176 The Journal of Forestry. 



can only be used on hard ground, or on roads with a good bottom, 

 whereas horses can be used almost under any variety of circumstances. 

 After a fair trial we discarded the engine, and used horses only. 



It would be somewhat premature to say whether our operations 

 are likely to be a complete success or not, but meantime the trees are 

 making a favourable appearance and likely to be a successful piece of 

 work. The N.E. gales which prevailed during the months of April 

 and May scourged the early buds very much (not only our newly- 

 transplanted trees, but likewise old-established ones), and certainly it 

 detracts a little from the appearance of the trees. In the meantime, 

 however, I find on examination of the blasted twigs, which are 

 mostly on one side of the tree, that a host of young buds and leaves 

 are making their appearance to take the place of those that have 

 been destroyed by the late gales. 



The transplanting of the trees already referred to is by no means 

 the first of our operations in a similar way. In 1873 we transplanted 

 thirty oaks, oue lime, six large yews, one large laurel, two large 

 thorns, and several pines, most of which were taken upwards of a 

 mile. The trees have all done well and greatly improved in appear- 

 ance since they were transplanted. 



In 1875 we transplanted several large elms, from thirty to forty- 

 five feet in height. Suitable trees were only to be found in situations 

 difficult of access, and in several cases had to be taken along roads and 

 through fields with an incline of one in two. Even after getting on to a 

 public road our difficulties were not over, telegraph wires having to 

 be disconnected to let us pass ; but nevertheless, with all the difficulties, 

 this has proved a most successful piece of work. The trees have 

 all greatly improved. 



Again last autumn (1876) the capabilities of our machine were 

 once more put to the test in removing a large sweet bay under very 

 unfavourable circumstances, on account of the time of the year 

 (19th August) and the fastidious nature of the tree. However, 

 there was no alternative; the site being required for building 

 purposes, the tree must either be destroyed or removed. It was, 

 therefore, decided to give it a fair trial. The tree and ball when 

 removed was estimated to weigh about six tons, and was drawn to 

 its new site, about a mile distant, by four horses and about thirty men. 

 It greatly improved in appearance after being transplanted, making a 

 considerable quantity of fresh growth during the latter end of the 

 season, which, no doubt, may be accounted for from the favourable 

 soil it was transplanted into, the original site of the tree being on a 

 hard gravelly bottom. 



Having reviewed our successes, I must also make known our 

 failures. For some weeks past the sweet bay referred to has been 



