Mk pa 
when the parent ftocks are in the greateft perfec- 
tion ;—that until they attain that perfection, the pro- 
duce muft be fmall; and that, when they are paft 
that perfection, they gradually decline; the fhoots 
from them become weaker and fewer every fuc- 
ceffive cutting, and the ftocks finally decay and die. 
It therefore follows, that to prevent the decay 
of woods, it is neceffary, from time to time, to re- 
new them by raifing new ftocks, to fupply the 
place of thofe, which, from time to time, wear 
out and decay. 
But befides the conftant and regular decay of 
age, to which all woods are liable, there are many 
injuries to which they are fubject, and which will 
very f{peedily and prematurely bring on their decay, 
unlefs proper and effectual methods are taken to 
prevent thofe injuries, 
The firft is, the pernicious cuftom of fuffering 
cattle to feed in woods, under an idea that, after 
they are of a certain age, (ufually feven years) the 
fhoots are grown out of the way, and that the cattle 
can do no harm. 
Where (unfortunately for the owner of woods) a 
public right of commonage in woods ftill exifts, it 
is ufelefs to point out any methods of improving 
them. For although, in ftrong, thriving, flourifh- 
ing woods, it is poffible that cattle may do éut little 
harm to the underwood, after it is {even or eight 
years old; yet all young plants, which either fpring 
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