NEGLECTED PLANTATIONS. 219 



would it be possible to reduce them into 

 proper shape. 



After having determined on the plants 

 that are to stand, in the first instance, cut 

 out the others a few inches under the sur- 

 face ; then return and prune up the former 

 in the manner as already directed, with the 

 difference of lopping us few brandies by the 

 bole as possible ; that is to say, lop no branch 

 that has got a lateral twig sufficient to lead 

 on its growth, after being shortened. Thus, 

 thin out the head, single out the leader, 

 and endeavour to reduce the \\hole into a 

 pyramidal form ; at the same time, not dar- 

 ing to touch the trunk, unless absolutely ne- 

 cessary for the prevention of disease, or its 

 appearance. 



The second or third season following, 

 it will be proper to go over the plantation 

 again ; thinning out such as were left as tem- 

 poraries until this time, and pruning the 

 principal trees farther into shape. 



In two or three more years, it may, with 

 proper attention, be possible to reduce the 

 plantation into order, without farther risk 

 of danger from the wind. At this age, 



