413 



previous training in pretty opnn exposnros, or in what he a[)propriately 

 calls his " transplanting nurseries," or otherwise, in plantations lliinaeH 

 out for the purpose, to wide distances. 



Tlie second thino; we shall mention, is the surprising health and vigour 

 of the trees, considering the exposures in which they are placed, and the 

 complete and perfect preservation of their branches, notwithstanding the 

 operation of removal. In all, or most other specimens of transjdanting, 

 whether in this country or in England, it has been the uniform practice 

 of planters, to lop and lighten the tops, to prune off the side-boughs, and 

 often to pollard or decapitate the trees altogether. But, according to 

 Sir Henry's improved and skilful method of managing the process, the 

 necessity of this unsightly mutilation is completely obviated ; as in his 

 trees seldom a twig or a branch appears to decay, in consequence of the 

 operation. Thus, the peculiar conformation and character of each tree 

 are preserved ; but it is obvious that by pollarding, or even severe lop- 

 ping, both would be wholly destroyed. The above remarkable fact was 

 clearly proved to us, by viewing trees of various sorts, in every stage 

 of their progress, from the first year to the tenth, and upwards. It 

 would be difficult to discover, that the trees had not grown from the 

 seed, in the situations which they occupy, were it not for the ring of 

 dug ground, which we observed round many of them, making a space, 

 which is usually kept with the hoe for three or four years, in order to 

 promote their growth ; and that labour is continued, until they begin to 

 shoot with freedom. 



The third circumstance which we shall state, and which seemed still 

 more surprising to most of us, who had ourselves attempted the art, 

 than either of the two above mentioned, is, that no prop or support of 

 Q,ny kind is ever used at this place, to trees newly planted. So firmly 

 are they placed, and so perfectly do they seem prepared to resist the 

 elements, that in very few cases was any inclination observable, from 

 the west and south-west, which are well known to be the most stormy 

 quarters. This due balance of the transplanted tree is much aided by 

 Sir Henry's practice, (contrary to the rule generally observed), of revers- 

 ing the position of the tree in its transplanted state, and turning to the 

 south-west, or stormy point, that side, where the branches had been 

 longest and most luxuriant in the original position, precisely because 

 they had shot more towards the north-east, or sheltered aspect. It 

 does not appear, that the growth of the tree is in the least degree retard- 

 ed by this change, which otherwise produces the effect of balancing the 

 tree against the storm, and by bringing its branches to a regular shape, 

 adds to its symmetry. 



