NEGLECTED PLANTATIONS. 221 



But even this consideration ought to give 

 place to that, if laterals conveniently situated 

 are found whereat to shorten the branch, 

 with the view of aiding or forwarding the 

 S upright growth of the tree, and bulk of the 

 trunk. 



However, if the tree, which is a common 

 case, be divided into two large limbs, issuing 

 from a short trunk, to which they bear very 

 considerable proportion, it would be the 

 height of absurdity to lop or shorten the one, 

 with the view of forming the other into a pro- 

 per bole. On trees of less magnitude, this 

 may be performed, perhaps, with propriety ; 

 but on plants as large, or twice as large, as a 

 man's body, the wounding of great limbs, 

 such as the thigh, becomes a matter of 

 hazard. 



It were better, in the process of thinning, 

 to take out plants of this description ; pro- 

 vided, however, that, by doing so, too great 

 a blank may not be formed, and that there 

 be neighbouring trees of value, and with bet- 

 ter formed stems, to supply their places. 



In thinning plantations of this description, 

 particular care should be had to prevent the 



