138 



writer recommends-, '• to tlie ability of the roots." We will, 

 moreover, take it for granted, that he deals mercifully with 

 this beautiful tree, and cuts away only a half, or a third part 

 of its boughs, and thus transfers it to its new situation. 

 Under these circumstances, we may presume, that some 

 props or fastenings, whether of wood or cordage, may be re- 

 quisite, especially about the equinox, to preserve the tree in 

 an upright position. Now, will not all the evils, ascribed by 

 Miller to the Mutilating system, independently altogether of 

 picturesque considerations, soon begin to assail it ? Having 

 the roots and top (which are both conservative organs), cur- 

 tailed and injured at one and the same time, the supply, not 

 less than the preparation of the sap, is completely impeded. 

 From the obvious want of leaves sufficient to elaborate the 

 sap, and the equally striking want of branches to communi- 

 cate nourishment to the stem, and ultimately to the roots, the 

 whole tree in most instances becomes stunted and paralyzed. 

 Pale and yellowish tints supply the place of a deep and health- 

 ful verdure of foliage, and the larger boughs, as well as the 

 light spray, gradually decay and drop off. Even in cases 

 which are the most eminently successful, and where the tree 

 fortunately escapes these mischances, fifteen years, as I con- 

 ceive it, in the best English chmates, and twenty and five- 

 and-twcnty at least, in the northern counties, and in Scot- 

 land, are scarcely sufficient to replace the amputations with 

 fresh w^ood, and to restore the tree to its natural health and 

 strength. 



What, we may ask, have now become of its fine symme- 

 try of form, its characteristic and aniple top, " its happy sur- 

 face (as Gilpin expresses il), for catching great masses of 

 light?" What also has become of the fair promise, which 

 before removal it held out, of enduring vigour, and of sound 

 and healthy wood ? All these are gone, as Miller truly states ; 

 all are utterly annihilated, by the rude assaults of the axe, 

 which has left no trace remaining of their existence ! The 



