416 Planting and 'pruning Forest Trees. 



trees ; for we often see that it is the gentlemen themselves, for 

 employing such fellows as old coachmen, plough-wrights, 

 and gamekeepers, all of whom I have seen cutting and chop- 

 ping where they pleased ; they not being fit for any thing 

 else, and it was thought any blockhead could superintend that 

 sort of work. I hope all gardeners will join with me in 

 returning thanks to Anon., who (if it is Mr. Sang) is a kind 

 good man, and I am only sorry to say I have not seen him 

 these eight years. 



I remain, Sir, &c. 

 — s, February 15. 1830. — — n h. 



Art. IX. On planting and pruning Forest Trees. By Mr. John 

 Howden, hitherto known as Agronome. 



Sir, 

 Having been very fond of reading ever since I could read, 

 which is some forty years ago, I have frequently been led to 

 change my opinions on various subjects, and even my theo- 

 logical opinions among the others : yet there is one opinion 

 which I have never changed, namely, I always think it right 

 to read or hear every man's opinion, and then judge for my- 

 self; to " prove all things, and to hold fast that which is 

 good." The difference of opinion, in many of your corre- 

 spondents, respecting the management of forest timber trees, 

 is certainly very striking : I think it must proceed from the 

 different soils, climates, &c, of the local situations of the 

 various writers ; and nothing can settle such disputes but 

 practical experience in each operator in his own place. The 

 letters of Mr. Withers must appear very ridiculous to a native 

 of Scotland or Wales, or of the moorlands of England. It is 

 a maxim with some, only to plant such soils as will not pay for 

 cultivation ; and a very good maxim it is, provided that every 

 nobleman and gentleman in Great Britain and Ireland would 

 follow it up by another maxim, viz. to plant every acre of 

 their estates that will not pay for cultivation. (See Fncyc. of 

 Agr., § 3631, 3632, &c.) It is, indeed, a national disgrace to 

 see so many tens of thousands of English acres unplanted, and 

 yet scarcely capable of maintaining two rabbits per acre ; the 

 whole of which, if planted with judgment, that is, all resinous 

 trees on the highest grounds, hard-wooded trees on the best 

 ground, and soft-wooded trees on the boggy ground, would 

 afford a handsome remuneration. Trenching such land is not 

 only of no use, but is really hurtful, where there are only a 



