100 PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. [ANNO 1797. 



V. A Supplement to the Measures of Trees, printed in the Phil. Trans, for 17 59. 

 By Robert Mar sham, Esq. F. R. S. p. 128. 



These measures were all taken by myself, except the 2d, of the ash in Scotland ; 

 and that I believe is fair. As that is the largest ash, and as thriving as any I had 

 seen, I was desirous to procure a 2d measure of it. The measures, where there 

 was no impediment, were taken at 5 feet from the earth, as the easiest height to 

 run the line even, and a fair height for the bulk of the body. For most trees, at 

 least oaks and chesnuts, are frequently found to be -i- more in circumference at 1 

 foot than at 5. Where I have measures of more than one tree of the same kind, I 

 give the largest and a smaller, to show the different proportion of the increase of 

 their different sizes : and as trees standing single generally increase more than those 

 in groves, I mark them with an s. and a g. as the difference is more than would be 

 expected by those that think little of trees. 



In 1719 I had about 2 acres sowed with acorns, and from 1729 to 1770 I planted 

 oaks from this grove, always leaving the best plants standing for the future grove : 

 but most of the transplanted trees are already larger than those that were not re- 

 moved ; the largest of which is now (1795) but 5 feet 6 inches 8 tenths in circum- 

 ference ; and the largest transplanted tree, which was planted in 1735, is 8 ft. 8 in. 

 7 tenths, viz. near 38 inches gained by transplanting in 60 years. And in beeches 

 from seed, in 1733, the largest is now (1795) but 6 feet 9 inches ; and the largest 

 transplanted beech is 7 feet 5 inches 1 tenth, viz. 8 inches larger, though the trans- 

 planted beech is 8 years younger than that from the seed. This proves that it is 

 better to plant a grove, than to raise one from the seed. The expence of planting 

 is inconsiderable, and the planted trees are full as good and handsome ; and many 

 years are saved, besides the extra growth of planted trees. But this extra growth 

 will not prove near so great in groves as in single trees. The first grove I planted 

 from these acorns of 17 19, was in 1731. In 1732 I made another grove from 

 them ; and in 1735 I planted a third grove from them ; and in 1753 the last con- 

 siderable number of plants were taken from the grove, and these are very good 

 trees : so 34 years may be saved. But I would by no means advise the planting 

 trees so large, as the trouble and expence will be too much, unless where a shelter 

 or screen is wanted. 



Whether a grove is to be raised from seeds, or planted, it is advisable to shelter 

 it round ; if from the seed, with such sorts as will grow quicker ; and if by planting, 

 with larger and taller trees. The soil in Norfolk is unfavourable to elms ; there- 

 fore in planting I will venture to recommend hornbeams, as they may be planted 

 large trees. I planted some hornbeams, rather large, in 1757, and disliking their 

 situation, in 1792 I removed them when they were about 3 feet in circumference, 

 and did not lose one tree ; and they made shoots of near half a yard that year ; but 

 I ought to say I cut off their heads. 



It may be observed, that if young oaks are unthriving, there is reason to hope 



