( ^5 ) 



STAG-HORN TOP. 



We need go no further than Kensington 

 Gardens for an illustration of this indication 

 of disease. It is here more marked than in 

 any other district that I have visited. It is both 

 destructive and unsightly, and should receive 

 the close attention of those who have the 

 management of woods. The manifestation 

 needs but little remark, for it is apparent to 

 all. The top branches die, the yearly growth 

 is meagre, and the whole tree presents an 

 enfeebled condition. On oaks the effect is 

 slow, and the branches die without any 

 visible injury to the timber. But the oak 

 under all conditions takes a long time to die. 

 Dryden's verse upon this subject shows that 

 he possessed an observing eye, for it will be 

 remembered that he gave three centuries as 

 the period of decay. 



This is not the case with the soft woods. 

 Take the lime as an example. Here the effect 

 upon the stem is probably co-existent with 

 that of the branches. It will be found that 

 the base of the tree is rotten, probably the 



