NOVEMBER 149 



removed with complete success whose trunks were two 

 feet thick. In order that his trees might be the better 

 balanced in shape, Sir Henry boldly departed from the 

 older custom of replanting a tree in its original aspect, 

 for he reversed the aspect, so that the more stunted 

 and shorter- twigged weather side now became the lee 

 side, and could grow more freely. 



He insists strongly on the wisdom of transplanting 

 only well-weathered trees, and not those of tender con- 

 stitution that had been sheltered by standing among 

 other close growths, pointing out that these have a 

 tenderer bark and taller top and roots less well able to 

 bear the strain of wind and weather iu the open. 



He reckons that a transplanted tree is in full new 

 growth by the fourth or fifth year, and that an advan- 

 tage equal to from thirty to forty years' growth is 

 gained by the system. As for the expense of the 

 work, Su- Henry estimated that his largest trees each 

 cost from ten to thirteen shillings to take up, remove 

 half a mile, and replant. In the case of large trees 

 the ground that was to receive them was prepared a 

 twelvemonth beforehand. 



Now, in the third week of November, the most 

 pressing work is the collecting of leaves for mulching 

 and leaf-mould. The oaks have been late in shedding 

 their leaves, and we have been waiting till they are down. 

 Oak-leaves are the best, then hazel, elm, and Spanish 

 chestnut. Birch and beech are not so good; beech-leaves 



