POLLARDING TREES. 401 



standing these circumstances, it will, I apprehend, 

 be considered as a very useful preservative, and 

 save many specimens from destruction which other 

 means usually fail of effecting. 



There are not many of our rural practices that 

 deserve more the disapprobation of the landed pro- 

 prietor than that of pollarding trees. " It is an 

 evil under the sun, and common among men." 

 Here it is universal. This system of cutting off 

 the heads of the young trees in the hedgerows is 

 resorted to by the farmer for the purpose of forcing 

 them, thus deprived of their leaders, to throw out 

 collateral shoots, serving for stakes for the fences, 

 and for firewood. These purposes are effected; 

 but of all hopes of timber, or profit to the pro- 

 prietor^ there is an end. No trees suffer more in 

 this respect than the ash. Prohibitions against 

 mangling trees, in agreements, are usual ; but, 

 with some exceptions in regard to oak, little atten- 

 tion seems paid to the covenant, as is obvious on 

 the most cursory view of the country in any direc- 

 tion ; whereas the ash is not a less valuable tree, 

 from its thriving more universally in all situations, 

 and becoming saleable in a shorter period. One or 

 two generations must pass before an oak should be 

 felled ; but the ash becomes useful wood while its 

 more respected companion is but a sapling. These 

 prohibitions should not simply be engrossed on the 

 parchment, but the agent ought strictly to notice 

 any infringement ; and young ash trees should be 

 more especially guarded, because they are the most 



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