92 



would be difficult ; to extend the island itself 

 any farther, its apparent breadth, and con- 

 sequently the concealment occasioned by it, 

 would in no slight degree be extended. 



The best trees for such a situation, are 

 those which are disposed to extend their 

 lateral shoots, and are not subject to lose 

 them by decay, and which likewise will 

 bear the drip of other trees ; such, for in- 

 stance, as the beech, hornbeam, witch elm, 

 &c. or should the insular situation, not- 

 withstanding the height of the bank, be 

 found too moist for such trees, the im- 

 prover will naturally choose from the va- 

 rious aquatics, what will best suit his pur- 

 pose. Among them, the alder, however 

 common, holds a distinguished place, on ac- 

 count of the depth and freshness of its 

 green, and its resemblance, when old, to the 

 noblest of forest trees — the oak.* In a very 



* The resemblance, when both are ; in full leaf, is so 

 strong, that [ have seen many persons, who are very con- 

 versant with the foliage and general appearance of trees, 

 totally unable to distinguish them from each other; and 

 from having some old alders intermixed with oaks, I have 

 had frequent opportunities of making the experiment. This 



