452 On the Supporting of 



girth 1 ft. 3 in., height 23 ft. ; height of props 2^ ft. Planted 

 twenty-seven months ago ; has also preserved its perpendicular. 

 I would not have considered this as worth mentioning, only 

 that it has afforded proof that even the plane may have a nail 

 of sufficient size to support it driven into its stem, in autumn 

 at least, without exhibiting any symptoms of impatience or of 

 injury. The wound did not bleed; is now healed, and the 

 tree thriving. 



Notwithstanding all its faults, I have great confidence in, 

 and partiality for, the method of propping trees above de- 

 scribed. It has, indeed, several imperfections ; but these are 

 more apparent in relating the plan than in practising the 

 work. In parting from it, and recommending another method 

 as preferable, I experience something of that reluctance which 

 we feel in separating from an esteemed friend, on whose good 

 offices we have been accustomed to rely. But it frequently oc- 

 curs that new acquaintances occupy the place of former friend- 

 ships ; and so it happens here. I now prefer, and of course 

 more frequently practise, " the new method of supporting 

 recently transplanted trees by horizontal props, concealed 

 under*, or level with, or immediately above, the surface." 



This plan is applicable to subjects of every age, size, and 

 denomination, and scarcely liable to any objection that even- 

 the ingenuity of the critic can conjure up. In short, 1 con- 

 sider it as nearly perfect as the nature of things will admit of. 

 Its principle of operation is simple, and readily comprehended,- 

 and the workmanship of such easy accomplishment that it 

 may be done, in the absence of a carpenter, by almost a.ny 

 labourer. Nor are the materials necessarily expensive ; for 

 though square planks may be occasionally proper, where 



^reat strength and 

 elegance are re- 

 quired, round poles 

 or boughs, fit for 

 little else than the 

 \ fire, will generally 



C^X suit the purpose, 



I there being scarce- 



I ly more required 



I than two spars laid 



E in the form of a 



cross, and secured 



to four stakes, as 



in Jig. S\. A is 



* An application of which was observed by Mr, E. Murphy at Chats- 

 worth, as made by Mr. Paxton. (See p. 297.) " ' 



yi 



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