16^ Lindley^s Theory of Horticulture^ 



bearings of all the modes of propagation are here comprehensively 

 detailed, and cannot fail to be of the utmost use to all concerned. 

 The next chapter treats on pruning, and must be studied atten- 

 tively in connexion with that on transplanting. This subject 

 has been more warmly discussed in this Magazine than any other. 

 Dr. Lindley says, " With regard to pruning plants when trans- 

 planted, there can be no doubt that it is more frequently in- 

 jurious than beneficial." This is substantially correct, and 

 theoretically so. No pruning should take place at the time 

 of transplanting ; but here natural causes and accidental cir- 

 cumstances often conspire to place theory in the background. 

 In that case, the next safest way will be to take the guidance 

 of successful practice : this the author very sensibly allows. 

 *' The danger," he says, " to be feared is, that the perspiration 

 of the leaves may be so great as to exhaust the system of its 

 fluid contents faster than the roots can restore them, and in 

 careless transplanting this may doubtless happen : in such cases 

 it is certainly requisite that some part of the branches should be 

 pruned away." To convey the stigma of careless transplanting 

 in a less offensive shape, the author might just as well have 

 added, and dry climate^ which has fully as much of the blame. 

 The success of Sir Henry Steuart was certainly owing to the 

 moist climate of the South-west of Scotland, as you have already 

 shown somewhere in this Magazine. No one can say Sir Henry 

 was a careless planter, and no one knew better the scientific 

 principles which ought to guide the successful planter; yet, with 

 all these advantages, and his moist climate in addition, he had 

 as many failures in transplanting as nine tenths of our intelligent 

 gardeners. Although Sir Henry had theory on his side, our 

 author thought best to take the experience of successful practice 

 for his test. Mr. M'Nab's treatise on transplanting is held up 

 throughout this part of the work as the surest guide to the 

 planter. This, of itself, would prove the integrity of our au- 

 thor's intentions. A treatise from Mr. M'Nab's pen, on any 

 department of gardening, would be worth all that the whole race 

 of Scotch lairds and baronets could write on the subject till 

 doomsday. 



I really must apologise for occupying so much of your space, 

 and yet there are many more chapters to look over ; that on the 

 improvement of races I may again refer to, and the last one, which 

 is on soil and manures, will, repay an attentive perusal. — D. B. 



Kingsbury Gardens, Feb. 7. 18 40. 



