ON THE CULTIVATION OF TREES. 



the roots, provided the operation of transplanting be per- 

 formed with so much caution that these suffer no injury ; 

 but if the spongioles be crushed, or the fibres any way 

 mutilated, it is better to amputate the extremities, which 

 will shoot afresh, more quickly than the rootlets would 

 recover of their wounds. 



It is wrong to plant in wet weather ; for, though water- 

 ing is required after planting, the hole in which the tree 

 is placed must not be filled with mud : it would greatly 

 endanger the roots. 



In such wet countries as Holland, they are often obliged 

 to bury faggots beneath the soil intended for planting, in 

 order to increase the filtration of the water. 



From the cultivation of trees we shall proceed to that 

 of hedges : these are destined either for shelter or defence. 

 In former times there was a third description of hedges, 

 designed for ornament ; but our landscape-gardeners have 

 entirely exploded the grotesque figures, cut out in box 

 and yew, which excited the admiration of our forefathers. 



That district in the west of France, called the Boccage, 

 derives its name from the high and bushy hedges with 

 which it abounds, and which are designed to afford shel- 

 ter from the stormy winds of the Atlantic. There are but 

 few trees in those parts ; but the hedges, being from eight 

 to ten feet in height, are sufficient to protect the crops from 

 the boisterous sea-breezes, and they thence bear the name 

 of brise vent. 



Caroline. In England, our hedges are calculated more 

 for defence ; but the trees, with which they are interspers- 

 ed, serve also the purpose of shelter. 



Mrs. B. Our climate is unfortunately so damp, that 

 exposure to the sun and air is rather an advantage than 

 otherwise. 



Hedges for defence answer the double purpose, of en- 

 closing cattle in their pastures, and excluding those which 

 might trespass on it. 



Emily. Does it not also afford security against thieves? 



1735. What is said of cutting the roots of trees when transplanted"? 

 1736. And of the weather when it is done! 1737. What are they 

 obliged to do in Holland! 1738. For what purposes are hedges de- 

 signld* 1739. What is said of the hedges in the west of France'? 

 1740. What is the double purpose for which hedges of defence will an- 

 swer 1 



