THE MANSE GARDEN. 31 



the thicket of a young plantation, it is impossible to 

 accomplish the lifting without considerable laceration; 

 and if that could be avoided, it would still, in many 

 situations, be impracticable to replace a sufficient 

 compass of root in the ground. If the roots then 

 must be curtailed so must the branches. Every 

 thing as to the leaves being lungs is well enough 

 understood; but, notwithstanding, the head must be 

 taken off, though the leaves be consequently few ; 

 for as the principal nourishment comes from the 

 smallest and remotest fibres of the roots, and as those 

 are mostly severed, it follows that the top branches 

 and the fact is seen in every case being unmoistened 

 from beneath, get so dry and indurated in the heat 

 of summer, that they never afterwards serve well for 

 the circulation of the sap; whereas the head being 

 diminished, and little more than the trunk, which 

 does not so readily part with its moisture, being 

 suffered to remain, new shoots are formed, which, 

 growing in proportion to the nourishment supplied, 

 have no unhealthiness, and cause no future obstruc- 

 tion, but serve in all time coming as open tubes for 

 conveying the sap to succeeding ramifications. 



The best age for pollarding may be from ten to 

 fifteen years; but as size, which depends on soil and 

 shelter as well as time, must also be consulted, the 

 best rule is to choose the healthiest tree, of a stem 

 two, three, or four inches diameter. The ball or 

 circle of roots should measure at least one yard 

 across, and the pits for their reception a little more. 

 When the soil is poor, a few spadefuls from the 

 nearest field should be allowed, or as much compost, 

 if it may be had ; and for the better firming of the 



