212 CULTURE AND MANAGEMENT OF OAK, 



All these species agree well with transplanting, anci 

 readily strike root, provided they be fixed in the 

 earth, without requiring any peculiar delicacy of 

 management. But when applied to oak, the notch- 

 ing system deserves to be reprobated as in the last 

 degree absurd and preposterous. The justness of this 

 remark will be rendered obvious, by considering the 

 process in question a little in detail. 



In the jfi?'st place, there is little waste land in 

 which it is possible to make a notch deep enough to 

 admit the roots of a seedling oak straight and at 

 full length. It becomes necessary, therefore, either 

 to double the roots, or to cut off a large portion 

 from their extremities — methods which are equally 

 pernicious. The former is inconsistent with the 

 free growth of any plant, and the latter takes away 

 from the oak the very part which, from its approach- 

 ing to a fibre, is the seat of vegetation, and what 

 remains is nearly in the predicament of a mere cut- 

 ting or slip. 



Secondhj, The notching system leaves the ground 

 exactly in its natural state without softening it, or 

 creating any loose mould to encourage the produc- 

 tion of new fibres. 



Thirdly^ The notches can never be so effectually 

 closed as to prevent the roots from being scorched 



