AGE OF PLAKTS. 



131 



workmen will be found, possessing both the dexte- 

 rity and patience to perform it in such a manner as 

 is necessary for the welfare of the plants. 



Formerly it was customary, in making planta- 

 tions of firs, to use plants of an age much superior 

 to that above mentioned, and a practice, which was 

 once universal, is, in many districts, still common. 

 As the expense of planting increases with the size 

 of the plants, it is reasonable to conclude, that the 

 practice in question originated in an opinion, that 

 it was better calculated for securing the growth of 

 the trees, than any more economical plan ; and 

 some feeling of a similar kind must be the reason 

 why it is adhered to in the places where it yet pre- 

 vails. But such an opinion, however generally it 

 may have once been entertained, and however firm- 

 ly it may, in certain districts, still keep up its 

 ground, I have no hesitation in affirming to be 

 completely erroneous. The experience I have had 

 enables me to say, with as much confidence as I can 

 speak on any point whatever, that the longer any 

 fir is allowed to remain in the nursery, after it has 

 attained two years' growth, so much the less chance 

 is there of its success, when removed to its final des- 

 tination. The roots of a fir become the more woody 

 and destitute of small fibres as it advances in years^ 



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