46 PLANTING. 



as to balance the top on every side, if it require it. To assist the bark, 



such trees as intercept the air and solar rays are removed. These effects 



i>roduced to the roots by cutting a trench at a proper distance 



round the roots, and tilling up the trench with good soil ; in 



two or thin- years, the roots will be increased in numerous ramifications as 



in the former mode. 



CHAPTER IV. 



Of th- ,SW/. and Sites most profitably employed in the Growth of Timber ; 

 " intimate. Nature of different Soils peculiarly adapted for the Growth of 



, (iciilar species of Forest Trees. 



FROM what has been said respecting the advantages of judicious planting, 

 the lands and sites most proper for the growth of timber will have been 



rally understood. There has been a difference of opinion whether 

 land under woods or under tillage is the most profitable and beneficial 



V proprietors and the public; the question is similar to that which 

 -peeling the comparative value of tillage land and permanent 



ire, and may be solved in the same manner, viz., that the prosperity, 

 if not the absolute existence, of the one is dependent on the other, and the 

 interests of individuals as well as the public on both. The occupiers of 

 land where woods are scarce, or wanting altogether, and those where they 

 are in too great abundance, will coincide in the truth of this observation. 

 I proportion which woods should bear to tillage and pasture lands in 

 any one district of country depends on the nature of the soil, and the 

 local demand for certain kinds of produce. 



There can be but one opinion as to the advantages of planting exposed 



e lands, and those that are steep, rocky, or precipitous. The loss to 

 individuals and to the nation, by such large] tracts of lands as those now 

 alluded to lying utterly unproductive, is incalculable. 



Lands of rather a superior quality to those, or which are accessible to 

 the plough, and the barrenness of which is owing to exposure and ungenial 

 climate, oiler great inducements to forest-tree planting. For when the 

 improvement is completed it is, to its extent, so much added to the 

 territorial extent of the empire, in affording the means of sustenance as well 

 as the enjoyment of human life*. 



\, where the local climate and soil are good, but where, at the 



* From among the many instances to be found in Scotland of these effects produced 

 by judicious planting in dunging the face of nature from that of a desolate waste to 



particularly mentioned Blair Adam, the seat of 



I.-.nl Chid :ier Ad.im. Here land which, in its natural state, would 



scarcely afford any rent, li.is been so much improved by the skilful adaption of the 



to the, soil and site, the subsequent culture, and, above 



nil, the judicious disposition or arrangement of the masses and narrower spaces of the 



. a> to re.ndrr the shelter and amelioration of the local climate so genial as 



well as permanent pasture capable of rearing 



and 1 breeds of stock (n). In Kugland, barren moor soils have, 



fully planted. At Kast Court, in Berkshire, 



thf -'.it Of < ! n'.f, K\ she P.ilmer. KMJ., M.P.. a tract of extremely poor heath soil has 



ited by that gentleman. In a few years the aspect and climate 



' o! land, will be completely changed. The plantations 



Of 15 it Kilnwick Percy. Yorkshire, are arranged in the most judi- 



cioti^ i.ent of the local climate. Mr. Ha/.lewood's larch 



.ed in the most effective manner 



. .' '...::. Bttt I 'ively a county in England 



uch barren soils existed, where examples may not be found of the beneficial effects 

 of judiciou. planting. 



(a) Fide Appendix to the Agricultural Report of Kinrotthire, 



