ON TREES. 221 



off close to the bole, you would see the new acces- 

 sion of wood gradually rolling over the flat surface, 

 which, in time, would be entirely covered by it: 

 and then the tree would be freed for ever from all 

 danger in that quarter. 



The second process towards decay is exceedingly 

 curious, and cannot well be accounted for. If it 

 takes place to a serious extent, no art of man can 

 possibly save the tree ; and sooner or later, according 

 to the magnitude of the disease with which it has 

 been tainted, it will fall before the force of the 

 raging winds. Should this disease be slight, the 

 timely prevention of rain from penetrating the injured 

 part will secure the tree from further mischief. 



I must here observe that, in animated nature, the 

 vital functions are internal ; so that, if the part 

 within be mortally wounded, death is the inevitable 

 consequence. With most trees, and with all those 

 of Britain, it is otherwise. Their vitality is at the 

 periphery, connected with the bark, under which 

 an annual increase of wood takes place, so long as 

 the tree is alive. Should, however, the bark be cut 

 away, the tree will die upwards from the place 

 where all the bark has been destroyed. Not so with 

 its internal parts. You may entirely excavate the 

 interior of a tree; and, provided you leave a sufficient 

 strength of wood, by way of wall, in order that it 

 may be able to resist the fury of the tempest with- 

 out, taking care at the same time to exclude the 

 rain, your tree will remain in vigour from generation 

 to generation. The internal texture of a tree will 

 perish, without any notice by which we may be 



