258 Groxicth of Trees in exposed Situations. 



The tendency of these observations is, to show that shelter is 

 requisite for the growth of wood of every kind, and that there 

 are various ways of producing shelter. In some of the early 

 enclosures of the Cotswold Hills, the allotments were bounded 

 by walls, and quickset hedges were planted on the north and 

 east sides ; but such shelter kept off the sun during the greater 

 part of the year; and a ^e\v thinking men planted their hedges 

 on the south and west sides ; arguing, that such hedges would 

 have more sun, and a screen at the back would prevent a current 

 of wind. It was soon discovered that these hedjjes had the ad- 

 vantage. Just such a shelter does a single tree form for itself 

 after a given time of probation ; and such a shelter should be 

 found to preserve young trees placed in the very front of an 

 exposed plantation. I could point out several instances near 

 me, where trees on the south-west boundary of an exposed 

 hanging wood have, within twenty years, thrown out very exten- 

 sive, luxuriant, lateral branches. Such, too, is the effect in mixed 

 plantations of firs and forest wood, after the former have made 

 sufficient progress to break the strong current of the prevailing 

 wind. But I would recommend, for early effect, that ash and 

 sj'camore be considered the best trees for the tops of hills, or 

 other places much exposed : both are applicable to general use 

 as timber or underwood, and are saleable whether young or old. 

 Their great good qualities for growth are, that the young 

 branches are stiff, and do not whip each other ; and their buds 

 are hardy, contending successfully against spring frosts, although 

 the leaves of both are often injured by them. 



Port'iimy, Dec. 11. 1830. 



These observations, which were first suggested by a row of 

 beech trees near my residence, have since been fully confirmed 

 by farther observations which I have made on timber trees of 

 various kinds. 1 remember to have travelled on horseback, 

 along a line parallel with the coast, from Swanage to Exeter, in 

 which I counted scores of oaks, from 50 to 100 years old, 

 showing, in their various ages and situations, full proof of their 

 growth in the manner I have endeavoured to explain in the case 

 of the beech trees; and, during the journey which I am now 

 taking, I have, during this fortnight, noticed many oaks on high 

 points of land, the heads of which plainly showed their proximity 

 to the sea. 



Shropshirey Ajml 26. 1837. 



[We shall be glad to hear from any correspondent whether 

 he has ever heard of the same results as those mentioned in the 

 above very interesting article having taken place with the oak, or 

 with other trees, when the head has grown to one side in conse- 



