114 



girth within a trifle of the trunk at the smallest place, 

 and then run up to an immense height — taking this 

 wonderful tree in all, its solid contents is not less 

 than from 600 to 700 cubic feet. By taking down 

 a small part of an old wall, which I understand is now 

 of no use as afence, andone or two trees, it would open 

 a most beautiful view of it from the present approach 

 to the mansion, from which approach I think a pri- 

 vate foot-walk should be made to this sublime and 

 grand tree. There are a few blemishes in it, which 

 will hasten its decay ; these should be immediately 

 dressed up and covered over ; supposing the timber 

 of this tree to be all sound and wholesome, and cut 

 down, at the present selling price of such timber, its 

 value would be L.975 10s. Where is the proprietor 

 that would not protect, to the very last stage of de- 

 cay, such a treasure of value and of ornament, hand- 

 ed down to him by his forefathers ? Surely nothing 

 but dire necessity would induce him to do otherwise 

 than to transmit it to his posterity. A little above 

 this tree, in the same field, are tv/o very fine planes, 

 at present (21st April) in full blossom ; these early 

 announcers of the approach of reviving spring are 

 well worthy of notice and attention. There are two 

 large ash trees which stand right in face of these 

 planes, one of them in particular is spoiling, and 

 should be taken down, to give full scope and view 

 from the approach road ; both of these ash trees may, 

 without the least injury to the look of the place, and 

 a great benefit to the two planes, be taken away ; if 

 so, they should be taken out by the roots. There 

 are a number more of fine old trees in this field, 

 much in want of being properly pruned, and 

 the blemishes dressed up. The clump of young 



