IX 



in the following pages, considered it under three 

 general heads. 



First : I have given a history of the art of re- 

 moving wood, from the earliest times down to the 

 present; from which it appears, that it has always 

 been vague and fortuitous, at variance with what 

 we know of the laws of nature, and the anatomy 

 of plants, and, for the most part, both unsuccessful 

 and expensive. 



Secondly : I have attempted to discover some 

 plain and rational theory, founded in nature and 

 experience, for the guidance of the planter, and 

 which may tend to raise it to the rank of a useful 

 art. 



Thirdly : I have endeavoured to deduce from 

 this theory such a practice as shall ensure success, 

 by in some sort precluding contingency ; and also, 

 to diminish the expense, by one half at least of the 

 present amount. 



In attempting these objects, I trust, that I have 

 treated with due respect the opinions of preceding 

 writers. Where I have, from deliberate conviction, 

 been forced to differ from them, I have done it with 

 regret; being aware of the uncertainty, in which all 

 knowledge, on so obscure a subject as vegetable 



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