200 



the plantation ; but we should neither chill the trees, by too 

 sudden a transition to cold, from the former temperature of 

 the wood, nor yet by too timid a style of thinning, continue 

 the existence of the non-protecting properties. 



Perhaps it may appear a recommendation to some, should 

 they be persuaded to undertake this novel cultivation of 

 woodland, that the benefits resulting from it are not wholly 

 confined to the removal of trees. If the extent of the tree- 

 nursery thus formed be two or three acres, and the trees 

 themselves of from twenty to thirty years' growth, then there 

 will stand on the ground probably more than three hundred 

 plants per acre, after the first thinning. Now, supposing 

 that the land-owner, who had formed the nursery, should 

 change his mind as to transplanting, and wish to dedicate 

 the space to ordinary woodland purposes, it is to be observed 

 that he has as yet put himself to little or no expense, by this 

 arboricultural improvement. The culture, which he has 

 bestowed upon the plantation, has already made its return 

 by ample remunerating crops ; and to whatever purpose he 

 may think proper to turn it, the ground will still give him 

 tolerable crops of hay, for some years to come. But after all, 

 on comparing it with his plantations of a corresponding age, 

 it will be found, that he has strikingly benefited, not deteri- 

 orated the trees ; for they will yield him more vigorous and 

 valuable wood, than he could have obtained by any other 

 given method. 



