94* Ow planting Hedge-row Timber. 



not a tree is to be seen in that situation. In a journey I 

 made to Scotland three years ago, after an absence of seven- 

 teen, (by the route of from Carlisle to Edinburgh, and from 

 thence into Ayrshire,) the naked appearance of the countt-y, 

 contrasted with that I had just left, struck me most forcibly, 

 and I then conceived the idea of representing to the pro- 

 prietors of the soil, in some way or other, the great advan- 

 tage the country would derive from the practice of hedge-row 

 planting. As the climate there is considerably colder than in 

 this country, every means should be used to mitigate its seve- 

 rity ; and in no way can it be so well effected, as by adopting 

 the simple method of planting a few trees in the hedges. I am 

 aware the general opinion there is hostile to the plan, from 

 the objections I have already noticed ; but I am decidedly of 

 opinion that it is an unfounded prejudice, which, if once got 

 over, they would never have occasion to regret. This is no 

 idle untried speculation which I recommend so strongly, but 

 the practice of enlightened agriculturists in this country, 

 where the soil is certainly not inferior to the best in Scotland, 

 and where the climate is undoubtedly better ; and surely, if it 

 is considered as an improvement here, how much more appli- 

 cable is it to the more northern parts of these kingdoms. 

 Besides, if Scotland were to adopt this expedient, it would so 

 improve the appearance of the country, that she would then, 

 in some degree at least, vie with her happier-situated sister 

 country, in her beautifully diversified surface, and rich and 

 interesting scenery, as much as she takes the precedence of 

 her in mountain grandeur. Of course, it is understood that 

 the proprietors of the land would have to be at the expense of 

 trees, planting, &c., as it cannot be expected that the tenant 

 should incur it; for, although he would be benefited by it, 

 yet the estate would be more considerably enhanced in value 

 therefrom : but the occupier should look after the welfare of 

 the plants, and see that cattle do not destroy them, until they 

 grow out of their reach. It is as good a way as any, and the 

 cheapest, to prevent accidents of that kind, to fix thorns or 

 gorse about the stems, made secure by a couple of ties of wil- 

 lows. I may observe here, that, where it is intended to plant 

 a young hedge, the opportunity should be taken of planting the 

 trees at the same time ; and, as it is the practice to have some 

 sort of protection to the young hedge, it will answer for the 

 trees as well. With regard to the kinds of trees best fitted 

 for hedge-rows, I would recommend the oak, elm, particularly 

 the narrow-leaved, sycamore, black Italian poplar, birch, al- 

 der, larch, &c. In high or exposed situations, the hardier 

 sorts should be chosen, such as sycamore, birch, larch, Scotch 



