TRANSPLANTING. 201 



whence they fall to decay. If they be transplanted 

 whilst in the midst of the first stage a certain tem- 

 porary pause must take place, inducing-, no doubt, a 

 consequent decrepitude, imposing the feeble exertions 

 of age instead of the vigorous efforts of juvenile 

 health. 



Frequent transplantation of young trees and 

 shrubs in the nursery prepares them for subsequent 

 removal; and although this may affect the ultimate 

 growth of forest trees in a trifling degree, it is highly 

 useful in promoting early fruitfulness in those of 

 fruit. 



It is hardly necessary to add, that all plants are 

 affected by the circumstances of soil and situation in 

 which they are placed. A strong loam on a clay sub- 

 soil is suitable for the oak ; a loamy gravel is best 

 for the ash and elm ; a calcareous gravel on chalk is 

 the natural bed for the beech ; and we see poplars, 

 willows, and alder luxuriant in bog-earthy valleys. 



All trees arrive at the greatest height in sheltered 

 valleys ; but in proportion as they gain altitude they 

 are diminished in diameter of stem ; the reverse of 

 this takes place on exposed situations. The latter 

 are also more hardy ; and it is observed of both trees 

 and shrubs of a luxuriant habit, that they withstand 

 the effects of frost better than such as are weakly ; 

 and if the roots in both cases be securely defended 

 it is also a protection to the head. This may be sup- 

 posed to arise from the more copious currents of 

 warm air received into the system through the roots. 



