OF OAK PLANTATIONS. 163 



care should be had to see that picturesque openings 

 be made here and there, of distant views from the 

 mansion; such as a particular plantation upon a 

 height, a romantic view of an old ruin, or a sheet of 

 water in a neighbouring hollow ; — all of which are 

 beautiful objects in landscape scenery, and should 

 never be hidden from the mansion and grounds of 

 the proprietor ; for, however beautiful trees may- 

 be in themselves upon a lawn, they form but a dull 

 and monotonous scene, if well-chosen openings be 

 not left among them, through which other inte- 

 resting objects may be seen. 



SECTION III. REARING UP AND THINNING OF OAK 



PLANTATIONS. 



The oak being the most valuable of all the tim- 

 ber-trees grown in Great Britain, it is generally 

 cultivated with more care and attention than any 

 one else; therefore, I consider it necessary and 

 proper to treat of the manner of rearing it under a 

 distinct head. 



Three different systems of rearing young oaks 

 are practised among foresters of the present day ; 

 each of which is advocated and upheld by a con- 

 siderable number of practical men, who put each 

 his own system into operation, according as his own 

 views of the matter direct him, without paying due 

 consideration to place and circumstances. 



