COMMON ASH. 91 



the dormant powers of the hide-bound plants and induce 

 a new and vigorous growth ? In some cases where the 

 plantations are small and out of view, and where imme- 

 diate shelter and appearance can be dispensed with, per- 

 haps replanting might be advisable ; but where the belt 

 is extensive, and it is of importance, if possible, to preserve 

 the trees already standing, the remedial plan, where the 

 Ash predominates, should be attempted ; this, which we 

 shall call the disbranching, or head-renewing system, has 

 been suggested by an Arboriculturist who, to theoretical 

 adds, what is more essential, practical knowledge, and 

 who has kindly communicated his management and modus 

 operandi upon sickly and hide-bound Ash. 



" To curtail the head of an old wind-shattered and 

 unsightly Ash, or of a younger one that has become hide- 

 bound, is a very different operation from that lopping of 

 a vigorous tree, so deservedly reprobated. It is strictly 

 in accordance with the principles of vegetable physiology, 

 and is no less certain to invigorate the vegetative powers 

 of the Ash than of the Hawthorn, when the latter is im- 

 proved by the reduction of an old hedge to half its former 

 height ; and so far is the remedial disbranching from being 

 contrary to nature and in bad taste, that the very omission 

 of it is rather so, inflicting, as it does upon our sight, a 

 languishing and chilling vegetation, on the verge of decay, 

 without any of the interest of old age. 



" Great numbers of Ash, reared in narrow and exposed 

 plantations have, from want of proper and timely thinning, 

 grown up too tall for the unprotected situation they now 

 occupy. They have, consequently, become hide-bound and 

 make no progress. It is in vain to deny that the real, 

 and, indeed, the only remedy is a severe one, namely, to 

 enable the tree to form a new head, more perfectly adapted 



