FOREST PLANTATIONS. 



health for the fake of neatnefs, If laterals can 

 be found on fuch a limb, conveniently fituated, 

 whereat to fhorten it, with the view of aiding or 

 forwarding the upright growth of the tree, and 

 the bulk of the trunk, it certainly mould be done. 



However, if the tree be divided into two large 

 limbs, iffuing from a Ihort trunk, to which the 

 limbs bear a very confiderable proportion, (which 

 is no uncommon cafe), it would be the height of 

 absurdity to lop off or fhorten the one, with the, 

 view of forming the other into a proper bole. 

 On fmall trees this may be performed perhaps 

 with propriety ; but on trees as thick, or twice as 

 thick as a man's body, the wounding of great 

 limbs, equal in thicknefs perhaps to one's thigh, 

 becomes a matter of hazard. 



It were better, in the procefs of thinning, en- 

 tirely to take out plants of this defcription ; pro- 

 vided, however, that, by doing fo, too great blanks 

 be not formed ; and that there be neighbouring 

 trees of value, and with better formed (lems, to 

 fupply their places. 



In thinning plantations of this defcription, par- 

 ticular care mould be had to prevent the injury 

 arifmg from boifterous winds, by keeping the 

 margins, and all points which are much expofed, 

 confiderably thicker than the interior or flickered 

 parts. If the plantation be much overgrown, 

 very clofe, and (land elevated^ it may be found 

 V proper 



