MISCELLANEOUS. 199 



" though in a natural state, would possess 

 ** these beauties ; but it would at least have 

 " the chance of other trees ; and I have 

 " seen it, though indeed but rarely, in such a 

 " state as to equal in beauty the most elegant 

 " stone-pine. 



" All trees, indeed, crowded together, na- 

 " turally rise in perpendicular stems ; but 

 " the fir has this peculiar disadvantage, that 

 " its lateral branches once injured, never shoot 

 " again. A grove of crowded saplings, elms, 

 " beeches, or almost of any deciduous trees, 

 " when thinned, will throw out some lateral 

 " branches, and in time recover a degree of 

 " beauty ; but if the education of the fir has 

 " been neglected, he is lost for ever. 



" Some of the most picturesque trees of 

 " this kind, perhaps, in England, are at Mr. 

 " LenthalFs deserted and ruinous mansion 

 " of Basilsleigh, in Berkshire. The soil is a 

 " deep but rich sand, which seems to be 

 " adapted to them. And as they are here at 

 " perfect liberty, they not only become large 

 " and noble trees, but expand themselves 

 " likewise in all the careless forms of nature. 

 ' Very noble Scotch firs also may be seen at 

 " Thirkleby, near Thirsk, in Yorkshire. Nor 



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