270 PLANTS PROPER FOR UNDERWOOD, 



To remove the mi pleasing effect of a plantation 

 in such a state, recourse must he had to underwood ; 

 by means of which a subordinate verdure may be 

 produced, to relieve the eye from the tiresome same- 

 ness of a multitude of naked stems, and to render 

 the view of a forest, when we are close by its side, 

 or in the midst of it, scarce less enchanting than 

 when placed at a distance : the sight rests on its 

 branches, which conceal all deformities by their um- 

 brage, while they nod in the summer breeze. Un- 

 derwood, for the sake of ornament, is particularly re- 

 quisite on the outskirts of a plantation, and along 

 the verges of the walks or rides which may have 

 been formed through it. 



One of the plants which may be properly used for 

 the purpose in question is the Mountain-ash. It is 

 extremely hardy, will thrive almost in any soil, and 

 succeed well beneath the shade of larger trees. Its 

 blossom in spring, and its berries in autumn, are ex- 

 tremely pleasing to the eye, and render it highly or- 

 namental. When planted for underwood, it should 

 be taken from the nursery before it exceeds two feet 

 in height, and pits should be made for its reception. 

 A cheaper way of propagating it, is to sow its ber- 

 ries in the plantation where it is wanted, as soon as 

 they are gathered from the trees. Though the sur- 



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