384 Remarkable Ash Tree. 



branch, according to its size and vigour, administers to, and in- 

 creases, the size of the bole, below its insertion ; and hence, from 

 the uppermost to the lowest branch, the tree will be tapered, 

 not because the sap is obstructed in its ascent, but because the 

 bole is better fed below by the prepared sap from the branch or 

 branches, which is constantly descending and contributing to its 

 enlargement, like tributary streams pouring into a river : thus, 

 by removing the lower branches, the stem becomes less taper, 

 because a part of the supply of prepared sap is taken away, 

 and a proportionate enlargement of the lower part of the bole is 

 prevented. 



Art. XII. Notice of a remarkable Ash Tree at Kincairney, in Perth- 

 shire. By Mr. A. Gorrie, F.H.S. C.S. &e. 



The ash is planted more for utility than ornament. Summer 

 often commences before this tree leaves off its bare wintry ap- 

 pearance : it is among the last to unfold its foliage, and the 

 first to drop its summer mantle. Like all other trees in the 

 forest, the ash varies slightly in the direction of its branches and 

 general outline ; but, for the most part, its straight stem, smooth 

 bark, and formal top cause it to be neglected by the landscape- 

 gardener or painter : even the weeping ash, to men of refined 

 taste, may appear rather indicating sameness. The Kincairney 

 ash forms an exception to the general tame character of its 

 brethren. It seems to have been actuated alternately by the 

 genius of mirth and sadness : at one time its branches droop ; at 

 another, they assume an elevated direction. This seeming inde- 

 cision of character has given the tree a most fantastic shape ; and 

 the bending feature is maintained throughout the tree, even in 

 its largest boughs. That it will, when multiplied by engrafting, 

 preserve this characteristic feature, I have no doubt, as even its 

 young shoots seem inclined to bend, without being particularly 

 nice as to which direction they may take. I have directed the 

 attention of Messrs. Dickson and Turnbull, nurserymen, Perth, 

 to this tree ; and I trust that it may, through them, soon be in- 

 troduced among the picturesque trees of the lawn. It grows on 

 the estate of Mungo Murray, Esq., of Kincairney, in the parish 

 of Caputh, near Dunkeld, Perthshire. The tree seems to be 

 very old ; and, fortunately for its entire preservation, a super- 

 stitious opinion prevails among the lower orders, that any injury 

 inflicted on it would be followed by some sad calamity to the 

 unhallowed hand that might touch its sacred boughs. When 

 the march of intellect shall have cleared away the mists of super- 

 stition, taste will become the protector of all such venerable 

 objects as the Kincairney ash. 



Annat Gardens, May 7. 1833. 



