227 



for tlic removal of large trees, will fiiiil no diflTiculty with 

 bushes or underwood. Excepting in very particular cases, 

 I have not been in the habit of preparing them, by cutting 

 round their roots. The chief preparation I have given, is 

 to allow them to stand free and open in plantations or 

 woods, for a certain period, in order that they may acquire 

 that expansion of roots, and that share of the other protect- 

 ing properties, which, according to the law of nature, may fit 

 them for the situation which they are intended to occupy. 

 As to transplantation, the branches of most bushes being 

 tougher and more elastic than those of large trees, three or 

 four, or even a greater number of plants can be carried 

 away at one time by the smallest machine. It is only for 

 the open park, that much nicety is required in any part of 

 these processes. 



On considering these different machines, the planter will 

 find that they possess advantages, not at first sight apparent, 

 but which will fully develop themselves in practice. The 

 breadth of the stages, which are movable at pleasure ; the 

 shortness of the stays ; the curvature of the axle ; the iron 

 sunk into the pole, &c ; the position of the third wheel ; the 

 relative proportions and adaptations of the different parts to 

 one another ; all these tend in the most eminenrt degree to 

 combine lightness with strength, and accuracy and dispatch 

 with a due preservation of the roots and branches, during 

 the transportation. 



It is particularly to be noticed, that these implements, as 

 well as the trees recommended to be removed by them, are 

 of very moderate dimensions, and intended solely for the 

 meridian of Scotland. In England, I am aware, that far 

 larger operations are carried on, and it is possible that far 

 greater success may be attained, than any we can here boast 

 of. But the scale in question is perhaps highly enough es- 

 timated for a country, whose power, according to the philo- 

 sophical notion of it above mentioned, is of such inconsidera- 



