were of the "bigness only of his thigh:" But, with heavy Trees, besides endangering their stability, it would be imprudent too severely to reduce their strength, by cutting, at one and the same time, both their downward and their lateral roots. As to the Tap-root, it appears that a good deal of exaggeration has prevailed among late writers respecting its importance to Trees, which has been affirmed to be quite paramount, even after they have attained considerable size. Hence the doctrine, that, if it be cut off by transplantation, the Tree has no longer the power of renewing or reproducing it. This opinion, however, is founded in error, and cannot be supported by experience. From the developement 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 tap-root 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.* The truth seems to be, that a remarkable analogy subsists between the leading shoot of the tops of Trees, and their tap-root under ground. Art or accident may cut off or shorten either, but the plastic powers of the Tree soon renew it; not, indeed, *NOTE I. with the same degree of strength in any one shoot, but in greater numbers, aggregately qualified to perform the same functions in nourishing the plant. From my own experience, I can adduce a direct confirmation of this analogy: For, in sundry instances, when I have had occasion, at the distance of eight or ten years, to remove a Tree for the second time, the power of renovation appeared conspicuous, in the fresh set of tap-roots, which 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. In all cases, as the Tree advances towards mature age, it becomes, as we have already seen, " clumpheaded," and the leading shoot, losing its preeminence above the others, like the renewed taproots, is no longer distinguishable. Thus we find, that the leading shoots, and the tap-roots of Trees, are not only analagous to, but probably also coexistent with each other. Before we quit the subject of preparing individual Trees, it may be proper to state, that it is an error to imagine, as is done by many, that cutting round is an operation, that should always be re sorted to. When advisable, however, as above pointed out, two good consequences result from it. In the first place, it gives superior facility, 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 numerous than could be furnished by unassisted nature; and these act as so many superadded mouths, to take up, by introsusception, the food proper for the nourishment 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 as importance, 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, however, great or small, a separate spot, which I have called a Transplanting Nursery, is extremely desirable, as contributing, in an eminent degree, to the facility not less than to the accuracy of the work. Here subjects of all denominations may be most conveniently trained and disciplined. From a Nursery like this, as from a great repository of materials, 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 misapplying 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 five-and-thirty years growth, if properly thinned and pruned, after the first ten or twelve years, so as that the tops are never after allowed to touch one another, may be esteemed good Transplanting Nurseries, provided only, 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 desirable 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 Nurseryground. But, to find woods or plantations so trained, for a series of years, to wide distances, 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 But there may easily be others, that have escaped my notice. A department, however, of the woodland of a place, of the age just now mentioned, retired from the view, but little sheltered by surrounding objects, will be found the most fa acres. vourable situation, both for the convenience, and the efficiency of the Nursery. I once more entreat the forgiveness of the reader, for here obtruding another example from my own practice. But should he have any extent of grounds to be planted for Immediate Effect, and, like me, fortunately possess 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 celebrated artist, which have suffered 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, this place was modernized and laid out by an eminent Landscape Gardener, well-known in Scotland, namely, Mr Thomas White, one of the most ingenious of his pupils. With a far 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 improvement of Real Landscape. He was a superior draftsman, * NOTE II. |