Succoth.
Sir Walter Scott, Bart.

George Cranstoun, Esq. (now Lord Corehouse.)
Alexander Young, Esq. of Harbum.
G. Laing Meason, Esq. of Lindertis.
Lieutenant-General Graham Stirling of Duchray.
G. Hamilton Dundas, Esq. of Duddingston.
Dr. Robert Graham, Professor of Botany in the University of
Edinburgh.

Dr. Andrew Coventry, Professor of Agriculture.
52

410

Of which committee, Lord Belhaven. or, in his absence, Alexander
Young, Esq. was named convener.

The following members of the Committee assembled at AUanton
House, on the 18th September, 1823, viz. —

Lord Bolhavcn.
Lord Succolh.
Lord Corehouse.
Sir Walter Scott, Bart.
Alexander Young, Esq.

The committee had also communicated to them, in writing, the opi-
nions of Gilbert LaingMeason, Esq., General Graham Stirling, and Mr.
Hamilton Dundas, who could not attend, but who had previously ex-
amined the transplanting operations at Allanton House, during the
planting season. And the committee, having afterwards more nume-
rously met in Edinburgh, they agreed to the following Report.

In order to render the Report, which we are about to make, more
distinct and intelligible to the Society, it will be necessary to give some
idea of the soil and climate of the park or lawn at Allanton House,
which has received most of its striking decorations, by means of the
Transplanting system (the present object of our investigation), and
under the direction of the proprietor's acknowledged accuracy of taste.

This park consists, as we were informed, of more than a hundred
acres of sheep pasture, exclusive of the large external plantations, or
bounding lines of wood, that surround the place. It is situated in
rather a high country, being more than four hundred feet above the level
of the sea (according to the late canal surveys), and nearly three hun-
dred above Edinburgh. The soil is extremely various, consisting of
strong clay, deep loam, and light gravelly soil. Peat-moss also for
composts, is to be had in abundance, near at hand ; so that a better sub-
ject could scarcely have been found, for making experiments on forest
trees. What succeeded here, it is probable, would not fail in more
favourable situations ; and the science of the experimentalist would
thus suffer no reproach, for owing too much of its success to the ad-
vantages of nature.*

The surface of these grounds is very irregular and diversified, well

* This observation is introduced at tlic particular desire of Sir Henry Steuart.

411

cultivated, and beautifully dressed throughout. It inf linos, for the most
part, lo the West iiiid South-Wcst (wswiilly the most stormy points in
this ishiu(l), and, by consciiucncc, the exjKJsure to the winds is very con-
siderable. This we consider as an additional advantage ; as, whatever
experiments were made, the transplanted trees would thereby be put to
a severe trial.

About the mansion-house there is not much timber of ancient stand-
ing. The entire number of old trees may not exceed between sixty and
seventy, but they are happily dispersed over the surface. To these
have been added by the owner a vast number of single and scattered
trees, to the amount, as we were informed, of between six and seven
hundred ; which, with various enclosed clumps, or masses of different
sorts, all transplanted, give to the whole a rich and woody appearance.
But from the style, in Avhich the removed are mixed and massed up
with the older trees, the effect produced is extremely striking, especially
when viewed from any commanding eminence.

In the park there is also a piece of water of considerable extent, and
of very various outline, which shows the transplanted woods to great
advantage. The grounds were originally laid out by Mr. White, the
well-known landscape gardener ; but Sir, Henry seems largely to have
superadded his own improvements, and, in the management of both the
woods and the water, to have profited by the principles of Mr. Price,

In following out the instructions of the society, to investigate the
improvements, made in the art of transplanting at this place, the object
of our inquiry naturally divides itself into three parts : First, to ex-
amine the single and scattered trees, and such as stand in detached
groups on the open lawn ; Secondly, such as form enclosed clumps, or
masses of some magnitude ; and. Thirdly, to discover how far the art
is applicable to general purposes of utility or ornament.

First, As to single trees, and groups on the open lawn. Of this
description, in every part of the place, we found the oak, ash, witch or
Scotch elm, beech, sycamore, lime, horsechestnut, larch, and Scotch
fir ; all of which, having been at one time or other the subjects of trans-
plantation, as we ascertained by accurate examination, are growing wuth
extraordinary vigour and luxuriance, and shooting from six to eighteen
inches yearly, in the openest exposures. Some sycamores, limes, and
oaks, we particularly noticed, of which the shoots might measure more
than two and a half feet, in similar exposures. This w^e consider as
probably unexampled, in any part of the kingdom.

These single trees are of various sizes. Those transplanted some

412

years since, are from tliirty to forty feet liigh, or more ; the girth of the
largest being from five feet three, to five feet eight inches, at a foot and
a half from tho ground. Sir Henry acquainted us, that " he vpas by no
means ambitious to remove the largest possible trees, but to attain the
greatest possible success in those which he did remove. In respect to
size (he added), if his principles were only followed out, that was a
mere matter of expenditure ; because one tree could be removed just
as well as another, provided that the owner did not grudge the cost^
To the praise, then, of the most perfect success we consider his exer-
tions as fully entitled.

Our attention was next turned to some single trees of the sycamore,
horsechcstnut, and beech species, which had been transplanted, during
the first week of April in the present year, so that they had stood about
six months in the ground, at the time of our inspection. The height,
which, as we were informed, had been accurately taken at the time of
their removal, is variously from twenty-eight to thirty-three feet ; and
the girth, which we caused to be measured by two of Sir Henry's ser-
vants, is two and a half and three feet, at eighteen inches from the
ground. These trees were entirely in leaf, when we examined them,
and their foUage was of a healthy and deep green color. Their branches
were quite entire, and they stood firm and erect, without prop or support.
The only difference that the most accurate eye could discover, between
these trees and others long since planted, seemed to be, that their leaves
were somewhat smaller ; a distinction, which, as we observed in other
instances, usually disappears after the first, but always after the second
season.

In viewing these specimens of an art, of the power of which we had
formed no adequate conception, the following facts and circumstances
particularly struck us, respecting the single and detached trees : we
will, therefore, concisely state them, as worthy the notice of the society.

First, the singular beauty and symmetry of the trees ; the uncommon
girth of their stems, in proportion to their height ; and the complete
formation of their branches, and spreading tops. In fact, they appear,
instead of " stripling plants" (as Gilpin would have called them), to be
fine lawn trees in miniature, and not young saplings, tn their progress
to that state of perfection. The peculiar and park-like appearance,
which these give to the lawn (so different from what we have observed,
in other instances of removed wood), must, of course, in some degree
proceed from a judicious selection in the planter. But we learned, on
inquiry, that Sir Henry considers it as mainly owing to a course of

413

previous training in pretty opnn exposnros, or in what he a[)propriately
calls his " transplanting nurseries," or otherwise, in plantations lliinaeH
out for the purpose, to wide distances.

Tlie second thino; we shall mention, is the surprising health and vigour
of the trees, considering the exposures in which they are placed, and the
complete and perfect preservation of their branches, notwithstanding the
operation of removal. In all, or most other specimens of transjdanting,
whether in this country or in England, it has been the uniform practice
of planters, to lop and lighten the tops, to prune off the side-boughs, and
often to pollard or decapitate the trees altogether. But, according to
Sir Henry's improved and skilful method of managing the process, the
necessity of this unsightly mutilation is completely obviated ; as in his
trees seldom a twig or a branch appears to decay, in consequence of the
operation. Thus, the peculiar conformation and character of each tree
are preserved ; but it is obvious that by pollarding, or even severe lop-
ping, both would be wholly destroyed. The above remarkable fact was
clearly proved to us, by viewing trees of various sorts, in every stage
of their progress, from the first year to the tenth, and upwards. It
would be difficult to discover, that the trees had not grown from the
seed, in the situations which they occupy, were it not for the ring of
dug ground, which we observed round many of them, making a space,
which is usually kept with the hoe for three or four years, in order to
promote their growth ; and that labour is continued, until they begin to
shoot with freedom.

The third circumstance which we shall state, and which seemed still
more surprising to most of us, who had ourselves attempted the art,
than either of the two above mentioned, is, that no prop or support of
Q,ny kind is ever used at this place, to trees newly planted. So firmly
are they placed, and so perfectly do they seem prepared to resist the
elements, that in very few cases was any inclination observable, from
the west and south-west, which are well known to be the most stormy
quarters. This due balance of the transplanted tree is much aided by
Sir Henry's practice, (contrary to the rule generally observed), of revers-
ing the position of the tree in its transplanted state, and turning to the
south-west, or stormy point, that side, where the branches had been
longest and most luxuriant in the original position, precisely because
they had shot more towards the north-east, or sheltered aspect. It
does not appear, that the growth of the tree is in the least degree retard-
ed by this change, which otherwise produces the effect of balancing the
tree against the storm, and by bringing its branches to a regular shape,
adds to its symmetry.

414

The time of our survey not being the planting season, we have to
regret, that no account of this phenomenon (the absence of props), so
clear as we could have wished, was obtained by us. From Sir Henry's
explanations, however, we gathered, that the firmness or steadiness pro-
duced, was chiefly owing to the selection of such subjects, as had a
certain weight and strength of stem ; and more especially to a new, and
peculiar method of disposing and securing the roots under ground, at
the time of removal, attended with such advantage in giving stability
to the tree, that when it is placed in its new situation, and before any
earth has been laid on the roots, a veiy considerable force may be
applied, without throwing it down or displacing it. But Sir Henry
further informed us, that roots of great number and length (sometimes
to the extent of twelve and fourteen feet of a side), were also employed
to secure the larger trees, when set out single, in exposed situations-
Considering the season of the year, at which our inspection took place
(although unquestionably the best for witnessing the effects of this inte-
resting art), the Society will, of course, not look for any account, from
our own knowledge, of the mode of execution. We may venture, how-
ever, to state from what we saw, that the unexampled success with sin-
gle trees, necessarily the most difficult object, must imply methods not
less new than scientific.

Respecting the management of this department, we were informed,
in general, that the greatest attention is constantly paid to the previous
cultivation of the soil, by meliorating and stirring it, to the depth of
eighteen inches, or two feet, and to some little distance round the spot,
on which the tree is to be planted. That for this purpose, no pure ani-
mal manure is ever used, but solely composts of different sorts, made
up with dung, or a small quantity of lime ; and that better effects are
found to be produced, towards this primary and grand object, by the
intermixture of soils of different qualities (for which the amplest oppor-
tunity is here afforded), than by any other given method. That for the
rest, new modes have been discovered by experience, of training and
preparing both the stems and branches of the tree ; for multiplying and
taking up its roots ; and lastly, for removing it to its new situation. But
that, which has contril)utod as much as any thing else to the success
we had witnessed, is a careful and judicious adaptation of each particu-
lar species, to that soil and situation in winch it is best calculated to
succeed.

Next, as to the Second branch of our investigation, namely, Close
or Inclosed Clumps or Masses of Wood. These are usually intended

415

for the purpose of concealing such objects as require concealment, as
accompaniments to tlie water, the approaches, or the like. They ap-
pear iu considerable variety in this park, and are contrasted in a j)leasing
manner with the single trees, and open groups above described. There
is one largo mass of wood, of almiit two acres in extent, througli which
the Eastern A])proach to the place passes. That plantation we will
endeavour shortly to describe, both as showing the taste and skill, with
which the park is laid out, and tiio general and extensive uses, to which
the art in question may bo applied, in similar situations.

This approach was originally laid out by Mr. White, and does credit
to his professional talents. At one place, it seems, it appeared ex-
tremely desirable to that artist to mask or conceal the approach from
the house and adjoining grounds, and it was equally proper, at the same
place, to conceal the house from them. This desirable object could be
effected only by means of wood ; and as the ground, for the most part,
hung or inclined pretty considerably towards the principal objects to be
shut out from the approach, half a life-time might elapse, ere the de-
sired effect could be produced from that quarter, by the ordinary mode
of planting, as only four larches, and three beeches of considerable size,
then stood upon these two acres of ground. But Sir Henry resolved to
attain the desired end at once, by means of the Transplanting Machine,
and he successfully accomplished it in a single season. Trees of va-
rious sorts, from twenty-five to thirty feet high, were then first planted
as standards or grove-wood, at the distance of from eighteen to five-
and-twenty feet, and the intervals were filled up with bushes, or stools
of copse or underwood, from four to six feet in height, and five and six
feet asunder. Thus, the appearance of a plantation of considerable
statiding was immediately obtained, and the eye effectually prevented
from wandering among the stems, and discovering the actual extent of
the boundary.

As the approach passes through this mass of wood, for about four
hundred yards, we had an opportunity of viewing it to great advantage.
The uncommon beauty, luxuriance, and closeness of the wood, together
with the retired and sequestered appearance of the spot, struck us as
particularly pleasing, contrasted as it was with the open lawTi, which
we had just before left. Here the standard trees, of course, were seen
to make freer shoots, than those which stood singly upon the open
ground, and the shoots of the underwood greater still. The underwood
consists of oak, witch-elm, beech, birch, holly, hazel, mountain-ash,
thorn, chestnut, English and Norway maple, common and Canadian
birdscherry, and such other plants, as are usually found in natural

416

woods ; and from the shelter and warmth produced by such a mass of
plantation, the luxuriance of these plants seemed wonderful, the shoots
extending, in some instances of the maple, elm, and birdscherry, and
even of the oak, to three and four feet in length, and upwards.

This plantation, which has all the natural luxuriance and wild richness
of a natural copse, intermingled with grove or standard trees, had been
foi-med only four years ; and we are confident, that no less a space than
from five-and-twenty to forty years, according to situation and climate,
could have produced the same effect, by the usual process of planting
and thinning out.

We proceeded next to examine other plantations or masses of wood,
consisting of half an acre, a quarter of an acre, and less, in which grove
and underwood are massed up together, in the same manner. We saw,
at some distance, an island in the lake, which is wooded in this way.
The ends of the bridge, which is thrown over the water, are likewise
so wooded. Also sundry promontories or headlands, in order to break
the water into parts, and give immediate effect to some prominent
scenery ; an object which they accomplish in a style very picturesque
and pleasing.

We will now proceed to the Third head of our investigation, namely,
to ascertain in how far the art is applicable to general purposes of utility
or ornament.

It must be acknowledged, that the art of removing large-sized wood
has hitherto been very limited in its application. The planting of a few
pollarded, or at least mutilated trees, in a gentleman's lawn or pleasure-
grounds, is all that it usually aspires to. In old books on planting, we
read of princes and nobles, who removed individual trees, which it re-
quired twelve oxen to draw, and the most powerful machinery to lift or
plant. But these were exertions of mere physical force, unaccompanied
with skill or science. It seems to have been reserved for the present
day, to establish the art upon fixed principles, and to turn it to any thing
like practical utility.

From what has been stated above, it will appear to the society that,
on Sir Henry Steuart's system, a lawn may, within a few years, be
covered with single trees, and scattered groups of every description ;
and further, that inclosed masses of wood to any extent, and of such
magnitude may be easily introduced into it, as will produce immediate
effect, whether to persons on foot, or on horseback, and even from the
first and second floors of an ordinary mansion house. For agricultural
purposes, likewise, the art may prove eminently useful, in sheltering

417

grounds, wliicli arc iledicalfHl to pasture. To covor mountains with
wood, to raise extensive forests, or even the hroad hounding; hues of a
gentleman's place or park, the art would for obvious reasons he misap-
plied, and therefore, for those purposes, recourse will always be had to
the common methods of planting. But wo conceive it to be clearly
made out, from what Sir Henry has done on a limited scale (and which
may with the same certainty be applied to the most extensive purposes,)
that all objects of toooding for piciurcsqiic effect, and for making, as it
is termed, a place, whether on the foreground, or the middle distance of
the landscape, may he effected at once, or at least within a very short
period. Thus a man possessing extensive means, and having within a
reasonable distance the command of a stock of trees fit for removal,
may, in some sort, create what it used to take a lifetime, and sometimes
two lives to obtain, namely, a park richly clothed and sheltered ; and
thus, the superlative luxury of well-grown woods, which was supposed
unattainable unless by the slow effects of time, is brought within the
reach of science and industry.

In proof of this, we will take the liberty of adducing one other ex-
ample of what we saw at this place, the more particularly, as it is a
striking evidence of the superiority in every way of transplanted over
common woods, as the former are managed here. This illustration of
the fact appeared likewise to us the more satislactory, that it was given
in a comparative way, and of which, therefore, we were fully enabled
to judge.

At the western entrance-gale to the park, two plantations or masses
of wood present themselves to the view, within about forty yards of
each other, the one on the right hand, and the other on the left, and
they run nearly parallel to the approach or coach-road, for some length
of w^ay. That on the left-hand side, as Sir Henry informed us, had
been planted about five-and-thirty years since, in the ordinaiy manner.
Nearly twelve years ago, the fir trees and larch had been cut away ; and
some time after, a certain proportion of the forest trees had been cut
over, or copsed, in order to improve the closeness of the skreen at bot-
tom. The plantation on the right-hand side is intended to cover the
main head of the lake. It was executed with grove trees and under-
wood, in the style above described ; and it was transplanted to its present
site six years ago. On comparing these two plantations, the obvious
superiority of the latter over the former was manifest to eveiy eye. Its
luxuriance, its strength, its closeness, were superior ; and it seemed
clearly more effective, for eveiy purpose of either ornament or utility.
In this contrast, the triumph of the transplanting art appeared complete,

418

and its fitness for the general purposes of shelter or landscape seemed,
in our judgment, very satisfactorily established.

The committee, having thus given their personal evidence to the
complete success of Sir Henry Steuart's plan, will now proceed, agree-
ably to the Society's recommendation, to notice the two points specially
recommended to their observation : — 1st, the number of trees, which
may have decayed after removal ; and 2dly the expense of the operation.

On the first point, your committee are enabled to state with confidence,
that the number of trees, which decay after having been transplanted,
must be very small indeed. They had this point particularly in their
eye ; and, in traversing the whole of the grounds, they saw only one
transplanted tree which appeared to have died, the others being all, to
the number of many hundreds, in uncommon strength and vigour, those
planted within the year only difTering from the others, in the smallness,
of their leaves, but exhibiting no symptoms of decay, either in bark or
twig. The committee further beg to report, that if dead trees had been
purposely removed out of the way, the operation could not, they think,
have been so effectually done, but that vestiges of it would have been
visible. Sir Henry supposes there may, in general, be a failure of one
in forty, or fivc-and-f or ly. But doubtless, such complete success could
not be attained in the first instance, until the planter had acquired a great
degree of skill and experience, both as to the choice of the subjects,
and the mode of carrying through the operation.

Upon the expense of the process, by which so pleasing and wonder-
ful a change upon the face of nature is effected, with so much compara-
tive rapidity, the committee are not qualified to speak with precision ; for
the season, at which they visited AUanton House, though the best adapt-
ed for seeing the effects of the operation, was not suited to the witness-
ing of the operation itself In general, they beg leave to observe, that
the Removal of Large Trees must be considered as a part of landscape
gardening, and belonging, of course, rather to the fine arts, than to those
which have utility only for their object ; and therefore, the expense must
not be weighed so scrupulously, as if a return of actual profit were the
end to be obtained. Value, no doubt, every proprietor acquires, when
he converts bare and unsightly grounds into a clothed, sheltered, and
richly ornamented park. But excepting in the article of shelter, he
must expect no more actual return* for his money, than if he bought a

* There is another species of "actual return," besides shelter, which does notseem
to have occurred to the committee, and that ip, the surprising augmentation of the value
rfthe pasture, to a considerable c;(tent, proceeding fr<;ni the ninntiringand pulverisiiis
b( the soil round the trees, at the time of planliiig.— See Note II. at page 402. anle/t.

419

picture on canvas, instead of creating an original. When iho difficulty
of the task, which had hitliorto amounted to an imitosssihility, is <hily
considered, with the extreme beauty of the effects produced, it cannot
be thought extravagant, that the planting of grove and copse -wood on
the two acres already montioncd, sliould amount (as ajipoars from Sir
Henry's memoranda) to about 30/. per acre. On the contrary, the com-
mittee believe, that no visible change on the appearance of nature, how-
ever trivial in comparison, could have been effected by the landscape
gardener in any other manner, under three times the sum.

This is so obvious, that the committee conceive it to be only the pur-
pose of the Society to ascertain, whether there is such, and so great
an expense attending the process of transplanting, as to interdict its being
practised by country gentlemen of ordinary fortune, who are neither
willing nor able to bestow very large sums, merely, or at least chietly,
to attain external beauty. In this point of view, the committee are
strongly encouraged to hope, that the Transplanting system can be
adopted, with advantage in most circumstances, and at no extravagant
expense. There are, upon most properties, strips and clumps of plant-
ing, in the taste which prevailed thirty or forty years ago, which have
been thinned out, and they now furnish trees, at eighteen or twenty feet
distance from one another. It is usually desirable to break the formality
of such clumps or strips, and in such a case, the subjects for removal
may be selected with advantage, both to the grounds which are to be
clothed, and to the plantations, from which these individual trees are to
be removed. Many of Sir Henry's subjects have been selected from
such plantations as we have described. Where such do not occur, he
proposes to raise nurseries, where trees shall be trained, for the special
purpose of transplanting. But this mode of rearing subjects for future
removal, your committee do not pretend to report upon, as they had not
time to examine its advantages and disadvantages.

They cannot conclude this part of the subject better, than by an ex-
tract of a letter to their convener, from their experienced colleague, Mr.
Laing Meason, who had an opportunity of witnessing the transplantation
of several trees at Allanton House, and of forming a calculation, as to
the expense of their removal.

"I regret very much (says he), that it will not be in my power to
attend, as one of the committee appointed by the Highland Society, to
report upon the system and practice of transplanting trees of a large
size, as adopted by Sir Henry Steuart of Allanton.

" As I, however, passed some days at Allanton, in the planting season,

420

and saw myself the wliole process, I can, with some confidence, state
my opinion to you, and tlie other menihors of the committee. It appears
clear to me, that Sir Henry Steuart is the first person in this kingdom,
who has adopted and practised, for years past, a rational system to
insure success, in tliis hitherto difficult oj)eration. The system appears
to be, to disturb the processes of nature in the growth of the tree as
little as possil)le, and when disturbed, to provide an efficacious remedy.
It will naturally occur to the members of tlie committee, that it would
be quite impossible to move the widely-extended roots of a twenty or
thirty year old tree, tvithout rupturing many, however carefully the
earth were moved away; besides, the labour of following out long
shoots would be immense. Add to this, that the nourishment drawn is
almost entirely from the fine fibrous roots. Hence, the first operation
is to cut off, at a due distance, the long horizontal roots, supply fresh
mould, and allow, by waiting two or three years, the tree to form all
around those fine fibrous roots, that are to nourish it in its new situa-
tion. This, and the actual removal, is all that the tree suffers in being
moved to a new situation ; and on this simple system, he seems the first,
who has succeeded in any extraordinary degree.

" There are many very important considerations to be attended to,
before that success can be secured, which have escaped others, who
have attempted to transplant trees. One of the leading points is the
choice of the tree. A tree taken from the interior of a plantation will
not succeed, nor one of which the branches and spray, as well as the
bark and stem, are not all properly prcjxircd and in dve proportion.

" Not less im})ortant is the care, with which the tree, and all its
newly formed fibrous roots must be lifted ; and again, these roots re-
placed in the new situation, as naturally as they were found, before the
tree was removed. I decline entering into a detail on these important
points, because Sir Henry Stcuart, will, no doubt, favour the Society
with a full and comprehensive narrative of his practice. I must, how-
ever, observe, that, although the detail would occupy many pages, yet
when the operation is performed by his experienced workmen, it appears
to a by-stander perfectly simple, and easy to bo repeated.

" I beg on one subject to call the attention of the committee in a more
particular manner, because it has been greatly misrepresented ; and, un-
less the public be imdeceived, the useful and ornamental practice of
transplanting large trees never will become general. I allude to the
expense. For the present, 1 set aside the consideration of the planting
large portions of ground with young trees, to produce shelter or pic-

421

turesque eflect, which includes the loss of ground, and tlio expense ol'
fencing, for twenty or thirty years. I confine myself to the mere ex-
pense of transplanting the tree, without the above comparison.

"I attended in March last, most carefidly in the park at AUanton, to
the operation of hfting, and planing in new situations two trees of about
thirty or forty years' growth: the following is the result. Ten work-
men began at six o'clock in the morning, to remove the two trees, tho
one twenty-eight feet high, the other thirty-two feet, by actual measure-
ment ; girth from thirty to thirty-six inches. The one tree was remov-
ed nearly a mile, the other about a hundred yards, and the whole opera-
tion was completed before six o'clock in the evening. The wages of
the men amounted to 15s., so that each tree cost 7s. 6d. A pair of
horses was used in dragging the machine, on which the trees were
laid. Such was the expense of tho operation. Now, if a comparison
be drawn betwixt this expense, and that of planting groups of young
plants inclosing and keeping up the inclosures, for five-and-twenty or
thirty years ; losing the value of the ground occupied by the groups or
belts. Sir Henry Steuart's system cannot be a tenth of the expense of
the conmion method. A few trees, of the growth of thirty or forty
years, produce at once that effect, for shelter or beauty, that would
occupy in young planting an acre or two of ground. On the considera-
tion of economy, therefore. Sir Henry's system is most deserving of
praise. But it is wrong to consider the practice of transplanting large
trees, as confined to mere ornament, in the formation of parks and plea-
sure grounds.

" I have only farther to request the attention of the committee to
the progress, that such trees have made, as have been transplanted some
years, in the park at AUanton. I remarked more particularly the in-
crease in circumference of the trunks of several of these trees, and the
generally thriving state, and vigorous young shoots of those more re-
cently planted. The committee likewise will not pass over the great
disadvantages, that Sir Henry Steuart has to contend against. The
soil of a great part of this park is most unfavourable for the growth of
Trees. Some parts have a stiff and stubborn soil, others almost a dead
sand. The district of country is high, and exposed to violent west and
south-west blasts of wind.

*• I have taken the liberty of giving thi? outline of Sir Henry Steuart's
system, and of its utiUty to you, and the other gentlemen of the com-
mittee, as the result of actual observation, and a mature consideration
of the benefit that may be derived from it. I trust, that the Highland

422

vSociety will soon be enabled to make more generally kno^vn the details
of Sir Henry Steuart's practice." So far Mr. Laing Meason.

The process of Transplanting is beautifully simple. The tree having
been well selected, w hich is a point requiring much skill and judgment
(for both its stem and branches must be well prepared to resist the
elements, and be duly proportioned to each other), undergoes the ope-
ration described by Mr. Laing Meason, of having its roots cut, and is,
by the second or third year after, transported to its new situation, by a
very simple engine, called the Transplanting Machine. In detailing this
process, the committee had particular occasion to remark the openness,
patience, and candour, with which Sir Henry solved every doubt, and
replied to every question, which the details suggested. And, in gene-
ral, tlie committee have no hesitation to say, that the operation is attend-
ed with no difficulty, which may not soon be overcome by attention and
experience. They thought it best, however, not to attempt to describe
with minuteness that which they had not seen in practice, having little
doubt, that they may prevail on Sir Henry himself to afford these details
in the form of an Appendix to this Report.

Upon the whole, it is humbly their opinion, that Sir Henry, by philo-
sophical attention to the nature of the change, to which he was about
to subject the trees which he has transplanted, has attained, at no extra-
vagant expense, the power so long desired of anticipating the slow prO'
gress of vegetation, and accomplishing, within two or three seasons, those
desirable changes on the face of nature, which he who plants in early
youth can, in ordinary cases, only hope to witness in advanced life.
Signed, by order of the Committee,

Alex. Young.

THE END.