OF OAK PLANTATIONS. 173 



hended, they in fact made no vigorous growths 

 till the second year. In this case, therefore, 

 something was lost instead of gained ; for until 

 the roots of the young plants are fairly estab- 

 lished, very little young wood can be produced. 

 The plants require the first year in order to 

 establish their roots, and if they are forced to 

 make wood during the first year, — as is the 

 case when they are cut over at once, — the wood 

 seldom or never ripens, but is weak, and apt 

 to be nipped by the first frost of winter ; but 

 when the plants are allowed to have their own 

 natural way for the first season after being 

 planted, and when the stem is allowed to remain, 

 and push out a ffew leaves in order to elaborate 

 any sap drawn up by the roots, these roots be- 

 come during this period properly and firmly set- 

 tled in the earth, and are rendered strong and 

 vigorous for being called into action the year 

 following. Hence it is, that young trees cut 

 down the year after being planted, always make 

 more vigorous and stronger shoots in that one 

 season, than trees of the same character cut down 

 when planted, and having two years' growth upon 

 them. 



In conclusion, this system ought always to 

 be practised with oak, or indeed with any 

 other hard-wood plants, when planted out in a 

 high district, and after beins: removed from a 



