On planting Hedge-raw Timber. 95 



pines, &c. I would advise planting pretty thick at first, say 

 from 10 to 15 yards asunder; and, when grown up, let them 

 be thinned out if necessary. In lower-situated grounds, from 

 20 to 30 yards asunder is a good distance ; in small enclosures, 

 surrounded by larger, that are well planted, fewer still are 

 wanted ; observing to plant thickest on the east and north sides 

 of the fields, as the winds from these points are generally 

 keenest and most destructive to vegetation. The lands exposed 

 to the sea, in all points, should be best protected. The black 

 Italian poplar is an excellent sort for hedge-rows, as being 

 much quicker of growth than the others, and a wood 

 coming very generally into repute. It has this remarkable 

 quality, that fire makes but little impression on it, and on that 

 account it is much used for flooring in large manufactories : if 

 a fire were made upon the boards, it might burn through 

 them, but it would not ignite the rest of the floor. It grows 

 best in moist situations (like the alder), but will succeed very 

 well in most soils except a hot gravelly one. There is a saying 

 hereabouts, that the poplar will buy a horse, before the oak 

 will purchase a saddle, in allusion to its quick growth and 

 useful qualities ; I particularly recommend it. I will just 

 mention, that a few Scotch pines, dotted in in the hedge-rows, 

 among the deciduous sorts, would have a pleasing effect to the 

 eye, and would answer the purpose of shelter equally with the 

 other kinds. In those counties where coal is scarce, the lop- 

 pings of the hedge-row trees would be found a valuable con- 

 sideration to the tenant as fuel. With regard to the expense 

 of planting, it is so trifling a consideration, compared to the 

 advantages this plan holds forth, that it is not worth taking 

 into account ; two or three men would, in a very short time, 

 plant a large estate. 



I send you. Sir, this rough outline of a subject which is 

 well worth the pen of an abler writer; but if it meet the 

 attention of the proprietors of the soil, to whom it is most 

 respectfully but earnestly recommended, my object will be 

 gained. Being no nurseryman, I cannot be accused of having 

 any other object in view than that which I avow, a sincere 

 desire to see our mother country not only better ornamented 

 in her appearance, but better enabled to endure the climate 

 Providence has allotted her. 



I am, dear Sir, yours, &c. 

 Shugborough Gardens, W. M'Murtrie. 



Jan. 21. 1828. 



