265 



But wliat shall we say to the case, which fic(|Ueiitly occurs, 

 of two trees to all appearance equally formed and circum- 

 stanced, and yet unequal in their progress ; or, more properly 

 speaking, of which the one is progressive, and the other 

 visibly stationary ? As there can be no efTect without an 

 adequate cause, so we are compelled to believe, that such 

 plants are either different fiom what they appear in their 

 internal development, or that their development is differently 

 acted on by its external conditions, otherwise, we should 

 unquestionably perceive the same results. From what we 

 know of the uncertain and anomalous practices of planters, 

 there are various circumstances respecting removed trees, 

 that may possibly be regarded either as proximate, or effi- 

 cient causes of their ill success, or at least of their appearing 

 stationary, when, as we imagine, we have done every thing 

 in our power to render them progressive. These circum- 

 stances or causes are probably the following : 



First, An unsuitable or inappropriate Soil or Subsoil. 

 There are certain soils, on which all trees will thrive ; and 

 there are certain other soils, on which particular trees will 

 not thrive, according to their particular properties, and the 

 law of nature that regulates their species. As nine planters 

 in ten are unable to discriminate regarding plants and soils, 

 and make the proper selection, so it must happen, that trees 

 often fail of success, wholly from this circumstance. 



The second cause seems to be. Defective Roots. Roots, 

 when taken up and replanted, may sufficiently please even 

 an experienced eye, and look both abundant and healthy ; 

 but they may, and often do receive such treatment between 

 the two processes, as incapacitates them for performing their 

 functions as absorbents. If the roots, and especially the 

 minute fibres, are to be kept up as much as possible entire 

 (which is a fundamental rule in the preservative system,) it 

 is evident, that the utmost care and attention are indispensa- 

 ble, to'prevent an unnecessary exposure to the atmosphere. 



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