TRANSPLANTING LARGE TREES. 29 



Though the above system cannot be recommended 

 for removal or transplantation of large trees, yet 

 enough is to be learned from the practice of reducing 

 the top, that certain modifications of it may, with 

 advantage, be carried out in practical operations of 

 planting large trees. 



Another interesting case occurred in the parish of 

 Oxnam, Roxburghshire, in the following manner. In 

 the course of erecting the farm-steading of Millheugh, 

 an elm-tree stood in the way. From the size of the 

 tree, and the advanced season of the year (the latter 

 end of June), it was deemed unadvisable to attempt 

 transplanting it. Whilst the workmen were engaged 

 in digging around the tree, with the view of throwing 

 it away, the proprietor, the Marquis of Lothian, an 

 intelligent nobleman, happened to pass at the time, 

 and very courteously tendered his advice, by recom- 

 mending to lop off a considerable portion of the top 

 of the tree. This was accordingly done ; and al- 

 though the work was somewhat rudely performed by 

 unpractised hands, yet the success was everything 

 that could be desired. 



Another instance indicative of the importance of 

 reducing the tops of trees in proportion to the roots 

 came under our observation five years ago. From 

 fifty to sixty trees had at one time been left in a 

 private nursery, and after remaining till they attained 

 from 15 to 20 feet in height, were transplanted in 

 the vicinity of a village in order to produce imme- 

 diate ornamental effect in the landscape. This took 

 place about twenty-five years ago, and with the great- 

 est success. Owing, however, to subsequent improve- 

 ments in the place, it became necessary to lift and 

 transplant the whole of the trees, which had now 



