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method, clearly point out, that the |)rinciple in fiiiestiori may 

 be said to be altogetlier new to the |)ubhc. 



From the facts above stated, it is ap[)arent, that there arc 

 certain distinct external provisions or properties in trees, 

 called the protecting propcrlice!, which are conferred on thcni 

 by nature, and which render them fit for resisting tlie influ- 

 ence of the elements, in exposed situations ; and that there 

 are certain other properties, termed the non-protecting, which 

 render them unfit. Hence it follows, as already observed, 

 that if, taking nature for our guide, we adopt such trees onl}', 

 as are endued with the former properties, as subjects for re 

 moval, we shall have the best chance of succeeding in tliat 

 hazardous task. In order to show, in the most intelligible 

 manner, how this has been accomplished, perhaps the 

 simplest course will be to endeavour to detail the progress of 

 my own attempts at the object ; earnestly requesting of the 

 reader to forgive the appearance of egotism, with which such 

 a detail must necessarily be accompanied. It is only from 

 our own errors, or those of others, that we can hope to derive 

 useful lessons in a process, of which the success is so much 

 dependent on judgment and accuracy. 



My first experiments, many years since, were made on 

 subjects taken from plantations, in which the trees stood too 

 close to one another. The plants, as might be expected, 

 were straight and beautiful, although greatly drawn up by 

 shelter towards the hght, and deficient in lateral branches. 

 But I expected, by removing a number of them, to attain 

 the double object of thinning the plantations, and wooding 

 the open field. During the first season, a few of the best- 

 rooted survived the operation, and carried leaf well. Their 

 tops were pretty severely lopped, or lightened with the axe, 

 in the ordinary manner; and I Was flattered with some 

 prospect that they would ere long shoot forth with vigour. 

 In a year or two, they became stunted and unhealthy, from 

 causes now obvious, but which were unknown to me at the 



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