44 ANCIENT WOODS. 



an oak or an ash plant should grow, under the 

 manifest disadvantages in which it is placed, when 

 its roots are thus jumbled together, and forced into 

 a "nick" fit only for a willow set; and when, 

 moreover, it has to commence its course in com- 

 petition with other underwood, which has already 

 possession of the ground. It is absurd to suppose 

 that it should succeed. 



I do not presume to say that some woods do 

 not receive different treatment, in all respects, to 

 that which I have denounced : that would not be 

 true ; but these are the exceptions, and even 

 where the management is best, there is much to 

 complain of. 



In commencing the subject of Planting, I am 

 impressed with a sense of the importance which 

 should be attached to it in such a work as this. 

 I mean planting by way of filling up, in Ancient 

 Woods. I am quite aware that it demands such 

 a largeness and comprehension of view, that it 

 might well be supposed likely to discourage one 

 of stouter nerves than mine. It is important 

 because, first, every wood in the kingdom ought 

 to be well planted, whether it is or not : It is so, 



