THE MANSE GARDEN. 97 



odd corners of deep soil about the outside of the 

 garden, where fruits of the coarser kinds might be 

 advantageously cultivated; adding much, at the same 

 time, to the richness of appearance, and to the shel- 

 ter of the place. The main objection to trees so 

 situated is their exposure to plunder; but if thieves 

 are much set on their work they seldom make diffi- 

 culty of breaking into the garden ; and as they want 

 apples, not caring whether codling or Ribston, the 

 readiest may perhaps satisfy their longing, and save 

 your more valuable treasure. 



Besides, a dog, well placed and not very well 

 chained, will serve for both the inside and the out- 

 side of the garden. A whimper, as when he dreams, 

 is enough to make the thief's hairs stand on end; a 

 growl will make him take to his heels; and if the 

 chain have once snapped, the report will serve for the 

 three next parishes at least during that year. The 

 trees thus defended from plunderers, or submitted to 

 .their discretion with a view to the defence of such as 

 are more valuable, need cause no hinderance to the 

 freedom of pasture ; as the pruning knife will set the 

 branches out of the reach of cattle, and a handful 

 of thorns, or a straw rope, about the stem, till its 

 strength be established, will be a sufficient protec- 

 tion from rubbing or peeling, or that venom, so deadly 

 to trees, which unexpectedly resides in the wool of 

 sheep. 



Do not scruple then to plant a superabundance of 

 standard apples and pears in your garden, as they 

 will bear for a number of years without sensible in- 

 jury to the under crops: and when they begin to be 

 troublesome, and have gained considerable height, 

 E 



